ayed my time. "Think
of it," he continued; "think of it on board that vessel, and try
to bring home to yourself what such a phase of living would mean."
Then he grasped me by the hand, and taking me out, put me upon my
tricycle, and returned into the house.

As I went back to Gladstonopolis, I did think of it, and for a moment
or two my mind wavered. He had convinced me that there was something
wrong in the details of my system; but not,--when I came to argue the
matter with myself,--that the system itself was at fault. But now
at the present moment I had hardly time for meditation. I had been
surprised at Crasweller's earnestness, and also at his eloquence, and
I was in truth more full of his words than of his reasons. But the
time would soon come when I should be able to devote tranquil hours
to the consideration of the points which he had raised. The long
hours of enforced idleness on board ship would suffice to enable
me to sift his objections, which seemed at the spur of the moment
to resolve themselves into the impatience necessary to a year's
quiescence. Crasweller had declared that human nature could
not endure it. Was it not the case that human nature had never
endeavoured to train itself? As I got back to Gladstonopolis, I had
already a glimmering of an idea that we must begin with human nature
somewhat earlier, and teach men from their very infancy to prepare
themselves for the undoubted blessings of the Fixed Period. But
certain aids must be given, and the cremating furnace must be
removed, so as to be seen by no eye and smelt by no nose.

As I rode up to my house there was that eternal guard of soldiers,--a
dozen men, with abominable guns and ungainly military hats or helmets
on their heads. I was so angered by their watchfulness, that I was
half minded to turn my tricycle, and allow them to pursue me about
the island. They could never have caught me had I chosen to avoid
them; but such an escape would have been below my dignity. And
moreover, I certainly did wish to go. I therefore took no notice of
them when they shouldered their arms, but went into the house to give
my wife her last kiss. "Now, Neverbend, remember you wear the flannel
drawers I put up for you, as soon as ever you get out of the opposite
tropics. Remember it becomes frightfully cold almost at once; and
whatever you do, don't forget the little bag." These were Mrs
Neverbend's last words to me. I there found Jack waiting for me, and
we t