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| author | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-03-03 08:46:16 -0800 |
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| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-03-03 08:46:16 -0800 |
| commit | 9c608a7f79178d79d153c09f9afed1092588212e (patch) | |
| tree | f966b6646dc16dfdfea4db1c780f3b73b61330f3 /44534-h/44534-h.html | |
| parent | 1824bd7f26150e004094102bd15fe3a9bdb8a36e (diff) | |
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| -rw-r--r-- | 44534-h/44534-h.html | 10598 |
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- float: left; - margin-right: 1em } - -.align-right { clear: right; - float: right; - margin-left: 1em } - -.align-center { margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto } - -div.shrinkwrap { display: table; } - -/* SECTIONS */ - -body { margin: 5% 10% 5% 10% } - -/* compact list items containing just one p */ -li p.pfirst { margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0 } - -.first { margin-top: 0 !important; - text-indent: 0 !important } -.last { margin-bottom: 0 !important } - -span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } -img.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.5em 0 0; max-width: 25% } -span.dropspan { font-variant: small-caps } - -.no-page-break { page-break-before: avoid !important } - -/* PAGINATION */ - -.pageno { position: absolute; right: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.pageno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.lineno { position: absolute; left: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.lineno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.toc-pageref { float: right } - -@media screen { - .coverpage, .frontispiece, .titlepage, .verso, .dedication, .plainpage - { margin: 10% 0; } - - div.clearpage, div.cleardoublepage - { margin: 10% 0; border: none; border-top: 1px solid gray; } - - .vfill { margin: 5% 10% } -} - -@media print { - div.clearpage { page-break-before: always; padding-top: 10% } - div.cleardoublepage { page-break-before: right; padding-top: 10% } - - .vfill { margin-top: 20% } - h2.title { margin-top: 20% } -} - -/* DIV */ -pre { font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.9em; white-space: pre-wrap } -</style> -<title>A TRIP TO MARS</title> -<meta name="PG.Id" content="44534" /> -<meta name="PG.Title" content="A Trip to Mars" /> -<meta name="PG.Released" content="2013-12-28" /> -<meta name="PG.Rights" content="Public Domain" /> -<meta name="PG.Producer" content="Al Haines" /> -<meta name="DC.Creator" content="Fenton Ash" /> -<meta name="MARCREL.ill" content="W. H. C. Groome" /> -<meta name="DC.Title" content="A Trip to Mars" /> -<meta name="DC.Language" content="en" /> -<meta name="DC.Created" content="1909" /> -<link rel="coverpage" href="images/img-cover.jpg" /> - -<link rel="schema.DCTERMS" href="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" /> -<link rel="schema.MARCREL" href="http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/relators/" /> -<meta name="DCTERMS.title" content="A Trip to Mars" /> -<meta name="DCTERMS.source" content="file:///htdocs/ebookmaker/cache/20201220110856/mars.rst" /> -<meta name="DCTERMS.language" content="en" scheme="DCTERMS.RFC4646" /> -<meta name="DCTERMS.modified" content="2020-12-20T19:09:16.863518+00:00" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" /> -<meta name="DCTERMS.publisher" content="Project Gutenberg" /> -<meta name="DCTERMS.rights" content="Public Domain in the USA." /> -<link rel="DCTERMS.isFormatOf" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/44534" /> -<meta name="DCTERMS.creator" content="Fenton Ash" /> -<meta name="MARCREL.ill" content="W. H. C. Groome" /> -<meta name="DCTERMS.creator" content="Fenton Ash" /> -<meta name="DCTERMS.created" content="2013-12-28" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" /> -<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width" /> -<meta name="generator" content="Ebookmaker 0.10.1 by Project Gutenberg" /> -</head> -<body> -<div class="document" id="a-trip-to-mars"> -<h1 class="center document-title level-1 pfirst title"><span class="x-large">A TRIP TO MARS</span></h1> - -<!-- this is the default PG-RST stylesheet --> -<!-- figure and image styles for non-image formats --> -<!-- default transition --> -<!-- default attribution --> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="clearpage"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="docutils container language-en pgheader" id="pg-header" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States -and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no -restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it -under the terms of the </span><a class="reference internal" href="#project-gutenberg-license">Project Gutenberg License</a><span> included with -this ebook or online at </span><a class="reference external" href="https://www.gutenberg.org/license">https://www.gutenberg.org/license</a><span>. If you -are not located in the United States, you'll have to check the laws -of the country where you are located before using this ebook.</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<div class="docutils container" id="pg-machine-header"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>Title: A Trip to Mars -<br /> -<br />Author: Fenton Ash -<br /> -<br />Release Date: December 28, 2013 [EBook #44534] -<br /> -<br />Language: English -<br /> -<br />Character set encoding: UTF-8</span></p> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-start-line"><span>*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK </span><span>A TRIP TO MARS</span><span> ***</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-produced-by"><span>Produced by Al Haines.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span></span></p> -</div> -<div class="docutils container frontispiece"> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 75%" id="figure-51"> -<span id="they-returned-his-greeting-as-heartily-as-it-was-given"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="They returned his greeting as heartily as it was given" src="images/img-front.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">They returned his greeting as heartily as it was given.—</span><em class="italics">Front</em><span class="italics">. PAGE </span><a class="italics reference internal" href="#id1">91</a><span class="italics">.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<div class="docutils container titlepage"> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="x-large">A TRIP TO MARS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">By</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="large">FENTON ASH</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="small">Author of "The Radium Seekers"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">WITH SIX COLOURED ILLUSTRATIONS</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="small">by</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">W. H. C. Groome</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">LONDON: 38 Soho Square, W. -<br />W. & R. CHAMBERS, LIMITED -<br />EDINBURGH: 339 High Street -<br />Philadelphia: J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY -<br />1909</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="docutils container verso"> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">Edinburgh: -<br />Printed by W. & R. Chambers, Limited.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold large">PREFACE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>In the case of my former book—my first written for -young readers—I inserted a preface stating at some length -my reasons for taking up the writing of stories of the kind. -In it I pointed out that I had endeavoured to combine -amusement with a little wholesome instruction; and that -what might at first sight appear to be mere irresponsible -flights of fanciful imagination had, in reality, in all cases -some quasi-scientific foundation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Doubtless such a preface is unusual in a work of fiction, -and even more so in one intended chiefly for boys; but -the result proved that its intention was understood and -appreciated. I should show myself ungrateful indeed if I -omitted, at the first opportunity, to record my deep sense of -the kindly sympathy and approval with which that preface -and the whole book were received by those reviewers—and -they were many—who favoured my work with a notice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In this, my second attempt in the same direction, I am -conscious that I have set myself a difficult task, for it is not -an easy matter to give verisimilitude to a story of a visit to -another planet about which we necessarily know so little. -Yet astronomy as a study is so fascinating, its mysteries and -possibilities are so wonderful, so boundless, its influences so -elevating and ennobling, that little apology is needed for -any effort to attract the attention of youthful readers to it -by making it the subject of a romance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Amongst other difficulties the story-writer here meets -with, by no means the least confronts him when he is -called upon to decide which of various theories put forward -by different scientists he shall adopt as a starting-point. -Mars, for instance, may have an atmosphere which is like -ours, or one that is either thinner or denser, or it may -have no atmosphere at all. As to this nothing is known -with certainty, and the most learned authorities differ one -from another. In these circumstances, I have adopted the -supposition which seems best suited to my story—namely, -that the air there may be denser than it is on the surface of -our globe; but I do not wish to be understood as asserting it -as a fact. The same remark applies to the assumption that -diamonds or other precious stones do not exist naturally in -Mars. In regard to these two points, I have felt it may -be allowable, as children say, to 'make believe' a little in -forming a groundwork upon which to build up a story. -As to the rest, I have refrained, in deference to the -known prejudices of young people, from interjecting -constant scientific explanations in the course of the narrative. -Only sufficient has been introduced here and there to -justify the hope that none will sit down to its perusal -without getting up a little the wiser.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>We are all of us, as Sir Isaac Newton so aptly yet -reverently expressed it, 'only as children picking up pebbles -on the seashore while the great ocean of knowledge lies -stretched out before us.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>I shall be well satisfied if, in addition to affording pleasure -to youthful readers, I enable them to pick up incidentally -even so much as a few grains of the sand which lies beside -the pebbles upon that wondrous, glorious shore.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>THE AUTHOR.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold large">CONTENTS.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<ol class="upperroman simple"> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-fall-of-the-great-meteorite">THE FALL OF THE GREAT METEORITE</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#what-gerald-saw">WHAT GERALD SAW</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#strange-visitors">STRANGE VISITORS</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#gerald-carried-off">GERALD CARRIED OFF</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#king-ivanta">KING IVANTA</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-king-s-offer">THE KING'S OFFER</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#off-on-a-trip-to-mars">OFF ON A TRIP TO MARS</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-narrow-escape">A NARROW ESCAPE</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#armeath-s-secret">ARMEATH'S SECRET</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#captured-by-a-comet">CAPTURED BY A COMET</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#welcome-to-mars">'WELCOME TO MARS!'</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#prince-alondra">PRINCE ALONDRA</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-palace-in-the-clouds">THE PALACE IN THE CLOUDS</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#tom-clinch-s-statement">TOM CLINCH'S STATEMENT</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#hunting-the-great-mars-eagle">HUNTING THE GREAT MARS EAGLE</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#in-dire-peril">IN DIRE PERIL</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#lessons-in-flying">LESSONS IN FLYING</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-royal-progress">A ROYAL PROGRESS</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-daring-plot">A DARING PLOT</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-death-pool">THE DEATH POOL</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-secret-treasure-house">A SECRET TREASURE-HOUSE</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#malto">MALTO</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-foul-den">A FOUL DEN</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#at-the-pavilion">AT THE PAVILION</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#agrando-throws-off-the-mask">AGRANDO THROWS OFF THE MASK</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-wireless-message">THE WIRELESS MESSAGE</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-desperate-venture">A DESPERATE VENTURE</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#sailing-on-the-storm-wind">SAILING ON THE STORM-WIND</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#attacked-in-the-dark">ATTACKED IN THE DARK</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#captured">CAPTURED</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#at-home-in-a-volcano">AT HOME IN A VOLCANO</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#ivanta-a-fugitive">IVANTA A FUGITIVE</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-queer-hunt">A QUEER HUNT</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-night-expedition">A NIGHT EXPEDITION</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#how-ivanta-gained-a-fleet">HOW IVANTA GAINED A FLEET</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-old-well">THE OLD WELL</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-fight-for-the-stronghold">THE FIGHT FOR THE STRONGHOLD</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-great-aerial-battle">A GREAT AERIAL BATTLE</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-end-of-the-struggle">THE END OF THE STRUGGLE</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#conclusion">CONCLUSION</a></p> -</li> -</ol> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold large">LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>[Transcriber's note: In the source book (a reprint), the -illustrations were printed in black and white, not in colour -as indicated on the title page.]</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#they-returned-his-greeting-as-heartily-as-it-was-given">They returned his greeting as heartily as it was given</a><span> . . . </span><em class="italics">Frontispiece</em><span>.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#he-fell-backwards-upon-the-floor">He fell backwards upon the floor</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#there-was-a-flash-of-light-and-a-sharp-crackling-sound">There was a flash of light, and a sharp, crackling sound</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-wing-drooped-and-the-flier-fell-heavily-to-the-ground">The wing drooped, and the flier fell heavily to the ground</a><span> -(missing from source book)</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#they-were-then-blindfolded-and-the-march-resumed">They were then blindfolded, and the march resumed</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-assailant-was-lifted-high-in-the-air-and-flung-down-with-terrible-force">The assailant was lifted high in the air and flung down with -terrible force</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-fall-of-the-great-meteorite"><span class="bold x-large">A TRIP TO MARS.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER I.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE FALL OF THE GREAT METEORITE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>'What a magnificent night! What a scene! -Jack, old man, I think you will have -to go in to supper without me and -leave me to myself. It seems a sort of sacrilege -to go indoors—to exchange the moon's beautiful -light for the miserable glimmer of a little oil-lamp, -and this invigorating air off the sea for the smell -of paraffin oil. Ugh!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You're a queer chap, Gerald; as dreamy, at -times, as any girl, I declare! You amuse me -vastly when you take on these sudden sentimental -fits. When you are in this mood no stranger -would ever imagine you were the same go-ahead, -muscular young Christian you can prove yourself -to be at other times.