text: [Themes: Mystery, Historical, Travel, mystery, Museum]
  
  > press the yellow enter button
  You step off the train into a huge crowd of fairgoers, who jostle
  one another as they make their way along the platform. You push your way through the throng, and finally make it out onto the fairgrounds, where you are momentarily stunned by the sheer size, the monumental beauty of the new city standing before you...
  
  Court of Honor, In Front of Terminal Station
  You are in a large courtyard, surrounded by buildings the style and grandeur of which you have never seen before. This is the Court of Honor, by all accounts already considered one of the architectural wonders of the modern world. To the west stands Terminal Station, your arrival and eventual departure point, from which thousands of visitors pour into the Exposition each day. To the east is the Administration Building, its golden dome towering above the grounds in grand style. The plaza extends to the north and south, toward more monumental buildings.
  
  West Entrance to the Administration Building.
  
  > check your inventory
  You have a case dossier.
  
  Although still early in the day, it's getting hot.
  
  > examine the dossier
  It's a packet of papers that pertain to the case at hand. The case dossier is closed.
  
  > examine the list
  The Kimberly Diamond Mining Company compiled a list of the missing items:
  
  4 rough, unfinished diamonds
  3 cut and polished diamonds
  1 crown diamond
  
  The jewels were from the private collection of one of the board members of the Company. If any are found, they may be taken to a Mr. Wentworth, an expert in the matter of precious stones, who will verify if the stone in question is indeed from the collection. Mr. Wentworth can be found at his company's exhibit in the Mines and Mining Building.
  
  Verified stones should then be held in evidence in the safe in your office at the Administration building.
  
  > look at the note
  The note is written in a cribbed, narrow hand. It reads:
  
  Four brothers, rough and ready,
  Three sisters, kind and fair,
  They left their home so eagerly,
  They left to see the Fair!
  
  Young Dennis likes spelunking,
  In darkness feared and great;
  Fair Ida likes to swim,
  And tempt the hands of fate.
  
  Bullish Adam stays outdoors,
  Free and strong and wild;
  Mary studies Egyptian script,
  And writes her name in style.
  
  And entered government,
  Elder Neal rides the rails
  With an artistic temperament.
  
  In the cabin of Uncle Tom,
  And Mother...where is mother?
  She watches over them all.
  
  > look at the description of Bob
  Before boarding the train to the fair, you carefully typed out a detailed description of Greenback Bob, should you find that he is indeed involved and need to share the information quickly.
  
  Greenback Bob is a counterfeiter, or at least so it is believed; no one has been able to catch him at it, yet. He is known to be a reckless gambler.
  
  The Police reports describe him as follows:
  
  Nationality: American
  
  Age: twenty-eight to thirty years
  
  Height: five feet four inches, approximately
  
  Weight: one hundred eighty pounds, approximate
  
  General remarks: figure heavy but muscular; somewhat slovenly appearance; broad, flat nose and squinty brown eyes; hair brown; He typically wears a long, unkempt beard, dark brown in color. Quick to anger but faster still to escape.
  
  > look at the description of Delbras
  Before boarding the train to the fair, you carefully typed out a detailed description of Delbras, should you find that he is indeed involved and need to share the information quickly.
  
  Of Delbras, you know very little. You know, first, that he has recently fled Paris, which had become too hot for him, and that he was headed to the Fair, for what purpose it can only be guessed. From Paris, a dispatch had been received describing him as handsome, educated, and familiar with the ways of good society. Although still unproven, he is suspected in a string of diamond robberies in Paris.
  
  Further, the French report describes him as follows:
  
  Nationality: French
  
  Age: probably about thirty to thirty-three years
  
  Height: six feet
  
  Weight: one hundred seventy-five pounds, approximate
  
  General remarks: figure good; square shoulders, military air; features, regular; thin-lipped; chin sharply pointed; wears at times a heavy beard, at others moustache and goatee; eyes dark, called black; hair same, heavy, and sometimes worn quite long; hands well kept, with long slender fingers; speaks English perfectly; a small triangular scar upon temple close to roots of hair.
  
  > About yourself
  You look about the same as always.
  
  > Xyzzy
  You practice your alphabet again, but stumble at the point where you reach the end and try going backwards.
  
  > look
  West Entrance to the Administration Building. 
  
  Court of Honor, In Front of Terminal Station
  You are in a large courtyard, surrounded by buildings the style and grandeur of which you have never seen before. This is the Court of Honor, by all accounts already considered one of the architectural wonders of the modern world. To the west stands Terminal Station, your arrival and eventual departure point, from which thousands of visitors pour into the Exposition each day. To the east is the Administration Building, its golden dome towering above the grounds in grand style. The plaza extends to the north and south, toward more monumental buildings.
  
  > Time
  The time is now 10:10 a.m. on Monday.
  
  > go east
  Administration Building, Rotunda
  The central rotunda is open up to an inner dome, one hundred and ninety feet above your head. The dome is decorated by murals. Open archways lead out of the building in all the cardinal directions.
  Most of the Exhibition services are centered in this building, in four pavilions off the rotunda. To the northeast is the Columbian Guards Station; to the northwest, the Columbian bank; to the southeast, the Columbian Telegraph and Messenger Service; and to the southwest, the Columbian Newspaper and Publicity Department.
  
  Administration Building Rotunda, Looking up.
  
  > look at the murals
  Administration Building Mural. 
  
  The murals on the inner dome depict Apollo on his throne, bestowing honors upon warriors, artists, musicians, poets, scientists, and inventors. Four winged horses pull forth a model of the Parthenon, and angelic figures dance overhead.
  
  > look
  Administration Building Rotunda, Looking up. 
  
  Administration Building, Rotunda
  The central rotunda is open up to an inner dome, one hundred and ninety feet above your head. The dome is decorated by murals. Open archways lead out of the building in all the cardinal directions.
  Most of the Exhibition services are centered in this building, in four pavilions off the rotunda. To the northeast is the Columbian Guards Station; to the northwest, the Columbian bank; to the southeast, the Columbian Telegraph and Messenger Service; and to the southwest, the Columbian Newspaper and Publicity Department.
  
