They went away in the afternoon, three or four days later. They took
with them everything from the Public Stores which they thought would be
useful: provisions of all kinds; wine, beer, and cider in casks; stuff
for clothing; furniture; everything that they could think of. They took
the pictures out of the Gallery, the books from the Library, and nearly
everything that was in the Museum. From the laboratory in the House
they took a great number of volumes and a quantity of instruments. At
the last moment, nearly all the Assistants and the workmen agreed to
join them; so that we were left with numbers greatly reduced. It is
impossible to enumerate the vast quantities of things which they took
with them. The wagons in which they were packed covered a couple of
miles of road: the drivers were taken from the People, and ordered to
discharge their duty; and, as they never came back, these poor wretches
probably perished with the Rebels. They went forth in perfect order:
first, an advance guard of mounted men; then a portion of the main
body, among whom rode the Chief with his staff. After them came the
women, some riding on horseback, among whom were the woman Mildred and
the girl Christine, showing in their faces that foolish and excited
happiness which is so different from the sweet tranquillity which we
have introduced. Indeed, all the women were beyond themselves with
this silly happiness. They sang, they laughed, they talked. Some sat
in carriages of all kinds, some in wagons; some walked; and, what with
their chatter and their dresses, one would have thought them a company
of monkeys dressed up. After the women came the wagons, and, lastly,
the rest of the men. I forgot to say that they had bands of music with
them--drums, fifes, cornets, and all kinds of musical instruments--and
that they carried flags, and that the men sang as they marched.
Whither they went, or what became of them--whether they carried out the
desperate resolve of giving up the Great Discovery--I know not. They
marched away, and we returned to our former life.
* * * * *
One thing more I must relate.
We--that is, the College--were seated, reassured as to our safety,
watching this great Departure.
Five minutes or so after the women had passed, I observed two of my
own friends--learned Fellows of the College, who had always followed
my lead and voted with me--eagerly whispering each other, and plucking
one another by the sleeve. Then they suddenly rose and pulled off
their black gowns, and fled swiftly in the direction of the wagons and
carriages where the women sat.
We have never seen or heard from any of these unfortunate men since.
* * * * *
I am now myself the Arch Physician.
THE END.
BY WALTER BESANT.
ALL IN A GARDEN FAIR. 4to, Paper, 20 cents.
ALL SORTS AND CONDITIONS OF MEN. Illustrated. 4to, Paper, 20 cents;
12mo, Cloth, $1 25.
DOROTHY FORSTER. 4to, Paper, 20 cts.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account