"But," he continued, again changing his manner, "we have had
business enough for one day; now for a little recreation." While
speaking the doctor pressed a button on his desk, and the room, which
was illuminated by electric lamps--for there were no windows in the
building--suddenly became dark, except part of one wall, where a broad
area of light appeared. Dr. Syx's voice had become very soothing when
next he spoke: "I am fond of amusing myself with a peculiar form of
the magic-lantern, which I invented some years ago, and which I have
never exhibited except for the entertainment of my friends. The
pictures will appear upon the wall, the apparatus being concealed."

He had hardly ceased speaking when the illuminated space seemed to
melt away, leaving a great opening, through which the spectators
looked as if into another world on the opposite side of the wall. For
a minute or two they could not clearly discern what was presented;
then, gradually, the flitting scenes and figures became more distinct
until the lifelikeness of the spectacle absorbed their whole
attention.

Before them passed, in panoramic review, a sunny land, filled with
brilliant-hued vegetation, and dotted with villages and cities which
were bright with light-colored buildings. People appeared moving
through the scenes, as in a cinematograph exhibition, but with
infinitely more semblance of reality. In fact, the pictures, blending
one into another, seemed to be life itself. Yet it was not an
earth-like scene. The colors of the passing landscape were such as no
man in the room had ever beheld; and the people, tall, round-limbed,
with florid complexion, golden hair, and brilliant eyes and lips, were
indescribably beautiful and graceful in all their movements.