the woman; also because I have seen several spots that would make an
admirable Eden. Besides, there is something in the story of what
happened in the Garden that rings true; not that all women would adopt
Eve's bold method, but much may be forgiven a woman who had no mother
or maiden aunt to play duenna, and who lived before either was
fashionable, or, according to the story, necessary.

* * * * *


Hurrah for Noah

But these reverend gentlemen must not go too far. One may regret Adam,
and his extinction may start fissures in many genealogical trees, but
to such of us as only "came over in the Mayflower," or "with the
Conqueror," his flop into oblivion may entail no serious damage to
existing rights. Upon Moses I always looked as a person of doubtful
parentage, and a leader who, had he lived in recent centuries, would
have been sacrificed by his own men within a month at most. His only
title to fame is that he kept the Jews for forty years from
appropriating anything but a desert which nobody else wanted and was a
blistering hindrance to them. The story of Moses certainly has weak
spots. Too much is known of the localities which he frequented. The
crossing of the Red Sea without even getting his boots full of water
seems too lurid an accomplishment for a pedestrian who consumed forty
years in reaching the confines of an ordinary desert. His
disappearance will cause but little clamor. Then there is Jonah. Those
who know the sea, or have a passing acquaintance with fish, place no
reliance upon the Jonah-whale story. Jonah will not be missed greatly.
But I must insist upon the preservation of Noah. In him are we all--no