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Yes, I suppose I'm a bit of a dreamer, Jack. -I 've been told it so many times that I fancy -there must be something in it. Yet "While you -sleep, then am I awake"——you know the -quotation.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Faith! I believe you there, Gerald. I believe -you were cut out for a night-bird!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'No, no; now you 've got hold of the wrong -end of the stick. It isn't that I prefer the night -to the day; it is simply that by day one cannot -see the stars, and one loses touch with the -marvellous thoughts they inspire. Look at the -sky overhead now! Look at those little shining -points of light, and think how that they are all -worlds such as ours is, or was, or will be! Imagine -what it would be like if we could sail up amongst -them from this old earth of ours—if we could -roam at will through space, stopping here and -calling there upon those which are inhabited—as -I feel assured some must be. What sights we -should see! What wonders we should encounter! -Ah, think of it!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I'd rather think just now of having a bit -of supper,' remarked the practical-minded Jack, with -a yawn. 'And I'm going in to get it too; so, -are you coming with me, or are you not?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This talk took place upon a headland of a -lonely island in the Southern Seas. A tropical -moon cast its wondrous radiance over everything -around, shimmering upon the water, and causing -the whole island to appear as though floating in -an ocean of molten silver. There was just wind -enough now and then to start the graceful palms -waving—cool, refreshing zephyrs that set millions -of sparkling ripples in motion on the sea, and -sent them dancing merrily shorewards to plash at -last upon the golden sands at the foot of the -cliff.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald Wilton and Jack Lawford were two -youths, orphans both, who, after having been -brought up and educated in England, found themselves, -through a curious series of chances, passing -their time upon this island under the guardianship -of a former friend of Gerald's father, named -Armeath. The latter was a scientist who had -chosen to make this out-of-the-way spot—absolutely -uninhabited save for himself and his -establishment—his home for a year or two, in -order the better to pursue certain abstruse studies -to which he was ardently devoted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were stalwart, well-grown, clean-limbed -British youths, these two, with good-looking faces -and well-knit frames, fond of hunting, shooting, -fishing, and all outdoor sports. At first, therefore, -it is needless to say, they had enjoyed the change -to this far-off island home, and entered with zest -into its free, open life. If limited as to space, -there were larger islands near, amongst which -they could take an occasional cruise, and where -they could go ashore for hunting expeditions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But after nearly a year, even this pleasant life -had begun to grow a little monotonous. The two -high-spirited youngsters were getting somewhat -tired of it, and beginning to long—almost -unconsciously—for other and more exciting adventures.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Of the two, however, Gerald perhaps was more -troubled by these vague, restless feelings than his -chum. As his friend had said, Gerald was given -at times to fits of dreaming. In appearance he -was fairer and a little taller than his companion, -with gray eyes which often had in them an -abstracted, far-away look. Jack, on the other hand, -was almost swarthy of skin, with dark hair, firm -lips, and keen, alert eyes, which indicated an active, -determined character, and a practical, matter-of-fact -temperament.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That, in effect, constituted the essential difference -between these two firm friends. Gerald was fond -of indulging in speculations concerning all kinds -of scientific research. The mysteries of the -unknown, and the as yet 'undiscovered;' the limitless -possibilities lying in the worlds surrounding our -globe—speculations concerning such themes as these -had for him an irresistible fascination. Jack, on -the other hand, kept his thoughts and interest fixed -upon the practical side of everything about him. -He was a skilful mechanic and a trained -mathematician, and had developed clever engineering -abilities; he might possibly some day become an -inventor. But speculative, dreamy fancies had little -attraction for him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Jack,' said Gerald impressively, 'I can't come -in just now—I really cannot! I can't exactly say -why, but to-night I seem to be unusually restless. -I could not sit down indoors, nor could I rest if -I went to bed. I don't know what it is; but I -have a feeling'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It's the electricity in the air. I suppose there -must be more lying about loose to-night than suits -your constitution,' remarked Jack prosaically. 'I -said a minute or two since that you were as -dreamy at times as any girl. I begin now to -think you are developing "nerves" as well. -However, do as you please! Stop here and enjoy -yourself with your "nervy," dreamy fancies if -you choose. For my part, I 'm going in to supper, -and'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What are you lads talking about?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This question, which came from some one -behind them, caused the two friends to start -suddenly, and then glance at one another with -wondering looks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was not that they had not recognised the -voice. They knew it at once to be that of Mr -Armeath, their guardian; the wonder was that he -should have come out to them. Usually he spent -the whole night shut up in his own rooms, -immersed in his studies, or gazing through his -telescope at the heavens above; for, amongst other -things, he was an enthusiastic astronomer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Faith!' exclaimed Jack, in an aside to Gerald, -'I begin to think you 're right after all. There -must be something unusual in the air to account -for this new move!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The new-comer was a tall, fine-looking old man, -with an ascetic face and a kindly voice and -manner. His hair and beard were white, but his -deep-set eyes glowed with the liveliness and fire -of a vigorous young man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With the self-absorbed, thoughtful air that so -often marks the devoted scientist or profound -student, Armeath, without waiting for any reply -to the question he had asked, stepped past the -two youngsters and walked almost to the edge of -the bluff. There he gazed first at the sandy shore -fifty feet or more below, then out over the glistening -sea to the distant horizon, and finally at the -deep-blue, star-spangled sky overhead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Behind the three, at a distance of a few -hundred yards, was the building—or rather group -of buildings—which formed their home. These -were built bungalow-fashion, save as to one -part—the observatory—which rose above the rest, -with detached dwelling-places for their attendants -close by.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Inland, the ground fell away, and there was on -one side a winding road down to the shore. On -the other side, the ground rose again towards -higher ridges in the centre of the island.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The old man remained for some minutes gazing -fixedly upwards; the two young fellows, very -much surprised, and—if the truth be told—a -little awed by his demeanour, remained also -motionless, gazing alternately at him and at each -other.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly the sage uttered a sort of cry—an -exclamation so strange, so thrilling, that his -companions were startled, and stared anxiously about, -seeking for an explanation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then they saw him raise an arm and point to -the sky, and, following the direction thus indicated, -they both started and stood and gazed fixedly as -though spell-bound.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Look!' exclaimed Jack. 'It is a meteor!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And that was all that was said—all, indeed, -there was time for. There was no time for -questions, for comments, for anything, in fact, -save a great gasp of astonishment, and scarcely -even for that.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Careering towards them through the upper air, -at what seemed lightning speed, was something -which left a long, luminous trail behind it. Rays -and flashes of light of different colours burst from -it in its course, darting out in all directions. A -low, rushing sound became audible, which quickly -increased in volume until it became a terrific, -deafening, overwhelming roar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a sudden disturbance in the air, as -of the approach of a whirlwind, and a crackling -noise as of the discharge of fireworks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then something seemed to shoot past them into -the sea, the 'wind' from it almost brushing them -aside like that caused by a shell fired from some -colossal cannon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From the sea came a mighty crash as of a loud -explosion, while columns of water and clouds of -vapour rose into the air. The water came right -over the top of the cliff, drenching the amazed -spectators, and almost sweeping one—it was -Jack—off his feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hardly had the spray cleared away when there -was another commotion in the water. The sea, -boiling and chafing, seemed to rise up into a -pyramid, and from it a huge dark mass shot up -into the air, dropping back into the sea again -with a plunge only a little less violent than that -which had accompanied its first fall.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a brief space it was lost to view, and then -it reappeared, shooting again high into the air, as -might a gigantic whale throwing itself out of the -sea in sport or an endeavour to escape some terrible -marine foe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These mad leaps and plunges were repeated -again and again, becoming each time less in height -and violence, until at last they ceased.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was some time, however, before the agitation -in the water came to an end. Great waves rushed -booming along the shore, dashing wildly up the -face of the cliffs, sending clouds of spray flying -over their summits far inland.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But after a while the commotion subsided, the -sea became smooth on the surface, and there -remained only a gentle heaving, as from a ground -swell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And there, at a little distance from the shore, -the cause of all this disturbance was plainly to be -seen—an immense, egg-shaped mass many hundreds -of feet in length, floating as lightly and buoyantly -upon the still-heaving water as if it had been an -immense football.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="what-gerald-saw"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER II.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">WHAT GERALD SAW.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Seldom, perhaps, have there been seen three -people more puzzled and amazed than the -little group who had witnessed the -tremendous advent of the wondrous 'meteorite'—for -such it appeared to be—and now stood gazing at -it in helpless astonishment as it floated quietly -in the sea only a short distance from the shore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was some time before either Jack or Gerald -spoke, and when they at last found speech, they -had little to say beyond vague, incoherent -exclamations.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently an impulse came upon them to run -down the path which led to the shore, thinking -that they might get a better view from there of -this extraordinary new arrival from the realms -above. Perhaps a closer look might yield some -clue as to the nature of the strange visitor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But a nearer view did not help them much. -All that they could see, when they arrived on -the sandy margin, was what they had already -seen from above—and that was a huge mass -composed of some material not heavy enough to -sink, and—as a natural consequence—light enough -to float.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What could it be? It was, presumably, a -meteorite—so Armeath pronounced—but of what -kind? Who had ever heard of a meteorite of -such a size, and above all, of a material light -enough to float in water?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Don't you wish you had gone in to your -supper, Jack?' Gerald asked mischievously. 'Had -you done so you would not have witnessed this -wonder.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It's all very well to pretend to joke about it,' -returned Jack, affecting to grumble; 'but it's -rather serious, you know. The giddy thing might -have hit one of us a nasty crack on the head, or -something worse. This all comes of your busying -yourself about what doesn't concern you, Gerald. -You've bothered about the stars above us so long -that, as you can't get up to them, one of 'em's -come down to pay a visit to you.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Well, it's likely to prove a grand find, anyhow. -It must be made of some substance unknown to -science, and its discovery may bring us all name -and fame; so its arrival is bound to be a gain -to us.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It's been nearer bringing us pain than gain, -I guess,' was Jack's retort. 'But what on earth -are we going to do with the thing? How can -we hope to get a great, round affair like that -ashore?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Well, Tom, you seem to be pondering something -very weighty in your mind. Have you thought -of a likely plan for getting this pretty plaything -ashore in the morning?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald addressed these words to one of their -attendants, Tom Clinch by name, a grizzled, rough, -but worthy old sailor, who had known Gerald -all his days. He had been indoors when the -meteorite fell, and had not therefore witnessed its -arrival. As the sound of its fall reached his ears -he had rushed out, with others of the -attendants—chiefly natives—most of whom had gone off -shrieking and panic-stricken towards the interior -of the island. Only Tom and another sailor had -stood their ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Humph! It's a rum sort o' visitin' star, this -'ere, Mr Gerald,' said the old mariner, with a wise -shake of the head. 'Got out of its coorse, I -reckon, the channel not being buoyed; onless,' -he added, a sudden thought striking him as he -noted how lightly the mass floated, 'onless this -be one of the buoys which 'as got loose from its -moorin's above, an' toppled over down 'ere, d'ye see?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With comments and talk such as this, the -islanders passed the time while waiting for the -morning. They felt too restless and excited to -'turn in,' with the exception of Mr Armeath. -He, after a while, deeming that there was -nothing to be gained by waiting outside, went -back to his own rooms, leaving instructions that -he was to be called at once if anything fresh -occurred.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His wards remained on the watch, however, and -with them their two sailor hands, Tom Clinch and -Bob Reid; and in due course the moon went down -and it became quite dark. Then, behold! there -was another wonder to be added to the rest—the -whole great mass became luminous! Not only -that, but queer shadows came and went upon it, -as though something were in motion upon the -surface or just beneath it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The news of this being conveyed to Armeath -brought him out again; but he could not account -to his own satisfaction for this new phase.