| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Michael Strogoff by Jules Verne: low-travelers as far as Ishim."
Michael would certainly have preferred to travel alone,
but he could not, without appearing at least singular, seek
to separate himself from the two reporters, who were taking
the same road that he was. Besides, since Alcide and his
companion intended to make some stay at Ishim, he thought
it rather convenient than otherwise to make that part of
the journey in their company.
Then in an indifferent tone he asked, "Do you know,
with any certainty, where this Tartar invasion is?"
"Indeed, sir," replied Alcide, "we only know what they
|
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Pellucidar by Edgar Rice Burroughs: quiet and presently transmitted some command to my
Sagoth guard, the chief of which laid a heavy hand
upon my arm and pushed me roughly before him from
the audience-chamber.
They took me to the pits, where I lay carefully
guarded. I was sure that I was to be taken to the vivi-
section laboratory, and it required all my courage to
fortify myself against the terrors of so fearful a death. In
Pellucidar, where there is no time, death-agonies may
endure for eternities.
Accordingly, I had to steel myself against an endless
Pellucidar |