  > go to the northeast
  This is the brain center of the Columbian Guards. From here, calls are dispatched, complaints are registered, criminals are interrogated. Various offices are to the north; they have graciously cleaned one out for your use while at the Fair. The rotunda is back to the southwest.
  
  Columbian Guards Station. 
  
  Standing in a commanding position in the room is a tall, broad-shouldered man wearing a brown overcoat and smoking a thick cigar. You recognize him instantly-- Carl Masters, one of the most highly regarded detectives in Chicago. You heard that he had been hired for the Fair, to oversee all the detective work, and to do a little himself, when the case warranted it. He had his hands full, you knew, and it was at his suggestion that Fair Management contacted your offices. He sees you as you enter.
  
  "Well, well, well!" he shouts, smiling. "It's good to see you made it. What do you think of this White City of ours?"
  
  You are about to respond, but quickly realize your old friend is not interested in wasting time with idle pleasantries just now. He continues:
  
  "And yet surrounded by beauty such dastardly deeds occur." He shakes his head. "I don't need to tell you, but I'm very glad you have finally arrived. We're in the thick of it now. This diamond heist--I'm counting on you for it. We have no one to spare. As for myself, I have a vexing and rather unpleasant affair--you can read today's paper about it if you like; a kidnapping, for ransom, no less; a young, moneyed gent from Boston took a wrong turn late at night.
  The family wired yesterday--they've been asked for a ransom but they seem unwilling to pay it. No leads yet." He takes another puff on his cigar. "I'm trying to convince the family to come down and have a go at it; we might yet be able to nab the culprits during the exchange. It's a delicate business."
  
  Masters turns his full attention on you. "I'm sorry, best forget about my case and concentrate on yours. Now listen carefully. Your office is all set up; there's a safe inside in which you can deposit any of the stolen gems you recover. There's also a bill of draft on the desk, you can use it to withdraw a daily spending allowance from the bank in this building. Sorry for the trouble, but as I say, we really have no one to spare. They will write you up new drafts daily, so you can just head over to the bank when it opens first thing each morning to withdraw your stipend."
  
  "I'll try to be here, in the office, every morning until around nine. If you like, we can compare notes and discuss the case. If you have any questions, just ask. And if you find anything out, tell me as soon as you can. I've got to leave soon, but..." He pauses for a moment. "I almost forgot. I'm afraid they haven't given you carte blanche. You're here as a detective in an unofficial capacity. So don't expect vendors and customers to part the red sea for you. I've distributed your picture among the guards, they know who you are and should be able to provide assistance. If they see trouble, they will come get me. I should be able to take care of any bureaucratic messes you get into, but just be careful."
  
  "I'm sure you'll want to get familiar with the fairgrounds. They're quite expansive, but essential to know if you want to get any proper detective work done, at least in my experience. I left a guidebook in your desk. There's also a tour that leaves at eleven-thirty every day from just outside the east entrance to this building which you may want to take as well."
  
  You shake hands. "Welcome to Chicago," he says, smiling.
  
  > Go north
  Your office is small but comfortable. An old, oak desk occupies
  most of the room. Beside the desk, on the floor, squats a very solid-looking metal safe. Against the far wall is an army cot. You specially requested the cot--it's far easier to sleep in the office when the crime is as complicated as this one.
  Sitting on the desk is a bill of draft.
  
  Office. 
  
  Detective Masters calls out to you. "I've got to do some footwork. We'll meet again, tomorrow morning at the latest." He walks out of the station, and into the fair.
  
  > take the draft
  Taken.
  
  > examine the draft
  This draft entitles you to draw some monies from the Northern Trust Bank.
  
  > open the desk
  Opening the desk drawer reveals a guidebook.
  
  > go to the south
  This is the brain center of the Columbian Guards. From here, calls are dispatched, complaints are registered, criminals are interrogated. Various offices are to the north; they have graciously cleaned one out for your use while at the Fair. The rotunda is back to the southwest.
  
  Columbian Guards Station.
  
  > go northwest
  This branch of the Northern Trust Bank is the official bank of the Exhibition, offering terrible exchange rates for all the major currencies. A row of tellers stand behind windows mounted on a long, thin counter, and process exhibition-goers transactions with indifference. The rotunda is back to the southeast.
  
  The only teller you can see in the crowded bank is the one nearest the door. She processes customers with a grim efficiency, the line in front of her window stretching nearly to the entrance of the bank.
  
  The Northern Trust Bank.
  
  > enter the line
  You cue up in line.
  
  The line barely moves.
  
  > Continue
  You continue to wait in line.
  
  Perhaps the line is moving, perhaps not; it's difficult to say.
  
  > continue
  You continue to wait in line.
  
  You move forward in line.
  
  > examine the line
  It looks like you're in for a bit of a wait.
  
  You wait in line.
  
  > kill the line
  What do you want to attack it with?
  
  > check your inventory
  You have a case dossier, a bill of draft, and a guidebook. The case dossier seems to contain a crime scene note, a description of Greenback Bob, a description of Delbras, a list of stolen diamonds, and a detailed crime report.
  
  You move forward in line.
  
  > read the book
  It's the Official Guide to the World's Columbian Exposition that was sent ahead to you to familiarize yourself with the fairgrounds. You can look up buildings and monuments for more detailed information about them, if you like.
  
  > look up midway in Guide
  You flip open the guidebook and read.
  
  Midway Plaisance extends from the grounds of the World's Columbian Exposition to Washington Park, and covers an area of 80 acres. The exhibits on Midway Plaisance are made by concessionaires, although some of them are endorsed and even owned by foreign governments. Admission fees are charged to many of them. They have no connection with the Exposition proper except as side attractions. Near the western approach is the great Ferris Wheel, from which bird's eye views may be had of the entire Exposition. This to some extent, takes the place of an Eiffel tower. Visitors are hurled 250 feet into the air, in cars similar to coaches in construction.
  
  The tellers are all very busy. They do work very fast, however.
  
  > look up rotunda in Guide
  You flip open the guidebook and read. After browsing for a few moments, you determine there isn't an entry for that topic.
  
