A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder James De Mille

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Magones, and had searched over the seas, and were just about giving us
up as lost, when the fire-light had attracted their attention and
drawn them here.
I said nothing at that time about the cause of our disappearance, but
merely remarked that the athaleb had fallen into the sea and swam
here. This was sufficient. They had to remain here for some time
longer to rest their athalebs. At length we prepared to depart. Our
wounded athaleb was left behind to take care of himself. I was taken
with Almah, and Layelah went on the other. We were thus separated; and
so we set forth upon our return, and at length arrived at the amir.
CHAPTER XXVI
GRIMM'S LAW AGAIN
Dinner was now announced, and Oxenden laid the manuscript aside;
whereupon they adjourned to the cabin, where they proceeded to discuss
both the repast and the manuscript.
"Well," said Featherstone, "More's story seems to be approaching a
crisis. What do you think of it now, Melick? Do you still think it a
sensational novel?"
"Partly so," said Melick; "but it would be nearer the mark to call it
a satirical romance."
"Why not a scientific romance?"
"Because there's precious little science in it, but a good deal of
quiet satire."
"Satire on what?" asked Featherstone. "I'll be hanged if I can see
it."
"Oh, well," said Melick, "on things in general. The satire is directed
against the restlessness of humanity; its impulses, feelings, hopes,
and fears--all that men do and feel and suffer. It mocks us by
exhibiting a new race of men, animated by passions and impulses which
are directly the opposite of ours, and yet no nearer happiness than we