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It may be that it is composed of some highly -phosphorescent mineral,' was the only explanation -he could suggest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last the morning dawned, and, immediately -it was light, Armeath and his two young companions, -without waiting for breakfast, put off in -a boat, with the two sailors, to examine the -meteorite more closely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was still there, but the slight wind had -drifted it up to a sandy ledge close inshore, and -it appeared to be now resting on the sand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They rowed up to it and were not a little -surprised to find that the whole mass was -perfectly smooth like glass. Still more mystifying -was it to see that there were bands at regular -intervals extending 'from stem to starn,' as Tom -expressed it, 'jest for all the world like the hull -of a great boat.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They rowed all round it, their wonderment and -astonishment growing all the time. They -computed that it must be considerably over a -thousand feet in length, by, perhaps, a hundred feet in -diameter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly Gerald uttered a loud exclamation. -Jack, glancing at him, saw that he was pointing -to a place in the side of the mass and staring -at it as though his eyes were about to start out -of his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What on earth's up, old man?' he asked in -alarm. 'Have you got an attack of nerves again, -or'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Jack!' cried Gerald, seizing his chum's arm, -'d-didn't you see—didn't you see them?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Them—what—who?' asked Jack, bewildered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'People—men—moving about! I declare that -I saw some men moving about inside the—the—thing!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You 're barmy, my good Gerald! This little -astronomical raree-show has been too much for -those imaginative nerves of yours. I see nothing. -Perhaps you saw shadows thrown by some birds -flying overhead.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'No, oh no! A thousand times no! I tell you -I saw people—two or three—moving about inside -that smooth, slippery surface. They were very -dim and shadowy, it is true, but they were there. -I saw them just as one might see anything through -very thick, semi-opaque glass. What does it mean? -I tell you it's uncanny! There's some strange -mystery about it all. This thing is not what it -seems to be. What, in the name of all that is -wonderful, does it mean?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack looked at the smooth, shining sides -which rose from the water and towered up high -in the air. But he could see nothing to account -for Gerald's wild words; and he then glanced -inquiringly, with real alarm and trouble in his eyes, -at Armeath.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I am afraid,' said the scientist, with a grave -smile, 'that Gerald is letting his exuberant -imagination run away with him this morning. -I confess I see nothing of the kind he described. -It must have been some strange effect of the -rays of the sun, which is not very high yet, -striking at an angle upon these remarkable, -shining sides.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald shook his head impatiently, but made -no verbal reply; and they rowed round and round -the phenomenon, without finding anything to satisfy -their curiosity. Armeath examined the smooth -sides closely, sometimes through a magnifying glass. -He even tried to chip off a piece with a hammer -and a chisel; but it was so hard that he could -make no impression upon it, and so slippery that -his chisel glanced off and flew from his hand into -the sea.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a good deal of rowing to and fro, and a -considerable amount of critical examination, which -threw not the slightest light upon the puzzling -lump of mystery, it was decided to return to -shore for their breakfast.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Even over their meal, however, their talk -continued to run upon the all-engrossing subject. -Jack rallied his chum unmercifully upon the -extraordinary statement he had made; but Gerald -refused to admit that he might have been mistaken.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I saw what I told you!' he persisted doggedly. -'I may be a bit of a dreamer at times, but I -don't "see visions" to that extent. No, there is -some awful, inscrutable, incredible mystery about -it all! Well, we 'll wait and see. We shall find -out, I suppose, in good time.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With such discussions and speculations the day -passed, without bringing anything fresh in the way -of enlightenment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When evening came, Jack declared his fixed -resolution not to allow the puzzle to deprive him -of another night's sleep. After supper, therefore, -he went off incontinently to bed; and as Armeath -shut himself up as usual, Gerald was left to -himself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Still restless and perplexed, dissatisfied with the -explanations and theories which had been -propounded, Gerald felt no inclination to 'turn -in.' Something within him—some vague impulse he -could not analyse, above all, the recollection of -the mysterious, shadowy figures he believed he -had seen through the semi-transparent 'shell,' -as Jack now called it—urged him to remain on -the watch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'As Mr Armeath says,' he thought to himself, -'if a wind were to spring up it might be gone -by to-morrow. We may as well, therefore, keep -an eye on it while it is here, and watch its -departure when it goes.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In order to carry out his idea, he required a -reliable assistant, and this he found in Tom -Clinch. Not only had Tom known Gerald all his -life, as already stated, but he had served his -father before him, and he had now transferred his -devotion to the son. When, therefore, the young -fellow sought him out and told him what he -required, Tom was ready enough to lend his aid.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'We 'll keep a watch, Mr Gerald,' he responded, -'turn and turn about, all night, an' have the boat -ready in case we wants it. Fur my part, I think -ye're only actin' cautious-like. Nobody can tell -what's goin' to happen next when things like this -once begin fallin' from the skies. I've 'eerd it said -as 'ow theer's supposed to be a great bear, an' -scorpions, an' crabs in the sky. An' after this, -who can say but they might come a-rainin' down -on us an' eat us all up in our sleep?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Honest Tom had heard vaguely of the constellations -of stars called by those names, and had very -loose notions as to what they meant.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Well, I hope it won't be as bad as that,' -Gerald answered with a smile. 'But I shall be -very glad of your company on my night-watch, -all the same.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So it was arranged; and the two betook -themselves to a part of the shore where there was a -cave which had been utilised as a boathouse, and -here they began their watch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The night turned out as fine as the previous -one, except that there were a few drifting clouds -which now and again obscured the light of the -moon. There was scarcely any breeze, however, -and the sea was, as Tom put it, 'as calm and -still as a pint of stale beer.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a long time nothing occurred, though they -kept up their watch till the moon had set, and -it had become quite dark. Then they saw again -the luminous appearance which they had noticed -before.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Now this is what I want to investigate, Tom,' -said Gerald. 'Get out the boat quickly, and let -us pull close up as silently as we can.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boat, which had been placed ready for -launching, was slipped into the water, Gerald -putting in the stern a dark lantern, which he -had lighted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Like a gliding shadow, the boat and her two -occupants—the sailor rowing and Gerald -steering—approached the huge 'meteorite,' now all aglow -with a strange, dim light. The oars, well greased, -made no sound, and they passed silently along the -side nearest the shore, rounded the end, and were -making their way back upon the outer side, when -Gerald put a hand upon his companion as a signal -to stop rowing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were then about the centre of the great -mass, on the side which was away from the shore -and faced the sea. There the boat remained -stationary, Gerald staring intently at the curious -shimmering wall which towered up at a distance -of twenty or thirty feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'See, Tom! Look!' he suddenly whispered -excitedly. 'See! There are the shadows—the -forms of people! There! Now, who was right?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Heaven defend us!' breathed Tom fervently. -'Whatever do it mean? Be the thing bewitched?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Hush! Whatever you see, do not utter a word—not -a sound—on your life! I believe they're -coming out!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Decidedly it was no trick of the imagination -this time, at any rate. There were actually -figures, as of men, moving about inside. They -could be dimly seen through the semi-opaque -outer wall or shell. What they were, how they -were dressed, or what they were doing, was not -clear; but actual, moving, living beings they -certainly were.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Something now seemed to be shifted inside, as -though a screen had been removed, and at once -the figures could be distinguished more plainly. -But ere Gerald could fix his attention upon one -or another among them, a sort of door had opened -in the smooth, shining side, a platform had been -run out, and now remained extended in a -horizontal position.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then a tall, noble-looking man appeared in -the doorway, stepped on to the platform, and -remained there, gazing out over the darkling -waters.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="strange-visitors"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER III.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">STRANGE VISITORS.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Gerald, resting almost spell-bound upon his -seat in the boat, with difficulty repressed a -gasp of astonished admiration as his gaze -fell upon the stranger, whom he could see very -clearly, even down to the smallest detail of his -dress, in the soft but intense light which issued -from the opening behind him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald saw before him a man, tall and -commanding in stature, yet so exactly proportioned -as scarcely to look his real height—muscular -without being stout, light and graceful in carriage -without being thin. His refined, clear-cut features, -which were free from any trace of beard or -moustache, were those of a man in the very -prime of life. The skin was smooth and clear, -and as light in hue as in the average English -type. The mouth was delicately chiselled, and -very expressive; and the high, massive brow -had a character all its own, conveying an idea of -lofty serenity. Beneath, as it were, were traces of -an irresistible will and a certain sense of latent -power, which were somehow felt by the spectator -rather than openly declared. The eyes were -large, dark, and luminous, and their gaze -searching and penetrating, appearing to be capable -either of winning gentleness or the most terrible -sternness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Altogether, Gerald decided, a man to be loved -and trusted, or hated and dreaded, according to -whether he were a friend or an enemy; a born -leader of men, a being of indescribable majesty -and dignity in general appearance, yet possessed of -a singular simplicity and charm of manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As to the dress of this attractive stranger, it is -more difficult to describe, for the reason that Gerald -perceived at once that the material was unlike -anything he had ever seen before. There was a long -tunic, with a belt of gold, and a very picturesque -head-dress not unlike that in vogue in England in -the days of Henry the Eighth; while the arms and -legs were encased in garments which fitted closely, -showing the figure clearly. That much was plainly -to be seen. But what the dress consisted of was -a puzzle, for it seemed to have a sheen of its own, -a sort of shimmer which did not appear to be -altogether reflected light. There were several little -ornaments here and there, such as buckles on the -shoes and another on the shoulder; but the chief -embellishment was a large star upon the breast, -which flashed and sparkled and seemed to be -worked in diamonds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Behind this regal figure were three or four -others, who stood respectfully in the background, -evidently in attendance upon him. Suddenly, while -Gerald still gazed in ever-increasing wonder upon -the unexpected scene, the stranger reeled as though -suffering from an attack of faintness. He put his -hand to his breast, and appeared to be panting for -breath. Blood showed upon his face and ran off -on to his dress, and the next moment he staggered -and fell off the platform into the sea.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald did not hesitate. He guessed that the -man must have fainted; he knew that the spot -where he had fallen in was outside the ledge on -which the supposed 'meteorite' was resting; that -it was of unfathomable depth, and that, therefore, -his danger was imminent and deadly. Throwing -off his jacket, therefore, Gerald dived into the -water, and that with such promptitude that the -second splash followed closely upon the first.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the stranger had fallen from a height, and -the impetus carried him down faster than that -gained by Gerald's dive from the boat, so that he -failed to grasp the fainting stranger, and was -compelled to swim downwards in the hope of -finding him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Down, down, ever down, he went, clawing at -the water with fierce energy, and battling his -way with feverish determination, knowing that, -with those awful depths beneath him, the stranger's -one and only chance of life lay in -his—Gerald's—overtaking and gripping him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a long and terrible struggle—long, that -is, comparatively—and the pressure of the water -became oppressive, when, at last, just as the plucky -diver felt he must give up and return to the -surface, his hand touched something. His fingers -closed at once upon it, and he felt that he had -secured his prize.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A few seconds later he had regained the surface, -and found himself, panting, and all but exhausted, -close to the boat, from which Clinch was watching -for him. The sailor was aiding his search upon -the waters around by throwing on them the rays -from the dark lantern, which had been lighted and -placed ready to hand in the stern.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A stroke or two brought the boat close enough -for Gerald to get a hold upon it with one arm, -while with the other he supported in the water -the stranger's insensible form.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Wait, sir; wait an' get yer breath!' counselled -the old sailor. 'Take it easy, Mr Gerald! I 'll -hold on to t' other chap, never fear! You let go -on 'im, an' get yer breath!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Gerald loosed his hold upon the one he had -rescued, and a little later had recovered sufficiently -to be able to scramble into the boat. Then he -gave his aid to Clinch, and between them they -lifted the stranger in also.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Where to now, Mr Gerald?' asked Tom, a little -dazedly. All these sudden happenings, as he -afterwards phrased it, had been 'a little trying to the -works of the upper story, an' had set 'em spinnin'.' In -other words, his brain was in a whirl.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald looked round, and saw that a ladder had -been lowered from the platform; and seizing the -oars, he rowed the boat to the place. Two -strangers were waiting on the lower part of the -ladder. To Gerald's surprise they wore masks -upon their faces, and he noted that all the other -strangers were now masked also.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the boat came alongside, and Tom raised the -inanimate form in his arms, the two on the ladder -seized it, and carried it up the ladder, across the -platform, and out of sight. A moment or two later -the ladder was drawn up in very sudden fashion, -the platform was run in, and then the doorway -closed up completely, leaving nothing to mark the -place where it had been.