  There's only one customer in front of you.
  
  > look up Ferris Wheel in Guide
  You flip open the guidebook and read. You flip open the guidebook and read. After browsing for a few moments, you determine there isn't an entry for that topic.
  
  The last customer between you and the teller leaves. You step forward, and feel a sharp elbow in your stomach as an old lady cuts in front of you and slaps down her money.
  
  > wait
  Time passes...
  
  "Ah'd like to break this hunnert," she says, and the young teller mechanically smiles and does so, hardly noticing the old woman is there at all.
  
  > wait
  Time passes...
  
  The old lady hobbles off. The teller looks through you. "May I help you?"
  
  > give the draft to the teller
  The teller mechanically takes your bill of draft, and hands you an envelope containing your spending stipend for the day. "Thank you sir, and have a nice day," she says listlessly.
  
  > look at the stipend
  It's an envelope containing your small daily stipend. Right now you have plenty of money in the envelope.
  
  > look
  The Northern Trust Bank. 
  
  This branch of the Northern Trust Bank is the official bank of the Exhibition, offering terrible exchange rates for all the major currencies. A row of tellers stand behind windows mounted on a long, thin counter, and process exhibition-goers transactions with indifference. The rotunda is back to the southeast.
  
  The only teller you can see in the crowded bank is the one nearest the door. She processes customers with a grim efficiency, the line in front of her window stretching nearly to the entrance of the bank.
  
  > East
  You are in the Court of Honor, on a grand plaza which surrounds the Administration Building, which here opens up to a glorious vista the likes of which you have never seen nor imagined before. It is a great city which stands before you, each building of monolithic size and classical design. The buildings of this great city surround a man-made basin to rival the size of some lakes. This is the fabled 'White City,' built a mere twenty years after the tragic Chicago Fire left the city in ruins.
  
  The Administration Building takes a commanding position at the western end of the Grand Basin. Standing directly in front of the eastern entrance to the building is a statue of Columbus, in whose honor the fair has been dedicated. Directly across from him, an elaborate fountain rises from the basin waters, dozens of figures standing, sitting, and rowing in a boat the discoverer himself would have been proud to command. At the other end of the basin the emblem of the fair stands: a gilt sculpture of a woman, fair Columbia, climbing magnificently to a height of sixty-five feet above the basin waters. The plaza continues to the north and south, toward more monumental buildings.
  
  Looking East onto the White City.
  
  > examine Columbia
  Which columbia do you mean, the MacMonnies Fountain, or the statue of The Republic?
  
  > look at the statue
  Which statue do you mean, the Columbus statue, the Diana sculpture, or the statue of The Republic?
  
  > examine Statue of the Republic
  Statue of the Republic. 
  
  The Statue of the Republic is a sixty-five foot tall woman, on a pedestal. The woman wears a loose robe, and holds a staff in one hand and a globe with an eagle resting upon it in the other. She faces west, towards the Administration Building. The entire statue is gilded a brilliant gold.
  
  > Time
  The time is now 10:42 a.m. on Monday.
  
  > Go east
  You stand at the western edge of the Columbian Basin, admiring the MacMonnies fountain directly before you.
  
  > look
  Looking East onto the White City. 
  
  You are in the Court of Honor, on a grand plaza which surrounds the Administration Building, which here opens up to a glorious vista the likes of which you have never seen nor imagined before. It is a great city which stands before you, each building of monolithic size and classical design. The buildings of this great city surround a man-made basin to rival the size of some lakes. This is the fabled 'White City,' built a mere twenty years after the tragic Chicago Fire left the city in ruins.
  
  The Administration Building takes a commanding position at the western end of the Grand Basin. Standing directly in front of the eastern entrance to the building is a statue of Columbus, in whose honor the fair has been dedicated. Directly across from him, an elaborate fountain rises from the basin waters, dozens of figures standing, sitting, and rowing in a boat the discoverer himself would have been proud to command. At the other end of the basin the emblem of the fair stands: a gilt sculpture of a woman, fair Columbia, climbing magnificently to a height of sixty-five feet above the basin waters. The plaza continues to the north and south, toward more monumental buildings.
  
  > go north
  Court of Honor, South side of Electricity Building
  You are in a grand plaza. Directly to the north stands the Electricity Building, its portico and entryway illustrated with sculpture groups which seem to promise to reveal the discoveries of modern science within. In front of the Electricity Building is a tall, bronze statue of Benjamin Franklin.
  
  An octagonal bandstand sits in the plaza here. You can see its identical twin to the south. The plaza continues to the west, east, and south.
  
  South Entrance of Electricity Building.
  
  > examine Statue
  The Franklin Statue. 
  
  Benjamin Franklin stands heroically in front of the Electricity Building, his chest out and his head up, his eyes looking toward heaven. In one hand he clutches a kite, in the other, a key. A plaque at the base of the statue declares in latin that he has "Torn the scepter from the hands of the King of Heaven."
  
  > take the key
  It would be very difficult to take the key and kite, since they are part of the statue.
  
  > Go north
  This building is said to contain every electrical apparatus and concern thus far developed by man, the whole worlds collective effort in this field having been collected, organized, and displayed for the general public. This main aisle extends into the building to the north and out onto the Court of Honor, south. To the east and west are exhibits from General Electric and American Bell Telephone, respectively.
  
  Electric Avenue, Looking North.
  
  > Go east
  new phonographic cylinders and other recent inventions from Thomas Alva Edison. Featured in the exhibit is something called a Kinetoscope, which it is claimed can generate "moving pictures." A bust of the great inventor presides over the collection.
  
  General Electric Exhibits.
  
  > look at the bust
  He looks rather paternal in this bust.
  
  > examine Kinetoscope
  Kinetoscope. 
  
  The Kinetoscope is nearly the height of a man. Near the top are lenses which you can look through, like a pair of glasses.
  
  > look through the lenses
  The Sneeze. 
  
  Looking through the lens, you see Thomas Edison, almost as if he were really there! He sneezes, and the short film ends.
  
