As we move along you perceive that these compartments are occupied by a great variety of fishes. Some of huge proportions and voracious enough to devour their attendants; others as dainty as ever tickled palate of an epicure, and others still too minute and pretty to serve a nicer purpose than to flash their scales of gold or of silver within the crystal walls of an aquarium.
In the bass or treble notes of the croakers who hide amid the shade and coolness of those aquatic plants and grasses, is an indication that frogs of various species are quite at home with the eel-like creatures gliding through the water.
With both pleasure and profit we might devote more time to this department, but only a glance here and there is possible, otherwise our observations would fill a tome. We now will pass to the Acclinum (the zoölogical section), where Genessano and another Ento Spirit friend will join us.
Here at the entrance is an individual who regards us with both curiosity and disfavor. Did not the strong bars of his cage interfere he might attempt to resent our gazing at him. That he more or less clearly perceives us is quite apparent, and it is quite as apparent that he does not admire us. He, like many animals, possesses the ability to see what is hidden from the majority of humans. No, neither clairvoyance or clairaudience are in any sense spiritual gifts. They, so to say, are qualities of the personalities of all highly organized creatures, as the human, the anthropoid, the horse, dog and some other animals. These qualities constitute an inner perceptivity of the animal soul, by some of your thinkers designated as conscious mind or objective self. They are independent of physical visuality and are controlled through vibratory activity. You question as to how it is possible for the law of vibration to affect the senses. I answer that truly, "Nature knows no vacuum," that the atom is everywhere and mind is as much substance as is the body of this forbidding looking creature in whom we see a representative of a species of anthropoid named Bomûz himmû, which in your language would signify manlike tree climber. Grasping with his great hands the strong bars of his cage, he gazes at us as though fascinated, affording us a rather disturbing spectacle. His height, his anatomical structure, his intelligent expression and pose, is painfully suggestive of a low type of the human, to whom in no sense is he allied. George, he does not regard your friendly advances with favor, he shrinks away from you, but his deeply set gleaming eyes, drawn lips, and gnashing teeth, indicate a disposition to defend his rights. If you feel poetically inclined in this adjoining compartment, is a subject for lachrymose verse. Bomûz's mate evidently is in a very despondent condition; her long, coarse hair falls over her low, retreating forehead; her face is buried in her great hands, and she is a picture of utter dejection. Pining perhaps for her home and friends in some tropical jungle, or for orphaned children, bereft of a mother's tender care, or who knows but that she bemoans a forsaken lover, or——
George—Since you have grown so sentimental I shall not be surprised to soon find my occupation gone. All I ask is that you shall wear your laurels as modestly as ever I have worn mine.
De L'Ester—With your illustrious example ever present I shall endeavor to emulate your exalted virtues. In the meantime, Madame Bomûza, aroused from her melancholy mood, appears to take a lively interest in Monsieur Bomûz who utters peculiar sounds, pounds his hands against the bars and probably is informing her of the proximity of strange, sinister looking beings. That she now perceives us is evinced by her alarmed manner, whimpering cries and poundings on the bars of her cage which have attracted the attention of a keeper who hastens in this direction. Yonder, too, are our friends hastening to join us. Lohaû, Lohaû ēmanos, you are as welcome as you are prompt in keeping your appointment. Ha̤-Moûfih, the favor of your presence with us is esteemed at its full value.
Genessano—Gentola̤ ēmana̤, one is with us who has not been so long in our spirit world as have Inidora̤ and I, consequently he possesses personal knowledge of events transpiring on Ento during recent times. Like my brother and myself, he does not at all understand your language, and as a means of communication with you he must avail himself of De L'Ester's kind assistance. It is my privilege and pleasure to make known to you, Ha̤-Moûfih Ada̤ssi, whom we all hold in our hearts as a dearly beloved and valued friend.
Gentola—I regret that I cannot converse with you directly, but through this kind interpreter we shall become acquainted and I shall hope to find myself no less in your favor than are these our mutual friends.
Ha-Moufih—Gracious lady, I salute you and owe you thanks that you receive me so courteously. I too regret that we cannot more readily exchange converse, but doubtless a degree of patient persistence will suffice to make us mutually understood.