ct, of a region left entirely
in the hands of Nature, but rather of a paradise which had been dressed
and kept by the gods.

Owing to the height at which we were travelling, and the undulating
character of the surface, we could not see very far ahead. At length,
however, on emerging from a gap in a range of hills, we came upon a vast
plain or prairie stretching away into the distance, and there in the
blue haze of the horizon we saw, or fancied we saw, the architecture and
gardens of a great city, on the borders of a lake, and above the lake,
suspended in mid-air, a spectral palace, glittering in the sunbeams.

We raised a shout of joy and triumph at this discovery.

"Stop a minute, though," said Gazen, and a shade of doubt passed over
his face. "Perhaps it is only a mirage."

We levelled our glasses at the distant scene, and scanned it with
palpitating hearts. We could discern the general shape, and even the
details of many houses, and the roofs and minarets of the palace, which
was evidently built on the top of an island in the midst of the lake.

"That is not a phantasm," said I at last; "it is a real city."

Gazen made no reply, but turned and silently shook me by the hand. The
tears were standing in his eyes.

A delightful breeze, fragrant with innumerable flowers, mantled the long
grass of the prairie which was threaded by a maze of silver streams, and
diversified with bosky woodlands. Ere long we observed fantastic
cottages and picturesque villas nestling in the coppices, and as may be
imagined we were all on tip-toe with curiosity to catch a sight of their
inhabitants. We were anxious to see whether they looked like human
beings, and how they were disposed towards us.

For a long time we looked in vain, but at length we saw a figure moving
across the prairie which turned out to be that of--a _man_. Yes, a man
like ourselves, but well stricken in years, and to judge by his costume
apparently a savage. His back was towards us, and as we floated past the
professor shouted in a tone loud enough for him to hear,

"Good evening, sir."

The native started, and lifting his eyes to the car beheld it with
astonishment and awe. He raised his hands in the air, then dropped them
by his side, and sank upon his knees.

"That's a good sign," said Gazen with a grim smile. "I wonder if he
understands English. Let's try him again," and he cried out, "What's the
name of this place?" but the car was going rapidly, and if