  > listen
  The hum of electricity, the crackle of energy, makes the building feel almost alive.
  
  > Go east
  You can leave the General Electric exhibit to the west.
  
  > Go west
  A small classic structure with a row of Ionic pillars contains the American Bell Telephone exhibit. You ascend a short flight of steps between two guardian sphinx to enter this golden pavilion. Once inside, you see photographs on the walls depicting inventors and prominent businessmen who are associated with American Bell. Along the far wall is a bank of multi-colored phones, said to be connected, long distance, to various places on the east coast. The main hall is back to the east.
  
  American Bell Telephone Exhibit.
  
  > look at the photographs
  Alexander Graham Bell. 
  
  Most prominent among the photos is a picture of Alexander Graham Bell, himself.
  
  > look at the phone
  Which phone do you mean, the black phone, the green phone, the blue phone, the yellow phone, or the red phone?
  
  > pick up the black phone
  You pick up the black phone and put it to your ear.
  
  "Hello, detective," a low voice says on the other end of the phone.
  "I do hope you're enjoying our little scavenger hunt."
  
  > listen
  The hum of electricity, the crackle of energy, makes the building feel almost alive.
  
  > ask about the diamonds
  (the voice)
  "Looking for the diamonds, are you? Well, I've hidden them, of course. I left a note for you. Why don't you read it? If you have more specific questions after reading it, feel free to ask."
  
  > ask about Ida
  (the voice)
  "Ida? A real swimmer, that girl. But she doesn't like waves, particularly."
  
  > ask about the queen
  (the voice)
  "Do you expect me to tell you everything?" he asks, coughing momentarily.
  
  > ask about Dennis
  (the voice)
  "He likes spelunking. That means he likes exploring caves. Perhaps you should take to it yourself."
  
  > ask about Adam
  (the voice)
  "Have you read in the paper about that man getting gored by a bull? Poor, poor man. He could probably tell you where Adam is, were he still capable of speech."
  
  > ask about Owen
  (the voice)
  "Young Owen. So industrious! So interested in the workings of Government. In fact, he studied it to the exclusion of all else."
  
  > ask about Mary
  (the voice)
  "Ahh, Mary. Quite the amateur Anthropologist."
  
  > ask about Neal
  (the voice)
  "Neal likes to ride the rails. You know, trains. But he likes to do it in comfort. None of those cheap, poorly built cars for Neal. Only the best."
  
  > ask about the dolores
  (the voice)
  "You know, the Women's Board of Connecticut put together a wonderful exhibit of Harriet Beecher Stowe's works. It is one of Connecticut's finest contributions to the fair."
  
  > ask the voice about the voice
  "Do you expect me to tell you everything?" he asks, coughing momentarily.
  
  > ask about the Mother
  (the voice)
  "I will never tell where Mother is. Sorry, you will just have to find her on your own."
  
  > hang up
  You place the black phone back on its cradle.
  
  > Time
  The time is now 11:17 a.m. on Monday.
  
  > Go west
  You can exit the American Bell Telephone exhibit to the east.
  
  > go south
  You are in the Court of Honor, on a grand plaza which surrounds the Administration Building, which here opens up to a glorious vista the likes of which you have never seen nor imagined before. It is a great city which stands before you, each building of monolithic size and classical design. The buildings of this great city surround a man-made basin to rival the size of some lakes. This is the fabled 'White City,' built a mere twenty years after the tragic Chicago Fire left the city in ruins.
  
  The Administration Building takes a commanding position at the western end of the Grand Basin. Standing directly in front of the eastern entrance to the building is a statue of Columbus, in whose honor the fair has been dedicated. Directly across from him, an elaborate fountain rises from the basin waters, dozens of figures standing, sitting, and rowing in a boat the discoverer himself would have been proud to command. At the other end of the basin the emblem of the fair stands: a gilt sculpture of a woman, fair Columbia, climbing magnificently to a height of sixty-five feet above the basin waters. The plaza continues to the north and south, toward more monumental buildings.
  A tour guide is here, gathering a group together for a tour.
  
  Looking East onto the White City. 
  
  "We will be starting in just a few minutes! Please gather 'round, now, gather 'round!"
  
  > look at the tour
  Tour Guide. 
  
  He looks quite enthusiastic. His eyes sparkle with excitement.
  
  "Guided tour of the Court of Honor! Right here!" the man shouts.
  
  > Time
  The time is now 11:22 a.m. on Monday.
  
  > talk to Guide
  Which guide do you mean, the guidebook, or the tour guide?
  
  > ask the tour guide about the Midway
  "Please save all questions until the end of the tour. Thank you."
  
  "Guided tour of the Court of Honor!" the man shouts. "See the wonder of the age!"
  
  > examine group
  Which group do you mean, the sculptural groups, or the crowd?
  
  > look at the crowd
  You scan the crowd for suspicious characters.
  
  "We will begin the tour in five minutes!" the man shouts. "Bring your appetite with you, we will be stopping off for a quick snack, and you won't want to miss it!"
  
  > look at the sculptural groups
  Water Uncontrolled. 
  
  Sculptural groups of three figures apiece stand on either side of the entrance to the Administration building. In one, the figures are being swallowed by a flood, in the other, the main figure rides in a boat upon the water.
  
  "Guided tour of the Court of Honor! Right here!" the man shouts.
  
  > look at what you're carrying with you
  You have a case dossier, a guidebook, and a small daily stipend. The case dossier seems to contain a crime scene note, a description of Greenback Bob, a description of Delbras, a list of stolen diamonds, and a detailed crime report.
  
  "Guided tour of the Court of Honor!" the man shouts. "See the wonder of the age!"
  
  > look
  Looking East onto the White City. 
  
  You are in the Court of Honor, on a grand plaza which surrounds the Administration Building, which here opens up to a glorious vista the likes of which you have never seen nor imagined before. It is a great city which stands before you, each building of monolithic size and classical design. The buildings of this great city surround a man-made basin to rival the size of some lakes. This is the fabled 'White City,' built a mere twenty years after the tragic Chicago Fire left the city in ruins.
  