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The great mass lost its luminous appearance, -and the two in the boat found themselves in -complete darkness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Well, I 'm sugared!' exclaimed Tom, or words -to that effect. 'If that don't take the cake! -Never so much as a "good-bye," or "thank yer -kindly," or—— Well!' He gave a great gasp, -words altogether failing to explain his feelings.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You forget, Tom, that they probably don't -know our language, and we shouldn't understand -theirs,' said Gerald. 'You must remember that -they are foreigners—er—that is—h'm!—strangers, -you know, from another'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He hesitated, and broke off. For what could he -say? Strangers these people certainly were; but -foreigners? Well, that depended upon the point -of view—travellers from where? Another world? -The suggestion seemed monstrous—preposterous! -Yet where else could they have come from? If it -seemed impossible—incredible—to think of them -as travellers from another sphere, it was certainly -no less impossible to regard them as inhabitants of -the Earth. No mortal upon our globe had yet -succeeded in manufacturing an affair like this -'meteorite,' and travelling about in it; that much -was certain. To conceive it possible was to imagine -a miracle quite as wonderful as to suppose that -this extraordinary flying-machine—for something of -that sort Gerald now felt certain it must be—had -come from another planet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>However, Gerald realised that he was not in a -state of mind to be able to think clearly or -logically about the matter at all. His brain, like -honest Tom's, was in a whirl; and he tried in -vain to collect and marshal his thoughts. The -whole affair was too puzzling, too extraordinary -for sober thought.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Tom, row me ashore,' he said abruptly. 'This -is too much for me. I'm going to bed.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Ay, ay, sir; I can unnerstan',' said Clinch, -wagging his head helplessly. 'I feels jest the -same, Mr Gerald. Lawks! To think as I should -ever 'a lived to see this day!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald went ashore, but was far too excited in -mind to really go to bed. He passed the remaining -two or three hours of darkness in restless pacing -up and down between the dwelling-house and the -bluff, whence he could keep observation upon -the cause of his wonderment, as it lay placidly in -the water below.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Great was the astonishment of his friends when, -in the morning, he related to them the adventures -of the night. It is scarcely to be wondered at -that they were—Jack certainly was—disposed at -first to regard it all as an extraordinary -hallucination which had seized upon the relater. But -there was Clinch's confirmation; and in the end -they saw that there was no room left for doubt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Then it comes to this,' said Jack, 'we have to -face the fact that we have here, close by us, some -people who are paying us a visit from another -planet! Phew! What a wake-up for our scientists! -What a snub for those wiseacres who have declared -that the planets could not possibly be inhabited! -But why have our visitors shut themselves up -again? It's rather churlish after your saving that -johnny from drowning! What do they mean by -it? And what was the matter with him?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I read it this way,' said Armeath thoughtfully. -And it may as well be here stated that after-events -fully proved the correctness of his deductions. -'These people from another world either came -involuntarily—that is to say, by accident—or they -made some mistake which resulted in their being -landed upon the Earth in a fashion different from -that which they had intended. They narrowly -escaped destruction, which would certainly have -come to them had they struck the ground—this -island for instance, instead of the sea—or if they -had fallen in the sea at a place where it was -shallow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Even as it was, I imagine, their method of -arrival came very near to being a disaster. In all -probability something has gone wrong with their -engines or machinery—whatever they may be—and -also, probably, some of the voyagers were injured -by the shock, and required time to recover from -it. This would explain how it is that they have -not shown themselves outside sooner.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It's a far-reaching sort of guess, sir,' said Jack -reflectively; 'but it seems to fit the situation. It -scarcely explains, however, why the beggars should -have gone off without signifying their thanks in -some way. It appears pretty certain that Gerald -saved that chap's life.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Yes,' said Armeath slowly; 'Gerald certainly -saved his life. Let us hope that the circumstance -is of good augury; that it may lead to their being -friendly when the sufferer has thoroughly recovered, -and they venture out again.'</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="gerald-carried-off"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER IV.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">GERALD CARRIED OFF.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Several days went by after the adventure -recorded in the last chapter without anything -further being seen of the strangers. The -friends kept a watch upon their curious-looking -abode from the shore, and sometimes from the -water; but the voyagers gave no sign. At times -a muffled hammering and clanging could be heard -from inside, 'which,' as Tom Clinch expressed it, -'confirmed Mr Armeath's 'pinion as there's summat -wrong with the works.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To the impatient youngsters the time seemed to -drag by slowly, and even Mr Armeath himself -did not conceal the curiosity he felt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I confess,' said he, 'that I am waiting with the -most intense interest to see what developments -are in store for us. Before these people could -have constructed such a machine, they must have -made many wonderful discoveries in the sciences. -What marvels they will be able to show us!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Gerald's feelings in the matter went beyond -mere scientific curiosity. He had been most -strangely attracted by the face and general -appearance of the man whose life he had saved. The -recollection of his countenance, the expression of -lofty nobility, and wondrous, indefinable -graciousness which he had read there, had fascinated him, -and now seemed to haunt him. He looked forward -with eager expectation to meeting this wonderful -being again, and longed for an opportunity of -becoming friendly with him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Under the influence of these feelings, Gerald -became more restless from day to day. He could -not sleep at night, and took to staying out upon -the beach instead. There he passed the time -marching to and fro opposite to the great dark -mass which, sphinx-like, remained silent and -inscrutable, and refused to divulge any more of its -mysterious secrets.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One night, as he thus paced up and down in -the darkness, he suddenly saw one part of the -structure light up as though screens inside had -been removed. He heard voices, and dimly saw -a gangway open, after which something which -looked like a boat was pushed out quietly and -smoothly on to the water. Then shadowy figures -stepped into her, and began to row or paddle -towards the shore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'At last! At last!' thought Gerald, highly -pleased. 'They are coming ashore at last! I will -go forward to greet them!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Had he not been so taken up with the -expectation of meeting again the one who had so -attracted his interest, he would probably have felt -some distrust at the fact that these strangers -should be coming ashore thus stealthily in the -darkness instead of in the daylight. No suspicion, -however, entered his mind, and he ran forward to -welcome them just as the boat grounded on the -sand. From her stepped out three figures, who -came towards him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What happened next he was never able to say -with certainty. He was conscious of a quick -movement on the part of one of the three, and -he felt a slight pricking sensation in one of his -hands, somewhat as though he had been touched -by a very sharp needle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then a giddiness seized him, his legs seemed to -give way under him, and he sank, rather than fell, -to the ground, and rolled over. When he tried -to rise he found that he had no sort of control -over his muscles; they refused to act, and he was -unable to move so much as a finger. Even his -voice refused to obey his will, for he vainly tried -to cry out; no sound issued from his lips.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Two of the dark figures who had just landed -came forward, picked him up, and carried him to -the waiting boat. There he was thrown down -very much as if he had been a deer which had -been captured. He next felt the craft moving -through the water, he heard the </span><em class="italics">lap, lap</em><span> of the -ripple against the sides, followed by a bump when -it reached the end of its short voyage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then he was hauled up through the air and -carried some distance through seemingly interminable -passages, which he knew were well-lighted; -for, though he could not move, he was quite -conscious, and could not only hear but could -see whatever came within the range of his eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently he was cast down upon the floor of -a small chamber, where he was left to himself, his -captors closing the door with noisy accompaniments -which sounded like the turning of keys and the -shooting of bolts into their sockets.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And there he lay, utterly unable to move, in an -agony of mind which can be better conceived than -described. He was like one in a trance; and -wild, weird tales came into his mind of persons -who had fallen into a similar state, and had been -believed to be dead when they were really still -alive. Did the people who had brought him -there think he was dead, he wondered, or were -they aware of the true state of the case? The -question suggested terrible possibilities. These -strangers must be formidable beings indeed! -Seemingly, they possessed dread powers and -strange secrets. It looked as though they could -throw an enemy at will into this terrible -condition. But why they should regard him as an -enemy to be treated thus, more especially after what -he had been able to do for the one who had fallen -into the sea, poor Gerald was at a loss to guess.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In his helplessness and dread of what the end -might be, he prayed earnestly for help and -deliverance. It seemed as though no earthly -friends could aid him, but he did not lose faith -in the power of the one Great Friend above, and -to Him his prayers were many and fervent. And -after a while it seemed as though those supplications -were heard. Slowly, but surely, feeling crept -back into his useless muscles, and the power to -use them returned. Little by little the control -over his limbs returned, until at last, with a long -breath of relief and a grateful prayer of -thankfulness, he was able to stand up and move about -his prison-chamber.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>First he examined himself to see if there was -any wound which would account for what had -happened to him; but he could find nothing save -a slight mark on the right hand. He remembered -that he had felt a pricking sensation there just -before he had collapsed upon the beach; after which -there had been a tingling which had spread quickly -all over his body. And that was all he knew.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ere, however, he could carry his memory and -his speculations further, the door of the chamber -was opened, and several persons entered abruptly -and stood for a while regarding him in silence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald, on his side, looked back at them -curiously, and he was not by any means favourably -impressed by his first survey of them. He -decided at once that they were soldiers, though -their dress and accoutrements were very different -from anything he had ever seen before. They all -wore beards, and were dark, both as to their hair -and their complexions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Their costumes, which were a curious dull-gray -in tint, had that peculiar, shimmering sheen which -he had noted in the dress of the stranger who had -fallen into the sea. The fashion, too, was much -the same, the principal garment being the tunic, -with a belt, and the picturesque head-dress.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These people all bore shields, which, strange to -say, seemed to be of glass, for they were perfectly -transparent; and by way of arms each had an -odd-looking twisted pole or spear, which looked -like two rods of polished steel entwined together. -At the top was a flat, spear-shaped piece of -light-coloured silvery metal, with three points or prongs -instead of one. Stuck into the belt of each, as -people might stick pistols, were two or three -smaller articles. One of them looked like a -hunting-knife or dagger; but regarding the others, -Gerald could form no sort of idea as to their use -or meaning, and could only vaguely guess that -they were probably weapons of a kind unknown -to dwellers upon the Earth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One of these men, who appeared to be their -officer, motioned to Gerald to follow him, and -turned and led the way. Outside there were -half a dozen more men in waiting, all similarly -dressed. The officer signed to Gerald to follow a -couple of these, while he himself, with the others, -fell in behind; and thus they all marched onwards -in double file, like a squad of soldiers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They traversed many passages and galleries, -where Gerald saw plenty to attract attention and -excite wonder. They passed also people standing -about in small groups, and these looked as curiously -at the prisoner—for such he felt himself to -be—as did he at them. There was, however, no time -or opportunity for more than a fleeting glance; he -was hurried onwards, till suddenly there came a -great surprise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Passing through an entrance, which in massiveness -and design seemed to the wondering captive -more like the gateway to a medieval castle than -a doorway one might expect to find in such a -place, they emerged into a large open space.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald looked round, and as he did so, a gasp -of astonishment escaped him. He found himself -in what had all the appearance of a spacious, lofty -hall, with a domed roof, around which glittered -numerous lights.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But his attention was at once drawn to the other -end of the room. Here was a dais, and upon it were -several persons. They were seated, for the most part, -on handsomely carved and upholstered armchairs; -but two of the latter were higher and larger than -the rest, so that they partook rather of the -character of thrones, and of these one again was larger -and more important-looking than the other. Very -strange affairs were these two high seats, ornamented -as they were with carvings representing heads of -the queerest-looking creatures that can well be -imagined. The high backs curled over above, -fashioned again in the shapes of heads of most -horrible, fantastic monsters; smaller heads, vying -with them in frightful ugliness, formed the ends -of the arms.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Behind this array of chairs hung a curtain on -which was worked weird pictures of the chase. -They depicted men hunting, and the creatures they -were in pursuit of were again strange beasts, such -as, Gerald thought, seemed rather the outcome of -a bad nightmare than the representation of -anything which had ever lived. Over all was a -canopy with more carved heads as corner-pieces.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Noting these details in two or three quick -glances, Gerald turned his attention to the occupants -of the chairs; and as he did so his spirits fell -considerably.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He had hoped—expected indeed.