fjord or river of immense size. It seemed more like a great bay, and
into this we turned our fishing-craft, the direction being slightly
northeast of south. By the assistance of a fretful wind that came to our
aid about twelve hours out of every twenty-four, we continued to make
our way inland, into what afterward proved to be a mighty river, and
which we learned was called by the inhabitants Hiddekel.

We continued our journey for ten days thereafter, and found we had
fortunately attained a distance inland where ocean tides no longer
affected the water, which had become fresh.

The discovery came none too soon, for our remaining cask of water was
well-nigh exhausted. We lost no time in replenishing our casks, and
continued to sail farther up the river when the wind was favorable.

Along the banks great forests miles in extent could be seen stretching
away on the shore-line. The trees were of enormous size. We landed after
anchoring near a sandy beach, and waded ashore, and were rewarded by
finding a quantity of nuts that were very palatable and satisfying
to hunger, and a welcome change from the monotony of our stock of
provisions.

It was about the first of September, over five months, we calculated,
since our leave-taking from Stockholm. Suddenly we were frightened
almost out of our wits by hearing in the far distance the singing of
people. Very soon thereafter we discovered a huge ship gliding down the
river directly toward us. Those aboard were singing in one mighty chorus
that, echoing from bank to bank, sounded like a thousand voices, filling
the whole universe with quivering melody. The accompaniment was played
on stringed instruments not unlike our harps.

It was a larger ship than any we had ever seen, and was differently
constructed.(15)

(15 Asiatic Mythology,--page 240, "Paradise found"--from translation
by Sayce, in a book called "Records of the Past," we were told of a
"dwelling" which "the gods created for" the first human beings,--a
dwelling in which they "became great" and "increased in numbers," and
the location of which is described in words exactly corresponding
to those of Iranian, Indian, Chinese, Eddaic and Aztecan literature;
namely, "in the center of the earth."--Warren.)

At this particular time our sloop was becalmed, and not far from the
shore. The bank of the river, covered with mammoth trees, rose up
several hundred feet in beautiful fashion. We seemed to be on the edge
of some pri