  The Administration Building takes a commanding position at the western end of the Grand Basin. Standing directly in front of the eastern entrance to the building is a statue of Columbus, in whose honor the fair has been dedicated. Directly across from him, an elaborate fountain rises from the basin waters, dozens of figures standing, sitting, and rowing in a boat the discoverer himself would have been proud to command. At the other end of the basin the emblem of the fair stands: a gilt sculpture of a woman, fair Columbia, climbing magnificently to a height of sixty-five feet above the basin waters. The plaza continues to the north and south, toward more monumental buildings.
  A tour guide is here, gathering a group together for a tour.
  
  A small crowd of people have gathered around the man. "Allow me to introduce myself," he says, "My name is James Shepp, and I will be your guide today as we explore today majestic fair.
  
  > look
  Looking East onto the White City. 
  
  You are in the Court of Honor, on a grand plaza which surrounds the Administration Building, which here opens up to a glorious vista the likes of which you have never seen nor imagined before. It is a great city which stands before you, each building of monolithic size and classical design. The buildings of this great city surround a man-made basin to rival the size of some lakes. This is the fabled 'White City,' built a mere twenty years after the tragic Chicago Fire left the city in ruins.
  
  The Administration Building takes a commanding position at the western end of the Grand Basin. Standing directly in front of the eastern entrance to the building is a statue of Columbus, in whose honor the fair has been dedicated. Directly across from him, an elaborate fountain rises from the basin waters, dozens of figures standing, sitting, and rowing in a boat the discoverer himself would have been proud to command. At the other end of the basin the emblem of the fair stands: a gilt sculpture of a woman, fair Columbia, climbing magnificently to a height of sixty-five feet above the basin waters. The plaza continues to the north and south, toward more monumental buildings.
  A tour guide is here, gathering a group together for a tour.
  
  "Let me do a brief headcount before we get underway," he says, and points to each person in the crowd, counting off. "One, two, three,..." he begins, pointing at you to say, "8."
  
  > say 8
  I don't know how to say the number 8.
  
  "Well. Let's begin, shall we?" says the tour guide. "For the next hour, we will be wandering through sights you have never seen before, visions which will arrest your eyes and seize your mind with their power. We will be looking at the buildings and sculptures surrounding the Grand Basin. A court greater than that of any king of any nation in the world." He turns around, facing the Grand Basin. "I present to you, The Court of Honor." He pauses for dramatic effect.
  
  > examine Basin
  The basin waters flow in from a canal to the north and out into the harbor through the Peristyle. All around the basin stand the classically inspired buildings of the Fair.
  
  "We look onto a scene over which the gods might linger, and dream that heaven had descended to earth, and that once again man walked sinless in Eden. Well may every American be proud of the genius of his countrymen, which has called this wondrous creation from the trembling swamp."
  
  > wait
  Time passes...
  
  "In any atmosphere, in any weather the scene is inexpressibly lovely, he says. "When the mists of morning curtain the buildings they have a far-away appearance and every detail is softened, and when the sun rises, gradually the mist falls lower and lower like filmy garments cast off from the gleaming limbs of goddesses."
  
  > wait
  Time passes...
  
  The tour guide turns back to the crowd. "Now, let's turn our attention toward the centerpiece of the Grand Basin: the Columbian Fountain. Go ahead, take a look at it." The crowd moves forward for a better view.
  
  > examine columbian Fountain
  The Columbian Fountain. 
  
  The MacMonnies Founain is the largest fountain in the world. No less than thirty seven figures are included in the amazing sculpture. The central element of the fountain is a large ship, with eight maidens, four to a side, rowing great oars. The ship is steered by a muscular, beared man, and a winged trumpteter stands at the prow. On a central throne, elevated above the rest, sits Columbia herself, in regal repose. All around the boat dolphins, mermaids, and sea horses with riders raise triumphantly from the waters.
  
  "He gestures towards the fountain. "Though the fountain is imposing in itself, close examination reveals the most delicate and subtle handling. It is like a large piece of exquisite jewelry. We will look at the fountain again, from a better angle, for now, let us proceed with the tour. Follow me!" he shouts, and heads south.
  
  > Go south
  Court of Honor, Southern Bandstand
  You are in a grand plaza, which continues to the north, east, and west. Directly to the south stands the mammoth Machinery Hall, but there is no entrance here. The Administration Building is to the northwest.
  
  In this end of the plaza sits a white octogonal bandstand. You can see its twin a little ways to the north.
  A tour guide is here, surrounded by a group of fairgoers.
  
  Court of Honor, Looking North. 
  
  "We are standing at the Northeast corner of Machinery Hall," the guide says. "Take a look now at the building, surely one of the leviathans of the Exposition. Let your eye pass over the almost cathedral-like exterior."
  
  > look at Machinery Hall
  The Corinthian colonnade which makes up the northern facade of Machinery Hall continues here, unbroken. Further east, you see one of the building's corner pavilions. To the west is the northern entrance to the hall, a semi-circular portico with Corinthian columns, with towers on either side.
  
  The guide continues. "Tall spires rise in the center of the structure, to the west, and graceful domes cap the two extremities, one of which rises before us here. Long rows of graceful pillars lend lightness and harmony to the two facades, and form a fitting background for the beauties of the Court of Honor. You can't see them well from here, but atop the towers on either side of each entrance are winged victories, huge draped figures, yet of such nice harmony that they seem to spring out into the air in very abandon of joy."
  
  > wait
  Time passes...
  
  "One never tires of looking at those beautiful towers, and when this vast building crumbles, as alas! it must all too soon, many will remember its beautiful and imposing entrances. Don't forget to visit them after the tour. And now, if you will follow me --" the guide heads east.
  
  > Go east
  The South Canal interrupts the Court of Honor here, at the
  northeast corner of Machinery Hall. A bridge crosses the canal to the east. A wide road heads south between the canal and the side of Machinery Hall. The front of Machinery Hall is to the west.
  
  A tangle of ugly pipes marks the location of one of the electric fountains, which stay off during most of the day. Next to the fountain stands a rostral column, at the top of which stands a statue of Neptune. Another fountain, the MacMonnies Fountain, is visible to the north.
  A tour guide is here, surrounded by a group of fairgoers.
  