—that he was -about to be ushered into the presence of the man -whom he had rescued from the sea. Gerald had -already made up his mind to like this man of the -noble countenance, and therefore, notwithstanding -that the treatment he had received had not been -over friendly, he had felt no great anxiety or -misgiving as to what was in store for him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But now, as he looked round, he very quickly -perceived that the one he had hoped to meet was -not there. Instead, upon the large chairs or -thrones, he saw two dark, bearded men, who -returned his looks with anything but friendly gaze, -and whose general appearance filled him with -feelings of dislike and alarm. Looking round the -semicircle, he found it was much the same with -the others. There were no friendly glances at all; -they gazed at him in solemn, gloomy silence; and -the expression upon their faces was at the best -merely a sort of contemptuous curiosity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As to one of them in the centre—the one who -sat upon the second highest seat—Gerald thought -he had never looked upon a more unprepossessing -being. His frame was large and muscular, his -head massive; but his dark, bearded face seemed -full of brooding evil. His eyes were crafty, and -lighted now and then with cruel, cunning gleams. -He reminded Gerald somehow of ancient tales of -horrible old ogres, whose principal amusement might -consist in planning new tortures for the -unfortunate victims who fell into their power.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nor was his master—as Gerald judged him to -be, the one seated upon the principal seat—much -more attractive. His, too, was a huge figure, and -his countenance was dark and forbidding; but it -was relieved by a certain air of haughty authority -and natural ease, imparting to his bearing a -dignity which was lacking in the case of the other.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The more Gerald looked at the men before him -the more he wondered at the innocent, open-hearted -expectation with which he and his friends -on the island had welcomed the coming of this -wonderful 'chariot of the skies.' Had they -known—he now bitterly reflected—had they but known -the sort of beings it was peopled with, they would -certainly have regarded its advent with very -different feelings!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What evil fate, he vaguely and sadly wondered, -had they in store for him?</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="king-ivanta"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER V.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">KING IVANTA.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Gerald stood in the midst of his captors, -regarding them with steady eyes and -undaunted mien. Critical though his situation -might be, he was determined that these strangers -from another world should have no reason for -deeming him wanting in courage. He gazed round, -and took note of everything about him with an -outward appearance of calmness; though the more -he saw of the people in whose hands he was the -more he instinctively distrusted their intentions. -He noted that the man who was seated upon the -higher of the two chairs was treated with great -deference by all the rest, and was evidently a sort -of chief amongst them. The next in rank—the one -Gerald had privately dubbed the 'Ogre'—appeared -to be his principal councillor, while the others seated -on the dais were officers of lesser degree. The rest -of the people present were attired much as the -soldiers had been who had brought Gerald to the -place, save that their costumes were handsomer, -and bore many ornaments and special marks -denoting superior rank.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As regards their ornaments, it was noticeable -that only the chief and the 'Ogre' wore jewels. The -former had upon the breast of his robe a large, -curious figure worked in diamonds, and the latter a -similar ornamentation of a smaller kind. But Gerald, -who knew something about precious stones, was -surprised that these people, if they wore diamonds -at all, did not display something larger and finer. -In his own mind he appraised the value of those -he saw at a very moderate figure, and considered -that they were altogether paltry as compared with -what he would have expected such men to wear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Diamonds must be scarce where these people -come from!' was the idea which flashed through -his mind; and therein he had made, as it -afterwards turned out, a very shrewd guess.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now the chief addressed some words to the -prisoner, which, being spoken in a strange language, -Gerald could not understand. Then the other -one—the Ogre—rose up, and stepping off the dais, -came close to him. Taking him by the shoulders, -he turned and twisted him round, now this way, -now that, as one might a fat bullock that was -offered for sale.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Under this treatment Gerald became indignant. -There was something in the man's manner so -contemptuous, so insulting, that the young fellow's -blood grew hot in his veins. He clenched his hands -and bit his lips, striving his best to keep down his -fast-rising anger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the man's behaviour only became more -intolerable; and another now came up to join in the -amusement—for such it seemed to be considered. -Then Gerald, exasperated beyond all control, -struggled fiercely to get free, throwing one of his -persecutors off with so much force that he fell -backwards upon the floor. His head must have -struck against something, for there was a heavy -thump, which was followed at once by an angry -outcry from the man's friends.</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 73%" id="figure-52"> -<span id="he-fell-backwards-upon-the-floor"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="He fell backwards upon the floor." src="images/img-036.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">He fell backwards upon the floor.</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>The latter rushed upon the hapless captive, and -began to pommel him in cruel and brutal fashion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>How the scene might have ended if no interruption -had occurred it is impossible to say. As it -happened, however, it was brought to an end in -an unexpected manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A man came rushing in, calling out in tones of -warning. Evidently he was the bearer of news, -for every one turned to listen to what he said; -and it was curious to see the effect it produced -upon the assembly when they had gathered its -purport. They appeared not unlike a lot of unruly -schoolboys who had ventured to amuse themselves -in some forbidden manner in the absence of their -master.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They looked at one another inquiringly, and -somewhat guiltily. Those who had been mixed up -in the fray busied themselves in hastily trying to -remove all traces of the struggle; while others -who felt themselves less compromised tried their -best to appear innocent and at their ease.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then were heard the blare of trumpets, hoarse -calls, as of men in authority giving words of -command or ordering people to clear the way, and -the rattle and clatter of accoutrements. Great, -massive doors at the end opposite to the dais swung -apart, throwing open to the view another and -larger hall, and a brilliant and unexpected scene.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald turned and stared in mute wonder. There, -before him, was a vista presenting one of the most -magnificent spectacles it is possible to imagine. He -had thought the hall he was in large and imposing -when he had been ushered into it; but it was -small and almost commonplace compared with the -great space into which he now gazed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ranged on either side were ranks of magnificently -dressed persons, who looked like courtiers attending -a levee. Above, from the ceiling, hung gorgeous -banners, and the walls were decorated with beautifully -coloured frescoes. Spiral columns of sparkling -lights rose here and there, ever turning and ever -ascending, and dazzling the eyes with their -splendour. Music clashed from some unseen band -of musicians; and, as the strains floated through -the air, they came mingled with the scent of subtle -and delicious perfumes. At the farthest end of -all was an empty throne, evidently awaiting its -occupant.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gazing in wonder at all these things, Gerald -shortly became aware that he was himself becoming -an object of curiosity to the whole of this brilliant -company. He had turned his back to the dais -upon which his persecutors had been seated, and he -was standing out alone in the open space in front, -his homely dress contrasting curiously with the -splendid costumes around.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The music ceased, there was another blare of -trumpets, and then a man entered near the throne. -He stood upon the steps for a few moments, his -keen eyes travelling round the whole assembled -throng as they all bowed their heads in respectful -salutation. He was about to seat himself, when his -eagle glance fell upon the wondering captive. At -the same moment Gerald recognised him—he was -the man whose life he had saved!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Evidently he was the real chief. He was -the king of these people; not the evil-looking, -cruel man whose prisoner he had been. Gerald's -heart gave a great bound of relief and thankfulness; -for he no longer felt fear or doubt. One look -at that stately figure, one glance in return from -those flashing eyes, told him all he wished to -know. He felt that he was saved! Such a being -as this was incapable of either cruelty or injustice!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The king—for such he was—ordered Gerald to -be brought up to him; and two of the principal -officers, whom he knew afterwards as Arelda and -Abralda, came down the long hall and conducted -him to the steps of the throne.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There Gerald stood, whilst he whom he afterwards -knew as King Ivanta made inquiries concerning -him. For as yet, though Gerald had recognised -him, he, on his side, had no idea that Gerald was -the one who had saved his life; having been, it -will be remembered, insensible when he had fallen -into the sea.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There followed much talking in a strange -language. The king was evidently making -inquiries; and the more questions he asked the -darker grew the lowering cloud upon his brow. -A tense silence fell upon the assembled company, -the hush that tells of coming trouble.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then one of the officers suddenly recognised -Gerald. He was the officer who had been with -the king when he had fainted, and he was the -only one who had seen his rescuer's face. He now -informed his master, who turned and regarded the -young stranger with new interest, in which there -was a kindly and friendly welcome. Then his -brow grew darker than ever, his eyes seemed -literally to flash fire, and he looked truly terrible, -as, with outstretched arm, he thundered out some -stern orders.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What these were, or what was their effect, -Gerald could not learn. There was some stir near -the place where his captors had been seated, and -he guessed that they were being brought forward to -be dealt with. But he himself was led out through -a small side doorway into an antechamber, where -there were only a few officers in waiting; and -these in turn conducted him into another and -still smaller room, where they bade him be seated. -Then they went out and left him alone.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-king-s-offer"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER VI.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE KING'S OFFER.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Gerald felt like one in a dream. His -adventure had been such a strange one, -events had followed one another so quickly, -the change from fear and almost despair to hope -and safety had come so unexpectedly, that he had -scarcely had time to realise all that was going -forward. And then the stately magnificence of -the scene at which he had been present, the sudden -revelation of the personality of the being he had -rescued—all these things, crowding into the short -space of a single night, made his brain reel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For some time he remained alone, turning these -things over and over in his mind. He almost doubted -the evidence of his own senses, and began vaguely -to wonder whether it could all be real, or whether -he had fallen asleep and was dreaming some -extraordinary, fantastic dream.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After what seemed a long time, the door opened, -and some one entered behind him; some one who, -even before Gerald caught sight of him, was adding -to the confusion of his ideas by speaking to him -in English! Turning round sharply, he found -himself face to face with a tall, good-looking man with -a shrewd, intellectual face, who was regarding him -with a smile which seemed to be half-kindly, -half-amused. He was dressed like some of the principal -officers he had seen; but there was that in his -manner and general appearance which, apart from -his speech, seemed to tell Gerald that he was one -of his own race.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Well, young sir, will you tell me your name?' -was the query which came to Gerald's consciousness -after a moment or two of bewilderment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'My name is Gerald Wilton,' he said simply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'And how did you come into these parts? -Parents live round here?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald shook his head. 'I have none,' he -answered sadly. 'I have a guardian, who is at -present living on the island, however. His name -is Armeath—Mr Marcus Armeath.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The stranger uttered a long whistle, then he -exclaimed, 'So, so! Marcus Armeath living on -this island! I knew him some years ago. He -was then in England engaged in some experiments, -trying to discover—— But never mind that now.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He broke off abruptly, and regarded Gerald -again with his enigmatic smile, which, however, now -seemed to have in it more of friendly interest. -Then he took to pacing up and down the room, -his hands behind him, as though lost in thought.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Young sir,' said he presently, 'I don't know -what star you were born under, but it seems -perfectly clear that you are marked out for some -experiences such as scarcely any one else on this -Earth can boast of. You are in possession of a -great secret, which we wished to keep to ourselves; -and, further, it has been ordained that you should -save the life of—of—well, of one who is never -ungrateful to those who do him even the smallest -service. He is my most gracious master, and he -will talk with you himself later on; but, -meanwhile, he has deputed me to see you, and prepare -your mind for some tremendous facts which you -might otherwise find it difficult to grasp all at -once. I am instructed to tell you certain things -which must appear to you so incredible, so -impossible, that I doubt if you will believe them -without further proof.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I think I can give a good guess at one or two -of them, sir; or, rather, my guardian has done so. -This monster airship, or whatever you call it, has -found its way here from some other planet—probably -Mars'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'My word, young gentleman, you've hit it!' -cried the other, in very evident surprise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'And,' continued Gerald, 'you made some mistake in -arriving here, and very nearly came to awful grief.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Yes, yes! There, too, you guessed well,' returned -the other. 'It was but a slight miscalculation, but -it nearly smashed us up! It was a fearfully -narrow escape!' He drew out a handkerchief and -passed it over his forehead, as though the mere -recollection made him hot. 'I expect that was Mr -Armeath's guess too, wasn't it?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Yes, sir.