Page:The Great Secret.djvu/102

86 intend to do, whom the orthodox theorists term the Satanic races."

"I like the title satanic race," broke in the flippant Baroness von Hilda.

"Let us excavate the remains of that race and found ourselves upon them."

"You have done so already, my dear baroness. The satanic races were supposed to be angels who refused to abide in Paradise, and chose Lemuria instead. The captain is leading us to Lemuria, and we are carrying our angels with us, so that we shall be sure to provide the race you desire, with your aid."

"You are always charming, doctor," returned the baroness shortly, turning from him.

She was thirty-five already, and had not yet presented the baron with an heir.

They were at present dining in the second saloon, and had lit a fire in the grate to keep them warm, for the cold ice breath of that mysterious southern ocean chilled the air so that few could remain on the upper deck for longer than some moments at a time. The days also were growing shorter, and the nights longer and more desolate.

"It was snowing to-night when I came off the bridge," observed Captain Anatole, "and seems likely to be a heavy night."

"I trust that it does not snow perpetually in this land we are going to," remarked the Countess de Bergamont, " for that would be a land of desolation indeed."

"No," replied the doctor. "The summers there are simply delicious; but it is winter now, therefore we must expect rough and cold weather."

"How it is already piling outside the portholes," continued the countess.