  Electric Fountain. 
  
  "Here," the guide gestures north, "is one of the electric fountains, now quiet, but only waiting for the shades of night to fall, to flash and gleam with radiant splendor. But keep looking, past the electric fountain, to the Columbian Fountain, which we can now admire in profile in some detail."
  
  > examine columbian Fountain
  The Columbian Fountain. 
  
  The MacMonnies Founain is the largest fountain in the world. No less than thirty seven figures are included in the amazing sculpture. The central element of the fountain is a large ship, with eight maidens, four to a side, rowing great oars. The ship is steered by a muscular, beared man, and a winged trumpteter stands at the prow. On a central throne, elevated above the rest, sits Columbia herself, in regal repose. All around the boat dolphins, mermaids, and sea horses with riders raise triumphantly from the waters.
  
  "The idea of the Columbian Fountain is as felicitous as its execution. High on a barge of state, Columbia sits enthroned. The barge is rowed by eight young goddesses, who typify the arts and sciences. They seem instinct with life. Surely not mortal blood but the ichor of the gods must animate these lissome, glowing limbs!" the guide gets louder and more animated as he continues. "Gracefully they bend to their work, each head turned in a natural position, and showing a face full of delicate charm. They handle the long oars with the ease of practiced rowers, and one looks to see the barge glide over the crystal waters like a thing of life and beauty."
  
  > wait
  Time passes...
  
  "And look!" the guide suddenly shouts, pointing at the fountain.
  "Old Father Time is at the helm. His long beard sweeps like foam across his muscular breast. As he leans backward, bearing on the tiller, the splendid muscles of his arms and limbs are revealed.
  There is no sign of decrepitude here, but an aspect of sustained vigor that seems to defy the ravages of eras and aeons."
  
  > Continue
  Time passes...
  
  "And look again!" the guide shouts, the crowd murmuring in excitement. "A winged trumpeterstands at the prow with one foot advanced to the extreme point of the barge. She seems impatient to follow the sound of her trumpet, and to leap upon the golden shore of some far land."
  
  > wait
  Time passes...
  
  "High up in the center, on a chair of state, Columbia sits, calm, massive, complacent, oblivious to all beneath her," the guide says, quieting a bit, still staring at the Columbian Fountain in reverence. Then he picks up again. "Mighty tritons upon massive steeds rise from the water as though to pay homage to the glorious galley and its god-like crew. The men and steeds are full of the very passion of life; the mere sight of them makes the blood tingle in the veins." He turns back to the tour group. "The MacMonnies fountain is an inspiration; it is one of those perfect things that hold their place in the mind, and exercise a gentle tyranny over it. We feel like judging all other objects in sculpture by this perfect standard, and almost envy the sculptor his success. Come -- we have much more to see." And with that, he heads east.
  
  > Go east
  sculptures of animals native to North America; on the west side of the bridge are two bison, on the east; a pair of moose. The canal empties into the basin to the north; you can see that it ends a short distance to the south, where an imposing obelisk juts out from the waters.
  A tour guide is here, surrounded by a group of fairgoers.
  
  South Canal Bridge, Looking East. 
  
  "We stand together on a bridge spanning the southern canal, like those built over the Seine by Napoleon. If I can direct your attention to the end of the canal, toward the Colonnade which spans the distance between Machinery Hall and Agriculture, forming as it were three sides of a hollow square, with the bridge making the fourth." The guide gestures south.
  
  > look at Canal
  The canal waters flow into the Columbian Basin.
  
  "The canal in the center reflects like a mirror the statuary and the beautiful buildings on either side. There is hardly a prettier bit of scenery on the grounds than this; all that art could do to make it beautiful has been accomplished. Directly at the southern end of the canal, facing the central arch of the Colonnade, a reproduction of Cleopatra's Needle towers to a great height. The arch of the Colonnade, directly beyond, forms the grand entrance to a station of the Intramural Railway. The live-stock pavilion is immediately in the rear. The whole forms a very tasteful piece of architecture, and makes a beautiful background for the Canal and the many statues that adorn its borders." He turns to the group. "Follow me, please," he says, and heads east.
  
  > go to the east
  A bridge crosses the canal to the west. To the south, a road
  squeezes between the canal and the side of the Agriculture Building. The front of the building is to your east. Standing here near the northeast corner of Agriculture is a rostral column, at the very top of which stands a sculpture of Neptune, holding a giant conch shell. The basin is to the north, and beyond it you can hardly miss the largest building in the world: the Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building.
  A tour guide is here, surrounded by a group of fairgoers.
  
  North Side of Agriculture Building, Looking East. 
  
  "We are standing in the shadow of the Agriculture Building, now," the guide says, "but before we take a look at the magnificent structure, I would like everyone to turn around and gaze upon the Administration Building, seen from this angle in its finest form. The pride and glory of the fair."
  
  > examine Administration Building
  The Administration Building. 
  
  The large, gilded dome of the Administration Building is a proud monument of the Fair, towering over the other buildings in the Court of Honor and visible from most anywhere on the grounds. The building itself is constructed in three stages, each stacked upon the other like a cake. The bottom stage consists of four large pavilions, one at each corner, with entryways between. The second stage of the building is ringed with an open Ionic colonnade, the white columns contrasting vividly with the red walls behind them. The third stage is the golden dome, which rises over 250 feet above the ground.
  
  The guide quietly admires the Administration Building for a moment. "Words would be inadequate, we must make do with our eyes alone."
  
  > examine Neptune
  Rostral Column, Surmounted by Statue of Neptune. 
  
  The column is decorated with representations of boats, sticking out of it like spikes, each prow and stern masterfully carved. At the top of the column, far over the heads of the crowd, stands Neptune, clutching his trident.
  
  The tour guide turns away from the group to face the Agriculture Building. "Some of you may be reminded, when looking at the Agriculture Building, of the Duomo of Milan with its profusion of statuary, though of course the architecture is completely different. It's front stretches for 800 feet along the Grand Basin; presenting a forest of pillars, looking as though it has been carved out of a mountain of snow."
  
