Transcriber's Note: Italic text is denoted by _underscores_. Punctuation and possible typographical errors have been changed. Archaic and variable spelling have been preserved. The Table of Contents has been added by the transcriber. CONTENTS Page CHAPTER I The tourist lost in mid-ocean is mysteriously introduced into Intermere, and meets the first citizen and other chief officials. 10 CHAPTER II Xamas, the first citizen, explains the polity and principles governing the Commonwealth and promoting the interests of all the people of Intermere. 30 CHAPTER III Maros places Anderton in communication with his mother, and dissipates his superstitious ideas and otherwise enlightens him as to the possibilities of science. 54 CHAPTER IV A trip by air and land and water through the provinces, cities, hamlets and gardens, with matchless beauty and enjoyment on every hand. 73 CHAPTER V The philosophy of life, and the faculty of its enjoyment as personified in the persons and vocations of the entertainers. 95 CHAPTER VI The secret of Intermere partially revealed to Anderton, and when he least expects it he is restored to his home and kindred, much to his regret. 119 CHAPTER VII Le envoi. 148 [Illustration] INTERMERE. _BY WILLIAM ALEXANDER TAYLOR,_ COLUMBUS, OHIO. 1901 - - - 1902 THE XX. CENTURY PUB. CO. COPYRIGHT BY WM. A. TAYLOR, 1901. THIS IS THE STRANGE AND REMARKABLE STORY, IN SUBSTANCE, AND LARGELY IN DETAIL, AS NARRATED BY GILES HENRY ANDERTON, JOURNALIST AND AMERICAN TOURIST. I. THE TOURIST LOST IN MID-OCEAN IS MYSTERIOUSLY INTRODUCED INTO INTERMERE, AND MEETS THE FIRST CITIZEN AND OTHER CHIEF OFFICIALS. I. THE MISTLETOE. The Mistletoe, staunch, trim and buoyant, steamed across the equator under the glare of a midday sun from a fleckless sky, and began to ascend toward the antarctic circle. Three days later we came in sight of a great bank of fog or mist, which stood like a gray wall of stone across the entire horizon, plunged into it and the sun disappeared--disappeared forever to all except one of the gay and careless crew and passengers.