jewels, of amazing brilliancy.

The city of "Eden" is located in what seems to be a beautiful valley,
yet, in fact, it is on the loftiest mountain plateau of the Inner
Continent, several thousand feet higher than any portion of the
surrounding country. It is the most beautiful place I have ever beheld
in all my travels. In this elevated garden all manner of fruits, vines,
shrubs, trees, and flowers grow in riotous profusion.

In this garden four rivers have their source in a mighty artesian
fountain. They divide and flow in four directions. This place is called
by the inhabitants the "navel of the earth," or the beginning, "the
cradle of the human race." The names of the rivers are the Euphrates,
the Pison, the Gihon, and the Hiddekel.(17)

(17 "And the Lord God planted a garden, and out of the ground made the
Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for
food."--The Book of Genesis.)

The unexpected awaited us in this palace of beauty, in the finding of
our little fishing-craft. It had been brought before the High Priest in
perfect shape, just as it had been taken from the waters that day when
it was loaded on board the ship by the people who discovered us on the
river more than a year before.

We were given an audience of over two hours with this great dignitary,
who seemed kindly disposed and considerate. He showed himself eagerly
interested, asking us numerous questions, and invariably regarding
things about which his emissaries had failed to inquire.

At the conclusion of the interview he inquired our pleasure, asking us
whether we wished to remain in his country or if we preferred to return
to the "outer" world, providing it were possible to make a successful
return trip, across the frozen belt barriers that encircle both the
northern and southern openings of the earth.

My father replied: "It would please me and my son to visit your country
and see your people, your colleges and palaces of music and art, your
great fields, your wonderful forests of timber; and after we have had
this pleasurable privilege, we should like to try to return to our home
on the 'outside' surface of the earth. This son is my only child, and my
good wife will be weary awaiting our return."

"I fear you can never return," replied the Chief High Priest, "because
the way is a most hazardous one. However, you shall visit the different
countries with Jules Galdea as your escort, and be accorded every
courtesy