  > examine agricultural Building
  The stately and Roman-style Agricultural Building is a powerful presence on the southern side of the Basin. You stand near one of the great corner pavilions of the structure, the symmetric facades of the building, comprised of Ionic columns within arched recesses, extend both east and south from here toward grand entrances. The corner pavilion is topped by a sculpture group of four women, supporting a hollow globe ringed with signs of the zodiac.
  
  "Directly in front of us is one of the four corner pavilions of the building, the domes of which rise to a height of some ninety-six feet. The tops of the domes are surmounted by statuary, in this case 'The Races of Man' by Martini." the guide gestures toward the top of the corner pavilion.
  
  > look at the globe
  'The Races of Man' by Philip Martini. 
  
  The sculpture depicts four women, of seemingly identical features, with their arms stretched out above their heads, their garments loosely wrapped around them, their upper bodies mostly exposed. They stand in a circle, facing outwards, and in the middle, as if supported on their backs, is a hollow globe ringed by signs of the zodiac.
  
  "Martini's group may remind us of the group in the center of the Monumental Fountain in the Luxembourg Gardens by Carpeaux, but it is by no means an imitation, on the contrary, it has many original features. Martini's work has much more airy lightness than Carpeaux's. The figures in Martini's sculpture represent the four races, or in other words, the four principal families of the human race, inhabiting Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. The globe implies that the figures beneath it stand for all the races of the world. The bodies are all young and lithe, the draperies winding about them in a singular graceful fashion. As an interesting side note, Martini only used one figure for the group and added different heads as his time was too short to allow work on other models."
  
  > wait
  Time passes...
  
  The guide turns back to the assembled group. "Martini has accomplished an enormous amount of work in addition to these sculptures, and has done a great deal toward rendering the Agriculture Building one of the finest of the Fair. He has shown an extraordinary and fertile imagination, directed by excellent good sense and disciplined taste. Such masterly productions in every instance speak well for the future decoration of American cities and public buildings. Let's move on, shall we?" he finishes, and heads to the east, tour group in tow.
  
  > go east
  Court of Honor, North Side of Agriculture Building
  The Romanesque-style Agriculture Building stands immediately to the south, its central dome reaching 130 feet from the ground. Its entrance is framed by Corinthian columns, and decorated by allegorical figures, surrounded by grain and fruit, and rising above them the branching horns of an oxen. A large sculpture of Diana tops the building's central dome. Directly to the north, a boat landing extends out into the basin, between two life-sized statues of oxen facing out toward Manufactures and Liberal Arts on the opposite side. A guide is here, leading a tour group through the grounds.
  
  North Entrance of Agriculture Building. 
  
  The guide pauses for a moment while the group collects around him. "I'm feeling a bit hungry, aren't you?" he says, to murmurs of approval. "Well, this is the Agriculture building, is it not? Inside its walls are displayed all of the myriad ways mankind has learned to bring food from the earth. It's a bit too crowded to go in at the moment, but I've planned ahead and arranged a bit of a sampler for everyone." He gestures to a couple boys waiting in the vestibule. They come out, with trays filled with a variety of food samples. They hand out the food to each member of the tour. One of them hands you a warm waffle, folded in half, and filled with sweet jam. It looks delicious.
  
  > look at the waffle
  It's a large waffle, folded over and filled with jam.
  
  "While everyone is eating," the guide says, "I direct your attention to the two cow statues standing in front of the building, looking out over the basin."
  
  > eat the waffle
  It's quite sweet and delicious. You devour it all too quickly.
  
  "The statue is titled 'Plenty.' Look at the woman in this sculpture, she how she appears in perfect harmony with the noble animal she leans against; she is not of the goddess type; no serene mystery envelops her; there is no atmosphere of majesty about her; this is a simple countrywoman, such as one might see any day in the year in rural regions," the guide explains, reaching out and touching the statue, briefly. "How strong, yet proportionate, the arms! How large and flexible the hands! In her face we see that dreamy look, common to those who are much alone in the fields. In ancient times the daughters of kings and princes attended cattle, so that this figure is quite in keeping with history."
  
  > look at the cows
  'Plenty.' 
  
  You take a moment to examine one of the sculptures. This one represents a simple countrywoman, leaning against a great and sturdy cow. The cow gazes serenely into the distance. The woman wears a rough hide, fashioned into a primitive dress, and has a dreamy, relaxed expression.
  
  "The cow against which the woman leans," the guide continues, "is perhaps a little too modern for the figure; it is of the Holstein breed, chosen probably on account of its massive proportions; it is full-fed, sleek and beautiful, with a grand head and great, mild eyes. The olden Greeks showed an excellent appreciation of beauty when they called the Queen of Olympus, 'The Ox-eyed Juno,' for nothing can equal the expressive mildness of the eye of a cow or an ox. And now, if everyone has finished eating...?" he pauses. "Good. Please follow me." He walks off to the east.
  
  > go east
  You are at the northeast corner of the Agriculture Building. In
  the basin directly to the north, you see the proud profile of the Statue of the Republic. The plaza continues east toward the Peristyle and Casino Building, and west across the northern face of the Agriculture Building. To the south, a plaza opens up along the eastern side of Agriculture.
  A guide is here, leading a tour group through the grounds.
  
  Casino Building. 
  
  "Now we come to the east end of the Court of Honor," the tour guide says, gesturing broadly. "The Agriculture Building stands behind us, to the southwest, the Casino Building ahead, to the southeast. Directly east is the great Peristyle, which closes off the Court of Honor from Lake Michigan just beyond. Before we go further towards the Peristyle, however, I would like to direct your attention to the giant statue your eye has no doubt already drifted to many times before on our tour: The Statue of the Republic, rising out of the Grand Basin just to the north and east of our current position."
  
  > look at Statue of the Republic
  Statue of the Republic. 
  
  The Statue of the Republic is a sixty-five foot tall woman, on a pedestal. The woman wears a loose robe, and holds a staff in one hand and a globe with an eagle resting upon it in the other. She faces west, towards the Administration Building. The entire statue is gilded a brilliant gold.
  
