hands more skillful than ours."
"The most pleasing part of this perplexity is the face, which bears
indisputable marks of intelligence. It would be eminently satisfying to
us if we could communicate with him and receive some light on this
living marvel."
He quickly stepped from the throne and the chief then invited four
philosophers to examine me conjointly. They hurriedly responded to the
invitation, for they were delighted at the honor and privilege conferred
upon them.
What a peculiar experience followed! Four men touched my hands and
ankles, my arms and limbs, and more particularly every piece of my
apparel. Accidentally one found my purse, but could not open it. As he
was faithfully pursuing his task, I felt that the time had come for me
to speak.
"Twist at the two knobs," I said in their vernacular.
If lightning had struck into that room, it would not have caused more
consternation. The four philosophers fell to the floor, the chief was
terrified, the audience looked on in abject terror, while the officers
rushed from their post with drawn weapons. All this occurred instantly,
and I realized that my words never before had such an effect. In a
moment the chief was at my side and, looking into my face, exclaimed:
"Who are you and why have you remained silent?"
"I am a human being," I replied.
"From what part of our world?"
"I was not born on this world."
"On what world then?" he further asked with increasing surprise.
"On a world called Earth that revolves around a star called Sun." As I
was answering these questions many wild sensations were sweeping over
the hearts of the assembled nobility.
"How came you to our world?" continued the chief with abated breath.
"On wings invisible."
"For what purpose came you hither?"
"To see your manner of life."
"Will you stay with us forever?"
"I cannot."
"Have you come to harm us?"
"Not in the least."
The chief in a high state of excitement ordered that I should be
unbound.
I smiled and said that I would spare them that trouble. I snapped the
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