Page:Fifty years hence, or, What may be in 1943 - a prophecy supposed to be based on scientific deductions by an improved graphical method (IA fiftyyearshenceo00grim).pdf/80

 in my mind second place to the ideas of that fame and fortune which were to be mine through his industry and generosity.

but still I thought on, thought on. At last, tired Nature asserted herself; I fell asleep in the big chair from which I had in imagination seen the magnates of the monetary world feverishly awaiting, in my ante-room, my pleasure as to how much information I would accord them, on my own terms. I slept, to dream of dictatorship of two continents, compelled by my exclusive knowledge of the things to come; but while I ruled as with a rod of iron the doings and the comings and goings of both hemispheres, it seemed as though war's alarms sounded in my ears—the rebellion of a nation from tyranny, be it ever so mild, from dictation, be it ever so wise. The clang of the multitude seeking relief from the oppression of ignorance by knowledge, rang in my ears; I started to my feet to wake and find the fire-brigade jangling and rumbling past my dwelling—the sparks from the steamer's stack streaming upwards and