Arqtiq: A Study of the Marvels at the North Pole — John Shaqi
Arqtiq: A Study of the Marvels at the North PoleAdolph, Anna
Science
Arqtiq: A Study of the Marvels at the North Pole
Adolph, Anna
Adventure stories; Feminist fiction; North Pole -- Fiction; Science fiction; Utopian fiction
I am examining each detail in the grounds beneath. From the palm leaf
that is so strong Saucy runs up and slides down it. Tired of this she
picks an odd blossom in shape of a tiny cupid with drawn bow. At her
touch shoots the tiny arrow and to break in fragrance. Would that all
Love’s arrows were so sweet. I suddenly realize where the verdure of
Upper Arc is produced, as familiar forms greet me, faithfully growing up
as to the summer day. Where are they now? Glass protected in upper
arbor.
Tired of the Cupids, Mae now rolls over and over in the grass with
abandon of childish glee until she suddenly comes upon two lovers—Show
Off and Serpenta (I have named) which latter smiles her a welcome,
stooping down to raise her to where they sit, a long, slim, rope looking
swing or hammock. But Mae starts back with a scream, which makes me look
close. O, dear, it is the live folds of a boa constrictor.
I get faint as Robet looks up and takes in the situation.
“Do not fear,” she says, “it does not eat children, it is better fed.”
Imagining she is laughing at me I brace up to great bravery, asking,
“Can I ride, too?”
“Yes, we will go down, look out;” the latter in reference to the chair
upon which I sit—one of a row of seats around the lower edge, facing
outward. I look quite curiously and assure myself its rails are in front
as on each side of me, inclosing me quite secure. Connecting it to her
own, she presses on them heavily downward. Feeling warned, as curious, I
feel the top bend over forwards, still more. I hold quite fast. My head
is now where my heels have been. This is not all; increasing the
velocity we complete the revolution, and repeat it to the foot of the
tower, where I come standing, red with vexation (the idea of a lady of
my age rolling down the side of a house), my temperate zone stomach
quite upset.
But “click” at the top. There is Roba in similar chair, who signifying
that she will join us is about to round the edge. I recover my temper in
anticipation of being witness to her acrobatic descent—stateliness
combined. But no; she slowly goes over, smoothly, down to the bottom
dignifiedly—right side up with care. I turn reproachfully to Robet.
“I thought you were in for a frolic,” she says innocently.
This restores my gaiety and we return to the arbor with zest and join
the jolly crowd who are making the garden ring. They make room for me on
the boa, where I ride, the danger enhancing the delight. I regret to get
down for others. As I do so, the great graceful head of the boa swings
close to me, the mouth opens, the eyes dart fire; then next I discover
it is an art manufacture.
“There are real ones, Auntie, but they do not let strangers ride.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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