Chapter II: Part 2

At ten o’clock I turned in--that is, I rolled myself up on my
bear-skin couch--and for half an hour I read in my copy of
Shakespeare: showing that my mind was in a perfectly normal
condition. At 10.30 I shut the stove, blew out the lantern, and
went to sleep, the blizzard still raging with great violence
outside.

It must have been about five hours later that I woke with a
feeling of oppression and horror such as I had never before
experienced. At first I was at a loss to understand the cause
of my fright. I sat up, on one elbow, and shivered. Then I
realized what it was--there was someone else in the room!
Now the door was barred against wild animals; moreover I was
full fifty miles from the nearest encampment. And the horror
of this unseen presence made the hair crawl upon my scalp. I
sat bolt upright and held my breath. It was then that a full
perception of the Horror flooded in upon me like a wave--the
Thing was lying on the couch by my side! It was pitch dark
of course, and I could see nothing. I merely “sensed” this
presence on the couch. With a leap I was across the room and
lighting my lantern with trembling fingers. Then I returned to
the couch.

I cannot attempt to express the horror of what I saw. My
breathing stopped with a jerk and my heart stood still. For
there was _myself_ lying dead upon the couch, crushed across
the body by some unseen and appalling weight!

I dropped the lamp, leapt to the door, and in a frenzy of
terror staggered out into the storm. Twenty seconds passed--it
can hardly have been more--when with a rending noise like an
avalanche one of the great pine-trees fell clean across the
centre of the hut, crushing it into matchwood!

As soon as it was day I pushed off for the lowlands (luckily my
ski and gun were in the outhouse, and so escaped).

I have no evidence beyond the word of a gentleman to prove the
truth of what I have narrated; I can only assure you of the
absolute and literal truth of the premonition; though whether
the apparition was an objective reality or a figment of my
own imagination I must leave to the opinion of the Psychical
Research Society.

Believe me, Sir,

Yours very truly,

NIMROD HUNT.

Notes

In the following précis do not proceed by question and answer. Arrange the subjects in definite groups as you think best.

The main point to remember is that you _must not criticize_ this wonderful medley of nonsense. All you have to do is to give a concise idea of the kind of pseudo-science that boys had to learn by heart a hundred and fifty years ago. (The original is largely taken from old school-books.) You must not use a single phrase such as ‘this absurd idea’. Your _title_ should imply that such stuff is very much out-of-date.

No. 14.--Science as taught in our Great-grandfathers’ School-days

_Preceptor._ What is Science?

_Child._ Science is the investigation and proper appreciation of the phenomena of the Universe in which it has pleased the Creator to place us. This investigation is applied to the Elements and to the Immutable Laws which govern them.

_Preceptor._ How many Elements are there?

_Child._ Four: Fire, Water, Earth, and Air--the Igneous element, the Aqueous element, the Earthy, and the Aerial elements.

_Preceptor._ What is Fire?

_Child._ Fire, or the Igneous element, is the element of destruction. It consists of flame, which devours materials, and imparts a comfortable warmth to man and beast. The sun is the primary source of heat; the interior of the Earth consists of Fire; combustion can be produced artificially by man; and the Lightning is its most terrific manifestation.

_Preceptor._ What is Lightning?

_Child._ Lightning is a large bright flame darting through the air to a considerable distance, of momentary duration, and usually accompanied by thunder.

_Preceptor._ What is Thunder?

_Child._ Thunder is a loud rattling noise accompanied by Lightning, caused by the sudden clashing or rushing together of several clouds which are filled with sulphurous and nitrous exhalations. Its reverberations fill the hearer with awe, and turn the mind to thoughts of piety and submission.

_Preceptor._ What is the Earthy element?

_Child._ The Earthy element is the solid ground upon which we live. It is divided into mountains, hills, valleys, and plains, in a variety pleasing to the eye, and adapted to all sorts and conditions of men.

_Preceptor._ Of what is the Earthy element composed?

_Child._ The Earth is composed of rocks, sand, metals, and mud, in which are also to be found the more precious stones, such as the diamond, the jacynth, the topaz, and the chrysoprasus.

