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THE STORY
Part II
He was aware, of course, that life or
limb, or both, were being jeopardized but in Von Scholtz's estimate, the
scientist should devote his life to the finding of the truth, and if it were
lost in its pursuit, it had served its purpose. So reasoning, he stooped and
drank of the magic water and felt greatly relieved, but in looking about him he
found himself in an open country; the cave was not visible to his senses.
To all appearances, the fields were
green, the sky blue, the sun shone and the birds sang, the scenery was new, the
landscape unfamiliar, the fauns were docile and numerous, and the flowers were
beautiful and fragrant, the plumage of the birds brilliant, and their songs
remarkable for sweetness.
But where was the cave? He arose to
investigate. He had not taken many steps when he noticed behind a clump of
bushes a banquet table spread for a feast with a tempting meal upon it. "This
will serve my purpose as did the water," said the Professor and he sat down to
eat. As he did so, he saw Marbado seated at the opposite side of the table.
"Well, comrade," said Von Scholtz, addressing Marbado, "this is very thoughtful
of you to spread such a feast in a wilderness of difficulties. It comes in just
the nick of time. I was getting a little fagged."
"As a host," said the subtle Hindu, "I
have been very neglectful of your comfort. You have been forty–eight hours
without your usual necessities, but you seem to be prospering in spite of my
neglect; you know the mind works best when the stomach has an occasional
rest."
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