The trio were in deep consultation when I joined them, but all hailed me with evident relief, and Sheldon distinguished himself as usual. He hoped they had not disturbed my “gentle slumbers,” as all agreed I needed rest and quiet after the “exhaustive attempt to cipher such a disheartening, complicated, enigmatical, mysterious what?” which made in comparison the most scientific problems diversion. He cautioned me against “invading the climatic disorders of the mighty feminine, as explorers in that realm dazed by rudimental desire, always reached such pitifully befuddled climaxes.” “And, Sally,” he continued, “though we have discovered a new portion of the globe, the inhabitants present a very familiar appearance. The feminine species were discovered long ago and are produced in vast numbers on our continent with similar unsatisfactory results; also——” “I passed the evening with our beautiful hostess,” I interrupted, cold, dignified. “And I missed the preliminaries,” he wailed; “the great act where the intellectual divinity absorbs her—ahem—first experience. But there’s time——” “Now, now, now,” interposed Saxe., “let the boy alone; it’s his affliction and makes him happy.” “Yes,” echoed Saunders, “let him alone, the ailment will cure itself, it always does.” Their winks and ill-concealed, struggling laughter exasperated me and, threatening to be even, I roared that I madly loved the beautiful Centaurian. “We haven’t contradicted you,” purred Sheldon soothingly; “but your astonishing frankness relieves much anxiety. We doubted your sentiments toward the very handsome lady—you will survive.” Then they let it out, boisterously, derisively. Vainly I protested; the more I raged the wilder grew their mirth, till suddenly realizing they joshed me, believing raillery a sure cure for the tender malady; also, that each would take turns thrashing any one who dared harass me as they were doing, I dropped chivalry and resignedly joined in the sport. All sobered up instantly and Saxe., understanding (he always did), plunged into an account of their adventures.