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Ah well! there are certain other things, -however, which you do not know—cannot know—which -I will now explain. In the first place, you -do not know that my master is a great king in -Mars—a mighty ruler over nearly half the population -of that globe. His name is Ivanta; he reigns -over the empire of Ivenia—which, by-the-by, is -the name of this airship, as you called it. He -named her the </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span>, after his own country.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald listened with growing wonder, and eyes that -lighted up more and more as the stranger continued:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Very well! The next thing is that this is not -the first visit my master has paid to this Earth. -He came here some years ago.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this Gerald stared harder than ever. 'Is it -possible?' he exclaimed. 'I never heard of it!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Nobody—on the Earth—ever heard of it, save -myself and one or two others who were all sworn -to secrecy. My royal master came here for -purposes of his own, and did not wish—and does not -wish now—that his visits should be made known. If -they were, he would have a lot of people pestering -him with questions, and possibly some one might -imitate his inventions and build airships like this -one, and he might have explorers from here -coming over to Mars—which he does not wish. -Do you understand?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Yes, sir.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Very well! At his first visit he came to this -very island, and made it his headquarters. It was -uninhabited then'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Yes; so it was when we came to it. We have -only been here a year or so.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I see. Well, my master hoped to find the -place still uninhabited, and that he would be able -to hide the </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span> away here this time, as he did -before, when no one upon the Earth was ever the -wiser, save the one or two I have referred to. He -had brought with him a yacht of his own. She -made a bit of a stir, being unlike anything -previously seen, but no one suspected the truth. In -her he made a tour of the world, travelling about -for three years, during which time he and his chosen -companions picked up English, a little French, and -so on. They also picked me up, and I also saved -the king's life, even as you have done, though in -a different manner. He was so grateful for what I -did that he told me his secret, and offered to enrol -me in his service and take me back to Mars with -him. I had nothing particular to tie me here, and -I am fond of adventure, so I took him at his royal -word. Now you can begin to understand how it -is that I, an Englishman by birth, Kendal Monck -by name, engineer by profession, happen to be -here, in these days, in the suite of this great king -from another planet, and talking to you in your -own tongue!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Yes, sir, I understand,' answered Gerald, his face -aglow with interest and excitement. 'It's very, very -wonderful! What strange, marvellous scenes and -adventures you must have passed through!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I have that, my lad! I have passed through -many grave dangers too; have had many hair-breadth -escapes in the service of my royal master, -who is of a very adventurous disposition. His -search after knowledge has led us into queer -places, I can assure you. But he is a wonderful -being! This marvellous airship was constructed -from his own inventions and designs. And then, -as a man—— Ah!' Here the stranger drew a -long breath. 'His is a character which makes -you feel you would go through fire and water for -him!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I 'm sure of it!' cried Gerald with enthusiasm. -'I felt it the first moment I set eyes upon him! -How I should like to do as you have done—go -with him to Mars and back! What an -experience!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Ah!' exclaimed the engineer again, 'it would -do you good, my lad. It would do -anybody—everybody—good, physically, morally, in every -way. It gives you a different, a more glorious, -outlook on life when you realise that the mighty -works of the Creator are not confined to this -globe on which we live, but extend through -endless "universes" in space. Even comparatively near -us there are great planets compared with which -this Earth is scarcely more than a big football. -There is Saturn, for instance. When we were -there'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You have visited other planets, then, as well?' -Gerald gasped.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Monck nodded. 'Yes, even great Jupiter, but we -could not get very near to him. Saturn, however, -we landed on, and spent some weeks there—awful, -terrible weeks they were. My young friend, even -to think of the things to be seen there is almost -too much for the ordinary human brain. But, as -I have said, it does one good. It instils into the -mind some faint conception of the vastness, the -greatness, the endless variety to be everywhere -found in what we call the creation!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Would that your king would make me the offer -he made to you!' cried Gerald, with glistening eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Perhaps he will. What if he has?' was the -unexpected reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald started up from the chair he had been -sitting on. 'You cannot mean it!' he exclaimed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What would be your reply if he made you the -offer?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I would accept only too gladly!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You see,' Monck explained, 'the service you -rendered is one that a man like my master would -never forget. I dare say you wonder how it -happened that he fell into the sea. It was because -the air here is so different from that which he is -used to upon Mars, and which we all had been -living in inside this airship. At his first visit to -the Earth, years ago, he was extremely careful, -and made the change gradually and cautiously. -This time he seems to have been rash, or to have -forgotten. Hence the air here—which is thinner -and lighter than that on Mars—served him as the -air on the top of a very high mountain would serve -you if you were suddenly transported there. He -was attacked with what you have doubtless heard -of as mountain-sickness. There is vertigo, bleeding -at the nose and ears, and fainting. However, his -danger was your opportunity; and I must say -you acted very promptly and pluckily.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I only did what I would have done for any -one,' said Gerald modestly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I am sure of that, my boy. But I won't keep -you in suspense any longer. To come to the point, -my master said I could make you the offer I -have hinted at if I found you were likely to -regard it with favour. I do not want your answer -now, of course. You can take time to consider—there -are lots of things we can talk over first. -Briefly, however, when we go back to Mars we -shall only be away a few months. At the end -of that time we shall return here again; and if -you are then tired of the adventure you will be -free to leave his service and remain here.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I do not need any time to make up my mind,' -Gerald burst out impetuously. 'All I should -hesitate about would be as to whether my -guardian'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Well, we can talk to him.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'And Jack!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Who is Jack?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'My chum! He must come too!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Oh—h'm! I don't know what to say about -that! You had better ask King Ivanta yourself -when you see him!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I will!' cried Gerald. And he did, with what -result will presently appear.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="off-on-a-trip-to-mars"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER VII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">OFF ON A TRIP TO MARS.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>'Our last morning upon the Earth, Jack, for -many a day to come! Think of it! It -scarcely seems possible, does it?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It's true enough, though, old chap! In a few -hours we shall "sail away," as the song says, and -shall be winging our way through space!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Fancy gazing down and taking our last look -at our own globe! The daring of the thing gives -me a bit of a shock, now that the event itself is so -near at hand! How is it with you?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Well, I confess, Gerald, that I have to brace -my mind up to it, as it were. But it's always the -same when you start upon a journey or a new -adventure. One never exactly likes saying -good-bye to the old familiar places.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Many months had passed since the events -recorded in the last chapter. King Ivanta had been -to Europe and finished the business he had in -hand—for it was generally understood, amongst -those who knew of his presence on the Earth, that -he had come here on his second visit for some -definite purpose. What the purpose was remained -for the present a secret confined to the Martian -monarch himself and the few he chose to take into -his confidence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Amongst those who shared the secret Mr -Armeath was probably one; for he had grown -high in favour with the illustrious traveller, and -had been invited to accompany him in the -forthcoming trip to Mars and back. He had also been -accorded the privilege of taking with him his two -wards Gerald and Jack, and his two servitors Tom -Clinch and Bob Reid; and the latter, loyal and -faithful followers that they were, had not shrunk -from the risks of the adventure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were some other passengers also—namely, -Amos Zuanstroom the multi-millionaire (the -well-known 'Diamond King'), his son Silas (who was -about the same age as Jack), and a much younger -lad, named Freddy Whitcomb, his nephew.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Why King Ivanta should choose these particular -persons from all the millions of inhabitants of the -Earth was another matter which was wrapped in -mystery, and which, for the time being, he kept -strictly to himself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the engineer Mr Monck had predicted, Gerald -had good reason to congratulate himself upon the -fortunate chance which had enabled him to render -so great a service to the Martian king. The latter -had shown himself extremely grateful, and had -conferred upon the young fellow many marks of -his favour. In particular, he had confirmed the -offer Mr Monck had made, and had graciously -extended it, as stated, to his guardian and his chum.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now, behold them all, then, on board the -</span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span>, the colossal 'chariot of the skies,' awaiting -the moment when she should rise in the air and -commence her tremendous journey.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She lay in a sort of natural harbour in the -island, a spacious salt-water lake almost landlocked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From this she presently rose easily and smoothly, -like a huge bird wending its way upwards in a -series of graceful circles. Like a bird, too, she -had at first enormous wings spread out to the -air. But after a time, as she gained the upper air, -these were folded away, the upper covering was -replaced, and she became once more the great, -egg-shaped mass she had appeared when she had -arrived beside the island. How, afterwards, she -continued to force her way upwards against the -attraction of the Earth, was King Ivanta's own -secret. It was believed that he had discovered a -means of using the sun's more powerful attractive -force, and so controlling it as to make it do -whatever he required; but that was probably only -a guess. What is certain is that the whole -structure continued to rise steadily and smoothly -upwards, till presently Gerald and Jack were -called by Mr Armeath and the engineer, Mr Monck, -to come to a sort of periscope, from which they -could take their last look at the Earth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They stepped forward and stared through the -opening in startled wonder. There, they saw our -globe, looking like an enormous ball. The great -airship itself was perfectly steady, and appeared to -be absolutely motionless. Not a tremor was to be -felt, and it seemed as though it was the Earth -which was receding from them at a rapid rate, not -they from the Earth. No longer, however, could -they make out details upon its surface; the distance -was already too great. All they could distinguish -were the respective masses of land and water, -broadly mapped and marked out as they are upon -a school globe representing the Earth. The side they -were looking at showed the New World—the great -continents of North and South America and the -oceans surrounding them—and that was all.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Who shall attempt to describe their feelings, or -guess their thoughts, as they stood there gazing -at this strange appearance of the planet upon -which they had lived all their lives? Probably -they then for the first time fully realised the -actual nature of the risks they were running; and -it is more than likely that they were wondering -whether they were looking their last upon the -Earth, as they watched it sinking silently away -into the immeasurable distance!</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-narrow-escape"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER VIII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">A NARROW ESCAPE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The first part of the time which followed -upon the departure from the Earth of the -</span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span> on her long journey through space -was one of great enjoyment to the two chums. The -marvels and mysteries of the great airship—or -aerostat, as Mr Armeath preferred to call -her—seemed to be inexhaustible. 'Every day' the -young people found something new and strange, -to puzzle over. Every time they moved about -they came upon some unexpected revelation of -the wondrous inventions and contrivances which -it had been necessary to bring to perfection before -the great machine could start upon the adventurous -journeys she had undertaken.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The above words, 'every day,' require an -explanation. Of course, once they were really out -in 'the realms of starry space,' there were really no -alternations of day and night, for the sun shone -upon them continuously. But within the aerostat -artificial nights, so to speak, were produced by -drawing huge screens across the semi-transparent -outer casing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr Monck explained this to the young voyagers, -giving them, incidentally, a little lecture, as it -were, in astronomy and general science; and on -this occasion he had as his auditors all four of -the young passengers—including, that is to say, -the two cousins, Silas and Freddy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I expect you all know,' he said, 'that out in -what is called space, where there is no -atmosphere—no air—the sun's rays seem to have no -heat. The cold there is most intense—far greater -than anything ever experienced upon Earth. You -feel the sun's rays warm on your globe because -they pass through the Earth's atmosphere, which -acts like a lens or magnifying-glass. Here the -same effect is obtained by passing them through -the wonderful semi-transparent metal of which the -outer shell of the airship is composed. It is -harder than the hardest steel, yet almost -transparent like glass, without being brittle, while it -is far lighter than aluminium. It was discovered -by King Ivanta, and is called "ivantium" after -him. He found that when the sun's rays were -passed through it the result was exactly the same -as when they pass through the atmosphere of the -Earth or of Mars. That is how it is we are so -warm and comfortable on board here. But for -the discovery of that metal such a journey as -we are taking would be impossible. We should -be frozen to death.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Then there is no need to have day and night -unless you like,' Freddy observed, his blue eyes -opening in surprise. He was a fair, good-looking -youngster, and a great favourite with Monck and -the chums.