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108 We approached him. For a moment he seemed awed and alarmed by us—the natural shrinking of every living being from the creature of another world was manifest on our side and on his. Yet we felt no antipathy. There was a nobleness and a dignity in his presence which, though distinct from the soft lovingness of our nature, was not opposed to it. His manner was rather of astonishment than of fear. He looked at us in silence for a while, and then as we halted at some distance he himself approached us, and waved his hand in the air, keeping still erect, as if in greeting. We made the signs of greeting and sang, as is our wont, the song of welcome to a friend. He listened, as if moved and enthralled, then in deep solemn tones, from his great chest, heaved out some words that we could not understand.

"It seems that where there is intelligence there is speech," said Ezariel. "Perhaps it always follows the gift of reason."

"We have found it so far," I said, "but we may not in other worlds. It seems here reason implies speech."

We followed him towards the house to which he beckoned us. He came to it and touched a boss in the outer wall. A portcullis