favourite, deformed in character to compensate for
physical deformity. Watching them for a short
time, I saw the little creature repeatedly break out
in all the humours of an ill-tempered, over-indulged
youngest-born in an ill-managed family; snatching
toys from the others, and now and then slapping or
pinching them. But they never returned either
word or blow, even when pain or vexation brought the
tears to their eyes. When its caprices became
intolerable most of its companions withdrew; one, however,
always remaining on the watch, even if driven from
the immediate neighbourhood by its intolerably provoking
temper, tones, and acts.
Before sunset we were joined by a young man, who,
first approaching my host with a respectful inclination
of the head, stood before him till apparently desired
by a few quiet words to speak; when he addressed the
head of the family in some short sentences, and then,
at a sign from him, turned to two of the squirrel-like
animals, “ambau,” which followed him.
These then laid at my feet two large baskets, or open
bags of golden network, containing many of the smaller
objects left in the Astronaut. Emptying these,
they brought several more, till they had laid before
me the whole of my wardrobe and my store of intended
presents, books, and drawings, with such of my instruments
as were not attached to the walls. It was evident
that great care had been taken not to injure or dismantle
the vessel. Nothing that actually belonged to
it had been taken away, and of the articles brought
not one had been broken or damaged. It was equally
evident that there was no intention or idea of appropriating
them. They were brought and handed over to me
as a host on Earth might send for the baggage of an
unexpected guest. Of the various toys and ornaments
that I had brought for the purpose, I offered several
of the most precious to my host. He accepted
one of the smallest and least valuable, rather declining
to understand than refusing the offer of the rest.
The bringer did the same. Then placing in the
chief’s hands an open jewel-box containing a
variety of the choicest jewellery, I requested by signs
his permission to offer them to the ladies. The
elder ones imitated his example, and graciously accepted
one or two tasteful feminine ornaments, of far less
beauty and value than any of the few splendid jewels
that adorned their belts and clasped their robes at
the shoulder, or fastened their veils. The white-robed
maidens shrank back shyly until the box was pressed
upon them, when each, at a word from the mistress,
selected some small gold or silver locket or chain;
each at once placing the article accepted about her
person, with an evident intention of adding to the
grace with which it was received and acknowledging
the intended courtesy. How valueless the most
valuable of these trifles must have been in their
eyes I had begun to suspect from what I saw, and was
afterwards made fully aware. As the shades of
evening fell, the fountains ceased to play, the young
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