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'No, my lad. But King Ivanta considers it -best to keep up the same habits as those you -and his people are all accustomed to "at home;" -for Mars turns on its axis in about the same time -as the Earth—namely, twenty-four hours or -thereabouts. That is to say, the average day on Mars -is just about the same length as the average day -on the Earth.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On many other occasions, when he had the -time and opportunity, the good-natured engineer -'trotted them round' and explained to the young -people, in similar fashion, the why and the -wherefore of many of the things that puzzled -them—so far, that is, as he himself understood -them. But as to a great many, and those some -of the most surprising, he was obliged to confess -his own entire ignorance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'There are most essential secrets connected with -the structure and working of this remarkable -"chariot of the skies" which no one but my -master understands, and he takes good care to -keep them to himself,' he declared. 'When you -reach Mars, for instance, you will see there -numerous airships and flying-machines of many -kinds. It has, indeed, been much easier for -the Martians to learn to build such -contrivances than for the dwellers upon the Earth, -because, as I have before mentioned, the air upon -Mars is so much denser. But though you will -see many such things flying about, you will not -see one that can compare with this; not one -that can venture out into space, or, indeed, very -far above the surface of the planet.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Often Mr Armeath accompanied the young -people, and listened with interest to the engineer's -explanations; for, scientist though he was, he -found he had almost as much to learn in their -new surroundings as they had.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Truly, the great airship was a wonder from -every point of view. It may assist readers to -understand the stupendous scale upon which she -had been designed if it is explained that she -was more than twice the size of Britain's great -warship the </span><em class="italics">Dreadnought</em><span>. But nothing less in -bulk would have been of any use if we consider -the tremendous strength required, and the -accommodation necessary for the number of people she -carried—of whom there were between two and three -thousand. In addition, room had to be provided for -enormous quantities of stores and other equipment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another feature which illustrates the gigantic -scale upon which everything was carried out was -to be found in the fact that a large space was -given up to ornamental gardens and conservatories. -In these were graceful, waving, palm-like trees, -wondrous flowers and shrubs, and trees growing -delicious fruits, interspersed amongst fountains and -pleasant walks, with what appeared to be a sunny -sky overhead. There was even a sort of 'Zoo' -or menagerie on board, in which were many very -curious animals which the new passengers had -never seen or heard of before. To these had now -been added quite a collection of more familiar -creatures which King Ivanta had acquired during -his stay upon Earth, and was taking back for -the edification of his subjects at home.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The chums were fond of wandering about in -this miniature zoological garden, looking at those -creatures which were new to them, and studying -their ways and habits. Some were natives of -Mars; these were mostly small, for—as they soon -learned from Monck—just as Mars was a smaller -globe than the Earth, so the animals generally -were smaller in proportion. But in this Zoo were -specimens brought, as it appeared, from the great -planet Saturn, some of which were large and -terrible creatures.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was with one of these that Gerald met with -an unpleasant adventure one day when they had -been but a short time 'out.' He had strolled in -alone, in the early morning, as was now his -almost constant habit, and went towards the cage -of a creature called by the Martians an </span><em class="italics">amalpi</em><span>. -Gerald was especially interested in it on account -of its resemblance to an immense unicorn. It -was, indeed, something between that fabled -creature and a rhinoceros. It had a very long, -straight, sharp horn upon the frontal bone, and -a body very much like a heavily-built cart-horse, -covered with skin almost as thick as that -of an elephant. It was a most savage, dangerous -creature, and all attempts to tame it, even in the -smallest degree, had failed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When Gerald walked up to its cage on this -particular occasion he met with a surprise, for -the cage was empty and the barred gate was -standing ajar. Ere he had time to consider what -this might mean he received a second surprise. -There was a loud, bellowing roar, and the next -he knew was that the creature itself was charging -down upon him with lowered head like a -bull, the terrible, long, sharp horn pointed straight -at him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For an instant the young fellow stood as if -spell-bound; then, by a happy flash of thought, -he dashed into the empty cage and pulled the -gate to after him. It fastened, as he knew, -automatically, with a huge spring-catch. A moment -later there was a frightful crash as the ferocious -animal ran full tilt at the bars, its long horn -pushing between them, and just failing to reach -Gerald by some few inches.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For some time he had the novel experience of -being a prisoner in the great cage, while his -enemy, furious with disappointment, charged again -and again at the bars. Such was the strength -and determination of its rushes that it seemed -almost as if the bars must give way.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last the noise of its bellowing brought some -of the keepers upon the scene. Then Gerald had -an opportunity of learning more of the weapons -the Martians were armed with, and how they -used them. Each keeper carried in his hand one -of the large wands or staves, with triple points at -the top, similar to those the soldiers had carried -who had marched Gerald as a prisoner before -the 'Ogre' and his chief. Gerald had seen similar -wands many times since, but had never seen how -they were used. Nor was he, indeed, much the -wiser now. All he saw was a slight flash of -very brilliant light which seemed to leap from -the tridents towards the great roaring animal, as -it stood for a moment tossing its head and -stamping its feet ere charging down upon the -rescue-party. But it never started upon its rush, -for, lo! it suddenly sank upon its knees and -rolled helplessly over upon the ground, where it -lay quiet and still—a big, inert mass.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The keepers opened the gate, and Gerald walked -out, wondering greatly at what he had seen, but -unable to ask any questions, because he could -not speak their language.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then, however, Monck arrived upon the -scene. He looked very grave when informed -what had occurred, and examined the lock with -a perplexed air and many dubious shakes of the -head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What will they do with the dead </span><em class="italics">amalpi</em><span>?' -Gerald asked, as he walked away with the -engineer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Put it back again. It is not dead; it will -recover in a few hours, and to-morrow will be -as lively as ever,' was the answer. Then the -speaker went on to explain. 'Those tridents,' he -said, alluding to the three-pronged wands, 'are -really a kind of electric gun, if I may use the -term. This weapon also—like so many of the -Martians' greatest discoveries—is the invention of -our royal master, King Ivanta. He tried for -years to discover a weapon which would stun or -paralyse and not kill. He has a horror of -bloodshed, and he set himself to devise a weapon -which should do away with the horrors of war -by rendering killing and maiming unnecessary. -He found it at last in this weapon, which simply -paralyses the muscles for a certain time, without -killing or inflicting any permanent injury. People -or animals—even the largest and most ferocious -creatures, as you have here seen—struck in this -way are merely rendered quite helpless for a -time, so that you can bind them, or do what -you please with them.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Ah! like I was! I understand now!' cried -Gerald. 'All I felt was a slight prick, as if -some one had hurt me with a needle, and immediately -I collapsed and rolled over, utterly unable -to move, yet not unconscious.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Monck nodded thoughtfully. 'Ay, I remember,' -said he.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'So do I,' said Gerald, in a tone which -indicated that the remembrance was a sore one. -'And that reminds me that you have never given -me any explanation as to why I was treated in -that fashion! I frequently see the chap I have -to thank for it—who, I have been given to -understand, is a sort of king in his own -country—and his confederate, the one I called the -Ogre. I know their names too—Agrando and -Kazzaro. Whenever they catch sight of me they -glare at me as though they would like to eat me!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Well, they got a precious good wigging from -King Ivanta over that affair before the whole -Court,' Monck declared with a smile. 'So it is -not surprising that they do not exactly fall upon -your neck and embrace you.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'But what was their object?' Gerald persisted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Monck seemed to be ruminating. 'I cannot say -with certainty; I can only guess,' he answered -thoughtfully. 'Agrando, you must know, is the -ruler of one of the last countries which Ivanta -conquered and brought under his sway. He -reigned over a numerous and powerful nation, -and there was a long and bitter struggle ere -Ivanta was completely successful. Agrando did -not like giving in, and I don't think he has -become quite reconciled to it even yet.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Was that why King Ivanta brought him with -him—so that he might be able to keep an eye -on him?' asked Gerald shrewdly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Monck laughed. 'Perhaps,' he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Well, my impression is—and always has been—that -the old ruffian intended to keep me there -as prisoner in secret, and carry me secretly to -his own country, and there exhibit me as a -raree-show, or keep me as a slave to wait on -him, or some infamy of that sort.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Monck looked puzzled. 'I hardly know what -to say as to that,' he said musingly. 'But I feel -sure that you have no friend in him or his chief -councillor. I should keep clear of them if I were -you. Have you any other enemies, think you, on -board?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald started. 'Why do you ask?' he queried.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Because this little business of the </span><em class="italics">amalpi</em><span> is -a rather strange affair. It looks to me as if it -had been done on purpose. That lock did not -open itself, nor did the animal burst it open. It -is not injured in any way. Now, you are in the -habit of going there regularly in the early morning, -are you not?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Yes, Mr Monck,' returned Gerald gravely. 'But -I don't like to think there is any one on board -who hates me enough to plan such a wicked -thing! I know, of course, that the Zuanstrooms -are anything but pleased at the fact that King -Ivanta invited us to come with you on this -trip; and Silas has behaved very strangely once -or twice, just as if he were jealous, or envious, -or something. But still—I could not imagine they -would carry their dislike as far as that!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Well, to me it looks very much as though -it had not been altogether an accident,' Monck -declared bluntly. 'So, take my advice, my lad, -and keep your eyes open; and if you get into -any trouble, or suspect any danger, do not hesitate -to let me know at once.'</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="armeath-s-secret"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER IX.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">ARMEATH'S SECRET.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The weeks passed on, and still the </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span> -continued on her tremendous journey through -space to meet the advancing planet Mars. -She travelled at a rate which would make the -heads of young readers swim if it were set down -in figures. Yet she glided on so smoothly that -those on board might well have thought she was -all the time standing motionless in one place. -How this was accomplished was one of those secrets -which Monck confessed himself unable to explain. -And the same may here be said of some other -mysteries which puzzled Mr Armeath not a little. -One was, that there was a feeling of weight or -gravity on board much the same as upon the -Earth. Another puzzle was, how was the supply of -air kept always pure and wholesome? These were -among the things that Ivanta kept to himself. -The Earth sank away into the distance, gradually -diminishing in size till it became no larger to -the view than the moon when it is full. Then -came a time when it looked like a rather large -star of a pale-bluish tint.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On board, the time passed, for the most part, -pleasantly enough. There was plenty to -do—plenty of work and plenty of amusement. King -Ivanta was a ruler who believed in the policy -of keeping his people busy in one way or another. -Every person on board was compelled to give a -certain amount of time each day to work or -study of some kind; while a certain interval was -also set aside for recreations. The latter were of -many kinds. There were concerts—for the -Martians seemed to be all fond of music—games, -somewhat after the style of football, tennis, and -other athletic sports; and, not least, military -exercises, in which the soldiers took part and -contended for prizes. These—which the chums -always watched with the utmost interest—often -took the form of actual combats. Sometimes they -were between two champions, sometimes between -parties of fifty or a hundred; and amongst the -latter there were often many 'slain' on both sides; -but they always came to life a little later, none -the worse for the experience.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then it was that the chums saw the use made -of the shields borne by the soldiers, which Gerald -had first noticed when he had been a prisoner. -They were, as stated, transparent, and it now -appeared that they were used as a protection -against the mysterious power of the 'tridents,' or -'electric guns.' Just as electricity will not pass -through glass, so the curious 'flash' from the -tridents could not pass through these shields. -The heads, feet, and legs of the combatants, and -some other parts of their bodies, were also -protected in similar fashion, so that they appeared -to be partly dressed in shining armour. They -wore helmets, breastplates, and leg and thigh -pieces, which looked like glass, yet were not -brittle, and which, like the shields, were proof -against the power of the tridents.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus, a duel between two antagonists equipped -in this manner resolved itself, to a great extent, -into a trial of skill in the use of the shield. -Through it each could see the other; and many -were the feints and stratagems resorted to by a -practised fighter to get at his foe behind his -shield.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Every night King Ivanta held a levee or other -Court function, which all who were off duty were -free to attend, and at which very curious -entertainments were sometimes provided.