The marble steps extend
around the lake, and behind them on all sides rises the wall of the
palms, beaten into motion by the wind blowing ceaselessly. The
esplanade-like margin between the top step and the palm enclosure
accommodated great numbers, while the benches in retreating alcoves,
were also filled.
"It was a varied, exhilarating scene. The moving throngs, the wonderful
confusion of the spouting fountains in their chrysalids of glass against
the sky line, the perpetually waving fronds of the palms!
"We hurried to the pier of the Registeries after Chapman had secured the
sealed envelope, in which were placed the communications to the
government at Scandor. The canal which enters the City of Light at this
point is divided into a number of branches whose confluent arms, about a
mile from the City, unite into two parallel canals whose course we were
now to follow to the City of Scandor. The small boat we entered was a
curious vessel of white porcelain, broad and short, with raised keel,
prow, and expanded stern.
"It was moved by some motor, electric in nature. A pilot took his place
at the bow, and, under a canopy of silk, in the light of a setting sun,
followed by the music of the City, we passed away from the City, which,
even as we left it, slowly, in the descending darkness of the night,
began to kindle into light, and send upward into the velvet zenith its
phosphorescent glows."
CHAPTER V.
"It was afternoon when Chapman and I, fully equipped and provisioned,
moved off from the long granite pier at the Registeries, after an
affectionate parting from my guide and friend, who returned sorrowfully
to resume his watch for his son, whose coming to Mars seemed to him so
assured.
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