  "The 'Republic' is by sculptor Daniel Chester French, who won the medal in last year's Paris Salon for his splendid work, 'Death and the Sculptor,' which incidentally can be seen on display in the Art Palace on the north end of the grounds. The award was a very rare instance of such an honor being bestowed on an American sculptor for a purely American work."
  
  > examine the globe
  'The Races of Man' by Philip Martini. 
  
  The sculpture depicts four women, of seemingly identical features, with their arms stretched out above their heads, their garments loosely wrapped around them, their upper bodies mostly exposed. They stand in a circle, facing outwards, and in the middle, as if supported on their backs, is a hollow globe ringed by signs of the zodiac.
  
  The tour guide opens his arms wide, as if he would embrace the Statue of the Republic, if only it were close enough. "Sheer out of the water, the statue rises to a height of sixty-five feet. It is a majestic figure of a woman so admirably proportioned that the mere size counts for little in the observer's mind. Her face is full of power and repose. Not such repose as one sees in the awful visage of the Sphynx, its calm eyes looking out upon the Libyan sands, but the repose of certain force inherent in the nature of the god-like woman. No nobler idea could be conceived in the conscious yet gracious power of a great nation whose majesty the statue so well represents."
  
  > wait
  Time passes...
  
  "Even Greece, with her beautiful violet sky and exquisite color tone," the guide says, "could not furnish a better surrounding for such a statue than the present site affords. With the lovely arch of the peristyle, crowned with the quadriga in the background, it is a sight for the gods. Come, lets get a closer look at that peristyle, now." He waves everyone forward, to the east.
  
  > go east
  complex: A long, double colonnade with a statue-lined roof, flanked by identical pavilions. In the center of the Peristyle is a large triumphal arch, called the Water Gate, under which basin waters flow into Lake Michigan. You are standing in an open plaza, just next to the Peristyle. To the north is the Water Gate, and to the south stands the southern pavilion, which has been dubbed "The Casino." The Casino is simply a pre-boarding waiting area for those leaving the fairgrounds by steamer. The Court of Honor extends back toward the west.
  A guide is here, leading a tour group through the grounds.
  
  Looking East towards Peristyle. 
  
  "The Peristyle is one of the crowning beauties of the Exposition; it connects Music Hall with the Casino, and lends an artistic finish to the Grand Basin, and the wonderful buildings around it," the guide says. "It gives one some idea of the beautiful architecture of ancient Greece and Rome, and while the American genius is said to be purely practical, it proves that the esthetic sense is by no means dormant. Five hundred feet long, and 150 feet high; yet, despite its vastness, its classic beauty is incontestable."
  
  > look
  Looking East towards Peristyle. 
  
  complex: A long, double colonnade with a statue-lined roof, flanked by identical pavilions. In the center of the Peristyle is a large triumphal arch, called the Water Gate, under which basin waters flow into Lake Michigan. You are standing in an open plaza, just next to the Peristyle. To the north is the Water Gate, and to the south stands the southern pavilion, which has been dubbed "The Casino." The Casino is simply a pre-boarding waiting area for those leaving the fairgrounds by steamer. The Court of Honor extends back toward the west.
  A guide is here, leading a tour group through the grounds.
  
  The guide continues to rhapsodize about the Peristyle. "So perfect is its workmanship; and so harmonious the setting, that it seems as though the Exposition was made for it, and not that it was made for the Exposition. In the pellucid floor of the Grand Basin it duplicates itself, and each pillar seems to tremble with joy at the contemplation of its own reflection; viewed in any light, it fascinates the gaze. How sweet it is to think that great things and great thoughts cannot die; that out of the raw young life of the prairies should spring this lovely bit of Grecian genius! And mounted on top, ladies and gentlemen -- the Columbus Quadriga."
  
  > wait
  Time passes...
  
  "The Columbian Quadriga is the joint work of Messrs. French and Potter, the figures being by the former and the horses by the latter. In the chariot, Columbus stands looking out into the far distance.
  His face bears traces of anxiety curbed by indomitable will. There is withal a certain dreaminess in the face, well-befitting a man who has pondered so long in solitude the great projects he afterwards developed."
  
  You hear a muffled explosion in the distance, from somewhere off to the southeast.
  
  > go to the southeast
  You can walk north along the Peristyle or west toward the Agriculture Building.
  
  The guide continues to describe the Columbus Quadriga. "Four noble war-horses are harnessed to the chariot. Every point of the finest blood is admirably brought out by Mr. Potter. Massive as they are, the small heads and ears betoken the Andalusian blood, which is hardly removed from the best Arab stock. They are led by female grooms, who look fully as spirited as the animals they restrain. They may be said to be perfect models of Grecian beauty, quite different from the 'Republic,' which has more of the Roman caste of beauty. Their beautifully moulded arms show to great advantage in the pose they assume, which throws out their finely modelled busts. There is an air of nobility about the whole group, and along with the 'Republic' and the Columbian Fountain, ranks as the very best sculpture this Exposition has to offer."
  
  "And now if you'll follow me, please," the guide says, and heads off to the north.
  
  > go west
  You are at the northeast corner of the Agriculture Building. In
  the basin directly to the north, you see the proud profile of the Statue of the Republic. The plaza continues east toward the Peristyle and Casino Building, and west across the northern face of the Agriculture Building. To the south, a plaza opens up along the eastern side of Agriculture.
  
  Casino Building.
  
  > Go south
  The Court of Honor ends here at an inlet, which draws Lake Michigan waters into a pond further to the south. Docked at the inlet are scale reconstructions of the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria. It appears as though the Santa Maria can be boarded, if you wanted to get a closer look. To the east begins a long pier, along which runs a moveable sidewalk. Or at least, one hopes it will one day run; currently the moveable sidewalk appears to be closed for repairs. The Court of Honor is to the north, to the south a road cuts between the Agriculture Building and the narrow inlet, and directly to the west stands the Agriculture Building.
  
  Santa Maria in front of Agricultural Building.
  
  > Go east
  The movable sidewalk is closed for repairs.