Since starting on our journey but little more than an hour has elapsed, and--yes, we have reached the North pole of our planet. For certain mentalities there is a charm in attempting difficult undertakings, and serious obstacles but spur them on to greater enthusiasm, to higher endeavor. To ordinary mortals the awful wastes of ice and snow over which we have passed would be utterly appalling, but for some the scene would possess a sort of enchantment. So courageous explorers will continue to seek for this point, and many valuable lives will yet be lost in the attainment of a nearly futile object. Yes, ambition and curiosity are forceful and apparently necessary incentives of human endeavor. Now gaze downward and as far as your vision may extend and describe the not at all pleasing view. Gentola--How shall I describe the wonderful spectacle so terrible, yet so weirdly fascinating. Overhead the clouds are heavy and threatening, and a shadowy darkness as deep as twilight prevails, and in the partial light there is a peculiarly luminous quality as though the atmosphere might be laden with diamond dust, on which light from somewhere is falling. De L'Ester, do you know what occasions the singularly beautiful radiance? De L'Ester--This luminosity is the effect of the magnetic aura emanating from the polar centre. No, I do not mean magnetic centre, but polar centre. Under certain conditions it produces or creates what is known as Aurora borealis. Yes, I mean that there are certain planetary activities which create magnetic storms, and when such disturbances occur our northern earth sky presents a more or less beautiful display of what, by many, are termed northern lights. Gentola--Were I in my physical body would I perceive this luminous appearance, and is it at all times luminous? De L'Ester--You and very many, but not all persons in the physical body would be able to perceive the magnetic aura, particularly when, as at present, it is very pronounced. You forget that I already have said that the emanation is continuous, which is the same as saying that it is at all times luminous to those who can perceive it. Please resume, for we soon must hasten to Ento. Gentola--I cannot find words adequate to a description of this scene which is so peculiar that it overwhelms me. The loveliness of color, radiating and pulsating through the atmosphere like some living thing, is so marvellous that one can imagine its pulsations are the heart throbs of the planet.