"The trouble with the world is that morally and physically it has for thousands of years grown more and more corrupt. The flower of civilization, about which people boast so much, nods over the stagnant waters of a moral swamp and draws its perilous beauty from the poisons of the miasma. "The nebula, in drowning the earth, brings opportunity for a new birth of mankind. You will remember, Joseph, that the same conditions are said to have prevailed in the time of Noah. There was no science then, and we do not know exactly on what principles the choice was made of those who should escape; but the simple history of Noah shows that he and his friends represented the best manhood of that early age. "But the seeds of corruption were not eliminated, and the same problem recurs to-day. "I have to determine whom I will save. I attack the question by inquiring who represent the best elements of humanity? Let us first consider men by classes." "And why not by races?" asked Smith. "I shall not look to see whether a man is black, white, or yellow; whether his skull is brachycephalic or dolichocephalic," replied Cosmo. "I shall look inside. No race has ever shown itself permanently the best." "Then by classes you mean occupations?" "Well, yes, for the occupation shows the tendency, the quintessence of character. Some men are born rulers and leaders; others are born followers. Both are necessary, and I must have both kinds." "You will begin perhaps with the kings, the presidents?" "Not at all. I shall begin with the men of science. They are the true leaders." "But they have betrayed you--they have shut their eyes and blindfolded others," objected Joseph Smith, as if in extenuation. "You do not understand me," said Cosmo, with a commiserating smile. "If my scientific brethren have not seen as clearly as I have done, the fault lies not in science, but in lack of comprehension. Nevertheless, they are on the right track; they have the gist of the matter in them; they are trained in the right method. If I should leave them out, the regenerated world would start a thousand years behind time. Besides, many of them are not so blind; some of them have got a glimpse of the truth." "Not such men as Pludder," said Smith. "All the same, I am going to save Pludder," said Cosmo Versál. Joseph Smith fairly jumped with astonishment. "You--are--going--to--save--Pludder," he faltered. "But he is the worst of all." "Not from my present view-point. Pludder has a good brain; he can handle the tools; he is intellectually honest; he has done great things for science in the past. And, besides, I do not conceal from you the fact that I should like to see him convicted out of his own mouth." "But," persisted Smith, "I have heard you say that he was--" "No matter what you have heard me say," interrupted Cosmo impatiently. "I say now that he shall go with us. Put down his name at the head of the list." Dumfounded and muttering under his breath, Smith obeyed.