_Preceptor._ When was the Earth created?

_Child._ The Earth was created by the Divine Will in the year 4004 B.C., the sun, moon, and stars, being created shortly afterwards for the use and benefit of man.

_Preceptor._ How were the Mountains formed?

_Child._ For the first few thousand years it would seem that the Earth was subjected to occasional violent catastrophes, both by fire and water. In these catastrophes great mountain chains were sometimes flung up; at other times the waters swept over the tops of the hills, and the shells of sea creatures may be found there to this day.

_Preceptor._ Have these catastrophes ceased?

_Child._ They have become less violent in their nature, though the recent Earthquake and Wave at Lisbon and the Eruption of Mount Hecla in Iceland attest their continued activity.

_Preceptor._ What is the Aerial Element?

_Child._ It is that elastic fluid with which the Earth is surrounded. It is generally called Air. It partakes of all the motions of the earth.

_Preceptor._ What is the cause of the Wind?

_Child._ The cause of the Wind has never been ascertained.

_Preceptor._ Then are the Winds of no benefit to us?

_Child._ Yes, the benefits arising from them are innumerable: they dry the damp, they chase vile humours, they bring us the rain in due season, and waft our ships from every corner of the Earth.

_Preceptor._ What is the Aqueous element?

_Child._ The Aqueous element is generally called Water. It is the fluid which covers half the surface of the Globe, and it is divided into seas and oceans. It is also manifested in rivers, streams, springs, rain, and mist.

_Preceptor._ Why is the sea salt?

_Child._ The saltness of the sea is due to certain saline properties in water when brought together in very large quantities.

_Preceptor._ Do we derive any advantage from the study of Science and Natural Philosophy?

_Child._ Yes; for without a competent knowledge of Natural Philosophy we cannot form a true conception of the Purpose of Creation; nor can we adapt our daily lives in accordance with the Law by which all things work together for the benefit and improvement of Mankind.

Notes

It is very important to be able to make a précis of a number of letters or telegrams.

RULE VIII.--=In making a précis of a number of letters DO NOT PROCEED LETTER BY LETTER. Get the gist of the whole story; then pick out the important points and arrange them in the order in which the events happened. Several letters or telegrams may be combined in one paragraph, if they are on the same topic, but the topics must be kept separate.=

RULE IX.--=Never omit the principal DATES AND TIMES.=

No. 15--The Hut-Tax

Correspondence between the Administrator of British Bongoland, the Commissioner of the M’Gobi District, and the Colonial Secretary.

1. To Mr. Commissioner Philips:--

From GOVERNMENT HOUSE, BONGOLAND.
_June 1._

There has been a serious falling off in the income from your
district, for which it is difficult to account. You will
therefore kindly increase the Hut-tax to the extent of 2 pounds
of rubber and 10 brass rods per hut. Kindly acquaint me when
this has been done.

O. F. Administrator.

2. To the Administrator:--

From COMMISSIONER’S HUT, M’GOBI DISTRICT.
_June 14._

SIR,

I have the honour to report that the utmost possible has
been done in the matter of collecting taxes. The people have
suffered great hardship this year owing to sleeping-sickness,
and though the disease has been stamped out, labour has been
scarce, and I do not feel justified in advising H.M. Government
to increase the tax.

I have the honour to be,

Your Obedient Servant,

H. PHILIPS.

3. To Mr. Commissioner Philips:--

From GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
_July 1._

You are not expected to advise H.M. Government. Kindly collect
the tax as I order, and report to me later.

O. F. Administrator.

4. To the Administrator:--

From COMMISSIONER’S HUT, M’GOBI DISTRICT.
_July 11._

SIR,

I have the honour to inform you, from evidence obtained on the
spot, that any attempt to levy an extra tax will be attended
with serious consequences--disorder and probable loss of life.
I therefore cannot hold myself responsible for the lives of
missionaries and other white men in the district in case the
tax is levied.

