He found some of the astronomers engaged in abstruse mathematical calculations, in connexion with a theory which had just been suggested as an explanation of the chronic equatorial tornado. It was this, that Hesperos has a satellite of small dimensions, not, indeed, exceeding a mile in diameter, but of very great density; and that this satellite revolves in the plane of the equator with tremendous velocity, so close to the surface that it comes into actual contact with the water several times in each revolution. Hence the terrible waves and storms. Whether this ingenious theory was verified or not we have no record. Unfortunately, at the time of the doctor’s visit, the earth, being in conjunction, was not favourably placed for observation. He seems to have suffered a great deal on this excursion from the extreme rarity of the air. And, at this point, the notes may be said to end. Nothing more than a few incoherent jottings on the last remaining page are legible. From these I gather that he went back to Lasondre, and there, having probably informed the inhabitants of his surgical profession, he delivered a lecture on the anatomy of the human body. When we remember the invincible obstacle to any scientific study of the anatomy of the Hesperians which was presented by their conditions of life, we can easily understand that such a lecture, from an expert, must have excited unusual interest, and, combining this fact with the abundance of strong and profane expressions which disfigure the concluding memoranda, I think it not at all unlikely that some signs of a desire to avail themselves of the doctor’s own person for the purpose of dissection may have been exhibited by his audience, and may have suggested to his mind the expediency of a hasty return to the earth. But I wish it to be distinctly understood that this is only a conjecture, and not, as the remainder of his history, based on the explicit statements of the note-book. At all events the discovery of the manuscript in the University library is abundantly sufficient proof that the Thibetian influence was powerful enough to overcome the Hesperian attraction, and that he succeeded in getting back to the earth. So much, I say, is certain, _et hypotheses non fingo_. And here ends our knowledge of the Godless Immortals. It is not likely that their hundred and sixty years’ additional existence have lightened the World-Weariness and Sorrow which was plainly settling down upon them like a heavy pall.] _Printed by_ PONSONBY AND WELDRICK, _Dublin_. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES