Littleton College - Chatterbox Yearbook (Littleton, NC)

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Tun CHATTERBOX. 259 And she did, indeed, but the Traveler found himself in a thick jungle and heard the laughing voice of the Colony sea- captain directing him to Follow the path, But oh! be wary! Follow the Path Till you reach the next ferry. Now, to follow a path is an easy matter, if there is a path to follow. The Traveler felt decidedly homesick as the thicket closed in about him. The queer Martian animals scampered about in the underbrush, the queerer Martian na- tives peered out from unexpected places. But no path was in sight He closed his eyes hopelessly, and then, in spite of himself, was suddenly speeding thru the thicket. ln the distance sounded the tinkling of bells. When he managed to open his eyes the Traveler looked out on a broad meadow. Not far beyond were flocks of sheep. And What do you think of the Blind Jungle W' was the abrupt query of some one behind him. He turned to see a maiden wearing on her sleeve a lmge red heart on which was written My heart. Room for all. Signed, Clee Reel. It's the jungle for the blind, continued Clee, in answer to his puzzled expression, a bit of philanthropy on my part. I haven't been here as long as my comrades so this is the sole expression of my life's aim-philanthropic origi- nality. VVhy, I broke my engagement with a watchmaker named O. N. Time for the sake of carrying out my mission. In the Blind Jungle there is no path, so to have eyes is no advantage,-'in fact to the contrary,' as the sea-sick French- man said when asked if he had dined. But a blind person, not being able to see that there is no path, is not disturbed by the fact, and is better off without one. So if a person unfor- tunate enough to have sight merely closes his eyes to his sur- roundings, the effect is the same. Oh, it's all very logical 4

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258 THE CHATTERBOX. tions, though evidently of the genus homo, before he was snatched up bodily by two of the odd creatures, swept rapidly thru the air, and unceremoniously deposited at the entrance of at large estate, intersected by numerous canals. From a little lodge there came out, to the unspeakable relief of thc Traveler, a fellow-earthlingl I am Clara Hearne, former resident of Earth, and Busi- ness Manager of CHATTERBOX, at present State Treasurer of the 1908 Colony. Yes, we're very glad to see you. An- nie Crews, the President of our noble colony, told us of your expected visit. Mabel VVest sighted your ship from the ob- servatory, and the native Martians were immediately sent to meet you. But business is business, and T must request that you pay me for the services of these Martians, buy a ticket of admission, and tickets for the canal ferry. You cross five canals before you reach the Executive Mansion. You may also purchase meal tickets of me. Pm selling them at a bargain to-day. Yes, we accept United States money. No, I can't change twenty dollars. But that's all right. Now, don't be mercenary and grasping and try to End any- thing smaller. I can use this. Good day. Very glad to have seen youf' uVVellI gasped the Traveler, as he hastened on, in his heart admiration for the fetching business methods of the plucky treasurer, in his pocket-book-not much of anything! Arrived at the ferry landing he looked in vain for the boat, and then laughed at his own stupidity as one of the inevita- ble winged vehicles sped towards him. May Spence. Her Ship, was written on the prow, and the graceful boatwoman directed the craft of her name with unerring skill. fWVelcome, Traveler, she cried, in a deep, stentorian voice. Would you cross the broad canal? Your ticket, please, and I will bring you safe to yonder shore.

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260 THE CHATTERBOX. and psychological. But of course you knew the secret before you entered, or you could never have made your way. WVhat! Do you mean to say that May Spence let you go in that blindly-I mean seeing! She certainly enjoys her little pranks. But there's not an airship that she ean't control They say that the ships obey her instantly when she com- mands them in that powerful, masculine voice. 4'But who is this coming toward us? asked the Traveler, as there approached a happy damsel in the midst of a flock of sheep. Are you Bo-Peep T' he enquired of her. 'CHOW well you guessed! I am Jessie Cogdell, the colony shepherdess. Here in this beautiful pasture between the caanls I tend my tio-elcs of sheep. And this, turning to a little creature at her side who shook the silver bells about his neck, this is my gamboling lamb, the joy of my existence. Ah! I hear one bleating. I must go. Youill find the next landing straight ahead. At the ferry the Traveler was astonished to find his former escort. You didn't say that you wanted to cross all the eanalsf' she laughed misehievously, when he complained of the un-- necessary walk. But I see that you are here waiting for me,', he returned. f'Well, l'll take you directly to the mansion. At. the door you will find the keeper of the keys. In her hands is great power, and you must bow low before her. She is very digni- fied, very pompous, very awful. lfnder no circumstances offend her. Here we are. Good-bye. In fear and trembling the Traveler approached and in a well-worded speech addressed the egress in uniform and brass buttons. It was Josie Perry. She laughed softly. '4Oh, you want to see the mansion, don't you? Come right in. President Annie is busy with her daily wireless teleg-