I have the honour to be,

Your Obedient Servant,

H. PHILIPS.

5. To Mr. Commissioner Philips:--

From GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
_July 20._

You may take what steps you like with regard to missionaries;
but the tax must be collected.

O. F. Administrator.

(For Précis. Paper 2.)

6. (By telegram.)

To the Administrator, British Bongoland:--

From COLONIAL OFFICE, WHITEHALL.
_July 30._

SIR,

Roman Catholic and Protestant missionaries in M’Gobi
district report having been removed to coast by order of Mr.
Commissioner Philips. Danger apprehended from levy of extra
Hut-tax. H.M. Government is very averse to the imposition of
harsh taxes, and I must therefore ask you to delay collection
and furnish information without delay.

HEDLEY: Assist. Sec.

7. (By telegram.)

To the Colonial Office:--

From BRITISH BONGOLAND.
_Aug. 1._

SIR,

I am not accustomed to having my actions criticized. You may
leave this matter entirely in my hands.

I have the honour to be,

Your Obedient Servant,

OBADIAH FITZBLANK,
Administrator.

8. (By telegram.)

To Sir Obadiah FitzBlank:--

From COLONIAL OFFICE, WHITEHALL.
_Aug. 2_, 1 p.m.

You will inform Mr. Commissioner Philips that H.M. Government
are of opinion, in agreement with him, that the new tax should
not be imposed. You will also resign your office immediately
and return by the boat that leaves to-morrow night. Your
successor has already left.

JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN.

Notes

Remember Rule VIII and Rule IX.

Also, it is often convenient to use a _general_ term instead of names: such as ‘The Naval Authorities’ or ‘The British Government’.

No. 16.--The Mandarin

Correspondence concerning the bastinadoing of a British subject in the village of Ching-Wang, 30 miles from Shang-Hai.

1. To the British Consul at Shang-Hai:--

From CHING-WANG.
_April 2._

SIR,

I write to say as how I have been bastinadoed on both feet. My
feet is swole something cruel. This was done by the Mandarin
Lu-Chu. He says as how I stole his cherries, which I never done
it. Please investigate. I am a British subjick, which my mother
was a Chinee.

Yours truly,

FU-LING THOMPSON.

2. To His Complacency the Mandarin Lu-Chu:--

From CONSUL’S HOUSE, SHANG-HAI.
_April 8._

Having been informed by the half-caste Fu-Ling Thompson, a
British subject, that corporal punishment had been unjustly
inflicted upon him by your orders, I sent my agent to
investigate the matter. He informs me that Thompson speaks the
truth, and that you yourself are perfectly aware of the man’s
innocence. I therefore suggest that, to avoid complications
with H.M. Government, you compensate Mr. Thompson to the extent
of £50 or 100,000 sens.

H. CASLON, British Consul.

3. (Translation.)

To the British Consul:--

From CHING-WANG.

Almighty Consul whose face shines like the moon. I cannot give
Mr. Thompson 100,000 sens, for I am a poor man. Moreover, the
cherries were stolen. It was right and fitting that someone
should be bastinadoed.

LU-CHU.

4. To Lieut.-Commander Hanlon of H.M.S. _Laverock_:--

(Per picket boat.)

From CONSUL’S HOUSE, SHANG-HAI.
_April 12._

DEAR HANLON,

The Mandarin of Ching-Wang has been up to his old tricks
again--bastinadoing a British subject. I have ordered him to
pay the man £50 and he refuses. I suggest that you make a
demonstration. (Correspondence enclosed.)

Yours,

H. CASLON.

5. (By Wireless.)

To Admiral Groves, China Station:--

_April 12._

Another case of unjustified bastinadoing. Mandarin refuses
compensation. What steps may I take?

HANLON,
Lieut.-Commander.

6. (By Wireless from H.M.S. _Thunderer_):--

Leave entirely in your hands. Use great firmness but avoid
complications.

GROVES,
Admiral.

7. From H.M.S. _Laverock_ (by letter):--

_April 13._

To his Complacency the Mandarin Lu-Chu.

