Life in a Thousand Worlds

ing C

that lies in such bold relief in the region of the northern heav

d that point toward Polaris, is called Dubhe by our astronomers. Th

evening I had drawn the imaginary lines from star to star outlining the Great Dipper, commenc

t the whole semblance of my dipper was lost. Instead of lying in a plane, these stars

celestial field presented new aspects. Far away I looked toward our Sun; it spa

shall call Plasden. This is two hundred times as large as our world, and "slin" covers seven-eigh

ain in the atmosphere, although that is their normal condition. The Plasdenites can sustain life under water, but only with discomfort. They have three times as many rib

ained in the larger school of interstellar harmonies, these Plasdenites are lovely and lovable human creatures. They have reached a high state of civilization

room to accommodate the increasing millions. This perplexing problem was solved in a very peculiar manner by an experiment on the part of a wealthy Plasdenite, who, seven thousand

ans from one continent to another, propelled b

ance mixed with molten granite which, upon hardening, formed a compound of marvelous lightness and durability. With painstaking care and unceasing energy the water village was

o this city, nor have I told you that in less than one thousand years after this first water city was finished, there were floating, on the

days to complete a single circuit. As was their prototype, so they were propelled by a series of motors and a splendid

ne of these cities, and take one

ed of one hundred factory buildings and three thousa

the vehicle city would arrive about midweek and remain four days. What a busy time follows after the floating city is fastene

ies, and passengers can go to or from any of these moving abodes to any part of any continent whenever they wish; so that if a dealer wishes a vehicle of special design, he can send his order by mail to any one of the six vehicle c

mple supply of fuel and proceeds along the regular course, making no stops until it reaches the mineral station w

ses. The next stop will be at one of the several tropical stations where a f

oored to an immense dock, taking on board large bal

hat harm can they do except to send the ponderous waves dashing against the bulwarks of the city and rock it gently

e floats are stopped and started. This is accomplished by a series of border propellors whic

turing floats, coming into contact with the shores of all lands, naturally have

aratively small and it is equipped with motors of double power enabling it to proceed with considerable spe

when acted upon by air, and, at certain times, also by water. It is inspiring t

ty and remain at one or another of it

alace and a

hese are built in such a manner that the wildest storms of the ocean can do no more than set the mansion a rocking

oice of countries, dwell among the icebergs or in the tropical regions. People of delicate health can shift to any climate and

e inventions in every branch of industry. It is strange that these brilliant inventors never paid attention to air travel. Howe

nct forces which are quite similar to electricity, and these are the wizard forces that furnish the po

we have nothing similar. What an inspiring study all these facts furnished! But my space forbids enlargement. I believe, however, that if our world remains a fe

gher level than in Plasden. The truths of the Creator are preached and

ized his forces into sworn legions against whom the

aws and a careful observance of them. One blushes with shame at the looseness and laxity with which the grea

esired to win in a struggle against iniquity. I would give my life-blood if I

n the soil of our moral life, one reform element or denomination fights with the other until the hoe is so broken that there is nothing left wh

h any species of corruption can be crushed out

y priding ourselves in the absolute divorce. Then we have also succeeded in getting the different creeds separated by chasms so wide that it is impossible to make a combined attac

itous schemes, and thus he is permitted for a season to sit on the throne of power and wield his black wand over the civi

rces of our world will reach the Plasden unity. May this be