Cirrus@Austlit

Imagine yourself dead! A strange request, surely, and yet one that is made to the central character in each story of this remarkable series. To Mr. Chubb, whose adventures form the theme of the incident related below, was put this singular demand, with results that - well you must read the story and find out for yourself.

There are, unfortunately, many Septimus Chubbs in this world, and far too many, who, though not possessing all the attributes of that unpleasant though prosperous merchant, are not entirely free from selfishness, greed, and intolerance. But, if each one of us fully realised the effect of our actions on others, there would be no need for a Rhadamanthus to startle us with the striking command that opens this forword.

Who was Rhadamanthus?

Far famed for his severe but impartial verdicts, he was, according to the belief of the ancient Greeks, one who sat in judgement upon the lives of the departed.

Before his dread dais they passed in melancholy review, and according to their actions on the world above was sentence passed upon them. Justice they could hope for, but not mercy.

Thousands of years have rolled by since belief in these myths died. It is a far cry from Ancient Greece to twentieth century Australia, but - suppose Rhadamanthus were to set up his court in our midst today - suppose that the citizens of this Commonwealth of ours were forced to appear before him and justify their lives, what then? This was, in effect, the problem that faced Mr Septimus Chubb, the Honorable John Wattletree, M.L.C., the Reverend Paul Bickerstaffe and several other estimable gentlemen. How they behaved in such trying circumstances, and what effect the judgment of Rhadamanthus had upon them, you will read in this and subsequent issues.