In the matter of the bastinadoing of Mr. Thompson, a British
subject, the case as you know has been investigated, and I am
authorized to demand the immediate payment of 100,000 sens.
Unless this demand is complied with before 4 o’clock, I shall
be reluctantly compelled to blow your house to pieces.

HANLON,
Lieut.-Commander.

8. To Lieut.-Commander Hanlon (translation):--

Most superb Lieutenant-Commander, whose guns roar like many
devils. I cannot pay Mister Thompson 100,000 sens, for I am a
poor man. Moreover, I did but beat him upon the soles of his
feet.

LU-CHU.

9. To the British Consul at Shang-Hai:--

From H.M.S. _Laverock_.
_April 14._

DEAR CASLON,

Lu-Chu flatly refused to pay; so, with the Admiral’s leave, I
took the law into my own hands. At ten past four I stood right
into the harbour and fired a large wad of cotton-waste into his
cherry-trees. The old fellow was frightened out of his life,
and sent the money within five minutes.

Yours,

J. HANLON.

Notes

RULE X.--=ALWAYS KEEP A PROPER BALANCE. That is to say, it often happens that in the original too much space is given to picturesque details, and too little to the more important facts. In your précis this must be put right.=

This is obviously the case in the following Life of Isaac Newton.

No. 17--Isaac Newton

Newton was born in 1643, and was the smallest baby in the world. He went to school when very young, but does not appear to have done any work till one day the top-boy kicked him violently in the stomach for daring to get his sums right. Then Newton began to work, not with any idea of becoming the greatest of mathematicians, but simply because he resented being kicked in the stomach, and determined to get the better of his tormentor. His spare time was spent in making ingenious little contrivances, water-clocks, paper lamps attached to kites with which to frighten the villagers, a ‘wind-mill’ turned by a pet mouse with a string tied to its tail. When he left school he was tried on the farm, but it was no use. Newton was always behind a hedge inventing some new automatic toy, while the pigs wallowed in clover, and the cows trampled down the corn. So he went to Trinity College, Cambridge, and there his serious studies began.

His first discoveries were on the subject of light, about which very little was then known. On darkening his room and allowing a circular beam of sunlight to pass through a hole in the shutter, and thence through a triangular glass prism, he found that an oblong patch of light was cast on the screen five times as long as the hole in the shutter. Moreover, it was no longer white, but made up of all the colours of the rainbow--violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, red--always ranged in the same order. He soon came to the conclusion that white is not a separate colour, but is made up of all the colours of the ‘spectrum’.

He next invented the reflecting telescope, forerunner of all the vast instruments by means of which the wonders of the sky have been investigated.

He then turned his great mind to the problem of finding out what light really is, and, though his theory has been given up for a better, it was the best that had been suggested up to that time. He also found out that light travels at the rate of nearly 200,000 miles a second.

Meanwhile the Plague broke out at Cambridge, making it necessary for him to retire into the country. It was in the garden of his country house that the fall of an apple is supposed to have suggested to Newton the theory of gravitation.

Scientists had for a long time been familiar with the fact that the earth is a colossal magnet, drawing everything upon its surface in the direction of its centre; but it was Newton who conceived the idea--and whether it was the falling apple that suggested it or no is unimportant--that the influence extended as far as the moon, and, if this could be established, to the stars throughout space. Was it not possible that the moon, trying to shoot off at a tangent, was continually pulled back by the earth, and so kept ‘falling’ round it? Newton tried experiments, applying laws already discovered, and found that the theory would not work. Undiscouraged he put the whole problem aside till more facts should have been discovered. It was not till 1682 that more accurate measurements of the earth gave Newton fresh data to go upon. Again he applied his theory, and this time he began to see that his problem was ‘coming out’--that the moon would fall just the right distance, 15 feet per minute. As he neared the end of his calculations he became so agitated that he could not go on: a friend had to finish it for him. And it was right. He had established the fact that not only is the moon subject to the law of gravitation, but that the whole universe is slung together in one stupendous system.

It is this grand discovery, and the wonderful invention of the calculus, that establish Newton’s claim to immortal honour. As says the inscription in Westminster Abbey: “The vigour of his mind was almost supernatural”.

Notes

In this précis the story should be condensed, and told as a continuous narrative, and not in scraps and jottings as in a log.

For the purpose of verifying positions, &c.--especially as the battle was fought at night--it is important to mention _names_ of all ships.

It is also necessary to give the _times_ of the chief events; but one can avoid monotony and scrappiness by using phrases such as “Ten minutes later.…”

No. 18.--The Battle of the Nile

From the log of the _Swiftsure_ (unofficial):--

At 6.0 p.m. received order from Flag-ship to furl and wet all
unused sails; and to sling a cross-bar to the mizzen peak with
four ship’s lanterns; also to sling a ship’s lantern over
each gun-port, as the fight would be in the dark, and friend
must be distinguished from foe. Superintended the sanding of
decks, and final arrangements. 6.30, the fight began. French
land batteries opened on the _Goliath_, which ship, followed
by the _Theseus_ and others, rounded the tip of the French
line and dropped anchor on the shoal side. By 7.0 it was dark,
the battle raging furiously apparently on both sides of the
enemy van. At 7.15 received message from Captain Troubridge
of the _Culloden_ that he was on the sands. Put helm over
and kept away to eastwards. 7.30, sailed down the battle
line looking for an enemy’s ship to lie alongside. Sighted a
vessel in movement. Order given to stand to the guns, for she
showed no lights. Hailed ship, and received answer: “This is
the _Bellerophon_ going out of action disabled”. Passed close
under stern of _Bellerophon_. She had apparently lost both main
and foremasts, and much wreckage lay over her sides. As far
as could be distinguished in the darkness she appeared to be
just under control, carrying on under mizzen and sprit sail.
7.40, order given to take _Bellerophon’s_ place in fight. At
8.3 let go one small bower anchor in seven fathoms of water.
At 8.5 commenced firing at a two-decked ship called the
_Franklin_ on the starboard quarter, and a three-decked ship
called _L’Orient_ on starboard bow. Apparently _L’Orient_ was
some 200 yards from our ship. She was using all three tiers of
guns, but some had been put out of action by the _Bellerophon_.
At 8.30 the _Alexander_ also closed on _L’Orient_ [_added
later_: she was French Flag-ship] and the fight became very
furious. At 9.3 _L’Orient_ caught fire. Order given to isolate
_L’Orient’s_ poop with cannon and musket-fire, to prevent the
flames being put out. (In the glare much loose gear, such as
paint-pots could be seen scattered on the poop.) At a quarter
to 10 _L’Orient_ blew up. Most of the wreckage fell into
the sea; some on to the deck of the _Swiftsure_ but without
inflicting casualties. Hove in cable. Lowered two boats, in
charge of midshipmen. Picked up nine men and one lieutenant
who escaped out of _L’Orient_. Saw the _Alexander’s_ bowsprit
and her main-topgallant sail to be on fire. At 10.20 ceased
firing. Sent Lieutenant Cowen to take possession of the enemy’s
ship, the _Franklin_, that lay on our quarter, who hailed us
that she had struck, with her main mizzen-masts gone. At 10.35
he returned, finding that she was taken possession of by an
officer from the _Defence_. At 10.50 saw the _Alexander_ and
another ship, which proved to be the _Majestic_, engaging the
enemy’s ships to the left of us at about a mile. Bore down
to their assistance. For the next four hours engaged enemy’s
ships to the rear of their line. Enemy’s fire became wild and
inflicted little damage. At 3 a.m. order was given to cease
fire. Guns’ crews much exhausted, many of the men lying on
the gun decks, their arms swollen from continuous work at the
out-hauls. Order given for the distribution of rum and coffee.
At 5.30 saw that six of the enemy’s ships at our end of the
line had struck their colours. Our carpenters employed stopping
the shot-holes. People employed knotting and splicing the
rigging. At 6 the _Majestic_ fired her minute guns on interring
her captain, who was killed in the action.

End of Project Gutenberg's Précis writing for beginners, by Guy Noel Pocock