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Altogether there was no lack either of occupation -or amusement during the three months which -the voyage lasted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald and Jack applied themselves assiduously -to learn the Martian language, and in this they -were joined by Mr Armeath. Then, by way of -relaxation, they gained the king's permission to -learn the mysteries and use of the trident and -shield. Monck fitted them out in suits of the -shining armour, and they practised under the -instruction of one named Aveena, a young noble of -the Court. Thanks to his tuition, they became -so expert that they entered for contests before -the king, and came off victorious in more than -one bout with others of their own age. Silas -Zuanstroom was one of those they each vanquished -in turn; only with the result, however, of increasing -the coldness which had grown up between the two -parties of travellers from the Earth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One day, Gerald met with yet another disagreeable -adventure in the Zoo, and again narrowly -escaped a terrible death. This time it was a -large venomous serpent of vicious and aggressive -disposition, which (again by some 'accident') had -got loose just about the time when Gerald, -unarmed and unsuspicious of danger, was taking -his stroll round the cages. Monck came upon -him, a little later, clinging to the upper branches -of a tall palm-like tree, which the serpent was -slowly climbing, bent on reaching him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This time the engineer reported the matter to -the king, who sternly ordered a strict inquiry -with the object of finding out who was to blame. -But no evidence was forthcoming to show that -the occurrence had been other than an accident; -and the affair ended in the punishment of one -of the keepers in charge for negligence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But more exciting events were steadily preparing, -and began to develop as the voyage went on.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One morning the two chums were called into -Armeath's private apartment, where he was -awaiting them with Monck. He explained that he had -received the king's permission to impart to them -an important piece of information. 'I am going -to entrust you with a bit of a secret,' said he, -'and I must ask you to regard it as confidential, -and say nothing about it to any one—particularly -to the Zuanstrooms; which, of course, includes -the two lads. Doubtless you have wondered what -it was which induced King Ivanta to pay a second -visit to our Earth. It is this, that what we call -precious stones do not exist naturally in Mars. -None were ever seen there until the king brought -back a quantity after his first visit.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald burst into an exclamation. 'Just what -I guessed, sir,' he cried. 'I have had that idea -in my mind for some time!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It was a shrewd guess, lad,' Monck observed. -'The fact is, that once the Martians had set eyes -on them they went almost mad over them, and -became clamorous for a larger supply to be -brought, in order that those who could afford it -might be able to purchase some.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Our gracious master, who is continually -thinking what new thing he can do to please his -people, determined to pay a second visit to the -Earth specially to secure a large supply. Hence -his taking up with Zuanstroom, the "Diamond -King." But Zuanstroom was not easy to arrange -with. When he learned the actual state of the -case, he insisted, as a part of the bargain, that -my master should promise to bring him over to -Mars for a trip, and take him safely back. -Nothing less would satisfy him.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I see,' said Jack. 'And I suppose his -diamonds are on board too—a whole shipload of -them, so to speak?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Exactly. The greatest load of treasure, I -suppose, that has ever been carried on any ship of -the air or the sea.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'But,' said Gerald, 'the Zuanstrooms know all -this. Why mustn't we speak to them about it?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Because, at this point, I come to my story,' -Armeath said, with a half-smile. 'For years I -have been experimenting, trying to manufacture -precious stones artificially. At last I succeeded in -getting diamonds from a certain mineral; only to -find, however, that the discovery was almost -valueless, because I could not get enough of the -particular mineral. I found out that there was some -in the island we have been living on, and that -was the reason I went there to stay for a time. -When, however, I understood what King Ivanta -wanted, I told him of my experiments, showed -him the results, and he was highly delighted. He -said it would be easier and cheaper to manufacture -diamonds than to buy them from the Diamond -King on his own terms.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'But how can that be done, sir, if the necessary -material is so scarce?' asked practical Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You shall hear. King Ivanta recognised the -mineral, and declares that there is plenty of it -to be obtained from the planet Saturn. He saw -quantities of it when he was there!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Then we are to go to Saturn to obtain a -supply; I suppose?' cried Gerald, full of -enthusiasm at the prospect of this new and unexpected -addition to their programme of adventure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'That I cannot yet say,' replied Armeath. 'We -must hear what the king says.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'But, sir,' exclaimed Jack, 'you would not think -of leaving us alone—stranded—upon a strange -planet! Suppose you never came back!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It is not a pleasant place to visit; I can tell -you that much,' Monck put in. 'Saturn, at the -present time, is in the stage which the scientists -tell us the Earth was in, ages ago, when the great -antediluvian monsters existed. Those monsters—or -similar ones—are alive now on Saturn; and terrible -creatures they are, I can assure you! The </span><em class="italics">amalpi</em><span>—the -unicorn-like animal which hunted you, Master -Gerald—is one which we managed to capture and -bring back from Saturn. But it is small and -almost harmless compared with some of the animals -and reptiles we saw there! I do not think I -would go there again, Mr Armeath, of my own -choice, even for the sake of bushels of diamonds!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'If I go, it will not be exactly for the reason you -suppose, my friend,' returned Armeath. He spoke -very gravely, and with a note of sadness in his -tone. 'Your king, in most things, has shown himself -a very wise monarch; but I think he has made a -mistake in introducing jewels at all amongst his -subjects. Upon our globe they have always been -the cause of heartburning, envy, jealousy, and -all kinds of evil passions. In too many cases -they have proved, as all of us know, a veritable -curse, and have led to crimes innumerable. But, -for good or for evil, your master has made certain -promises, and arranged certain things with the -Diamond King. King Ivanta's people are all agog, -waiting in clamorous impatience for the cargo of -jewels which we are taking to them. It is too late -now to alter that; but, look you! what if I prove to -them that jewels just as good can be made as cheaply -as bits of glass? What will be the consequence?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Nobody will want them,' Monck answered, laughing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Just so! And that, in my opinion, would be -for the future benefit of all the inhabitants of -Mars! It is for that—and with that idea -alone—that I am ready to risk the danger of a trip to -Saturn.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'If that be so, then I am with you,' exclaimed -the engineer. 'It is a worthy object, and I will -help you all I can! But to obtain the mineral -you want will be almost like undertaking over -again the fabled labours of Hercules, for the place -where it exists is guarded by creatures more -formidable than the fabled Hydra, and more terrible -than the worst of the ancient dragons!'</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="captured-by-a-comet"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER X.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">CAPTURED BY A COMET.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span>, the great Martian airship, sped -onwards upon its wonderful voyage for a -period of nearly two months without anything -occurring to interrupt its continuous progress. -Then, one night, there came a startling interruption -of its smooth, gliding flight through space—one -that nearly terminated it for good and all.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It so happened that the two chums were sitting -up that night with Mr Armeath in the conning-tower, -a privilege but seldom accorded to any one -not actually engaged in the navigation of the ship. -The officer in charge, however, was one named -Malanda, the one who had been in attendance on -the king when Gerald had saved his life. He -it was who had recognised the lad at the critical -moment when he had been a prisoner, and since -that time he had treated him with marked -kindness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The conning-tower was a roomy apartment, very -curiously constructed. It could be raised or -depressed by mechanical means, so that at some -times it projected above the outer surface of the -ship, while at others it was just level with it. -In the former case there was a clear view in -all directions except immediately beneath; in the -latter there was no direct view save upwards; -but the images of outside objects were then thrown -on to a screen, as in a camera-obscura.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Upon this eventful night the conning-tower had -been raised, and the two chums had been amusing -themselves by peering through powerful telescopes -at the heavenly bodies around them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was truly a wonderful, a fascinating sight, -and one which Gerald, especially, was never tired -of contemplating. The various constellations blazed -out with a vividness and beauty far exceeding -their appearance as seen through our atmosphere -from the surface of the Earth. Thanks to Malanda, -the two lads had learned to distinguish the planets -from the far-more distant fixed stars. They knew -that the latter were at such tremendous distances -that they 'didn't count,' as Jack put it; the only -ones they were likely to have anything to do -with being the planets, which, like our Earth, are -always revolving round our sun.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Of course, as they were going to visit Mars, -they watched that orb particularly; and they felt a -special interest in noting how its pinkish-red light -increased in size and intensity as they drew nearer. -Next in interest came our Earth, which they had so -recently left, whose bluish light waned exactly in -proportion as that of Mars waxed stronger. Then -there was beautiful Saturn, with its wondrous -rings of light; perhaps they were also to visit -that mysterious orb, and learn what those lustrous -bands were composed of!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Besides these, there were plenty of curious things -to watch and admire. The planets had their moons -in attendance upon them—some having two, some -as many as eight—all behaving as our own moon -does—each, that is to say, showing in turn as a -thin crescent, a half-moon, a full-moon, and so -on; and the voyagers had watched these changes -with interest which never flagged. It seemed such a -strange thing to think of: several moons round one -planet; one, perhaps, a new moon; and two or three -others near the full, all shining at the same time!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now, it was while they were gazing at these -beautiful sights that Jack noticed a tiny speck of -light which struck him as unfamiliar. He -mentioned it in an undertone to Gerald, who, just -then, was half-watching what was to be seen of -Saturn, half-dreaming of what lay beyond. Gerald -pointed his telescope in the direction indicated, -and looked at the speck of light, but seeing nothing -particular in its appearance, turned his attention -again to other objects.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack, however, was more observant. His acute, -practical sense had told him that here was -something different from anything he had seen before. -He promptly recognised two or three very -important points in connection with it. One was -that its light was different in colour from that -of anything else he could see. Another was that -it was very unsteady, yet it did not 'twinkle' as -do the far-distant stars; and yet another was -that it was growing in intensity very quickly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Therefore,' said Jack to himself, 'I believe it -must be comparatively near, and coming towards -us at a most tremendous rate.' Finally, he drew -Mr Armeath's attention to the phenomenon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Armeath in turn pointed it out to Malanda, -who had no sooner glanced at it than he rushed -across the floor of the chamber to some levers, -which he began to manipulate, at the same time -setting a number of bells ringing in various parts -of the great aerostat. One of these, as it -afterwards appeared, rang out its urgent message in -the sleeping-apartment of the king, who roused -at once from his slumber and hurried to the -conning-tower.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Before his arrival, however, the alarm bells had -summoned others to the place, and from their -excited talk the chums quickly learnt the cause -of the excitement. For they had worked at the -study of the Martian language to such good -purpose that by this time they could understand -most of what was said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were many confused exclamations, and -much incoherent talk; but amidst it all they -heard again and again the cry, 'A comet! A comet!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then Jack found the engineer Monck beside -him, and he asked for further information.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I cannot tell you much about it now, my lad,' -was the reply; 'but I know that this is one of -the gravest dangers of our voyage. Comets have -well been called "the spectres of space." The -planets and their moons move in certain -well-defined orbits or tracks, and you know exactly -where you are likely to meet them and what -to do if you wish to avoid them. But comets -seem to be controlled by no known law, and -you never can tell where you may encounter them. -Compared with any of the planets, they are, of -course, small; but they are enormous compared -with our aerostat, and quite big enough to -accomplish our destruction if one of them ran against -us. So you can understand that great care is -necessary when one is sighted.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'These people seem very excited; do you think -there is serious danger, sir?' Gerald asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'No, no—a—at least, I hope not. But when -a comet is anywhere near it is always a relief -when we are safely past it. You will see, however, -that all will quiet down when our royal master -is here. He is the only one, I believe, who really -knows how to meet the danger.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The words were scarcely spoken when they were -verified by the king's arrival. As his stately form -strode into the chamber, a great hush fell upon -those assembled there, and, like magic, quiet and -orderly procedure took the place of what had -looked very much like unreasoning panic.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He stood for a few moments gazing around to -take in the situation, then he looked at the -advancing comet, which could now be plainly seen -without any telescope furiously rushing, at -tremendous speed, seemingly straight at the ship.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Flashes and bursts of light accompanied it like -explosions of mighty bombshells, lighting up the -interior of the conning-tower as might flashes of -terrible lightning. Already it had grown from a -tiny speck of light to a ball of fire as large as -our moon looks at the full; and it was rapidly -growing bigger and bigger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Ivanta gave a series of orders in sharp, -commanding tones, and some of the crowd of -officers went off to execute them. The doors of -the chamber were closed, and a moment later the -conning-tower sank down, and all became dark save -for a fiery image which was now to be seen upon -a large screen. This gave a view of the comet -as it would have appeared if they had still been -looking direct at it. From the apparent size of -a moon it had now grown to twice as large as -our sun looks to us. Its shape was no longer -round, but was changing each second, the continual -explosions sending out irregular masses of fire upon -all sides in turn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Even as seen upon the screen it was an awful -sight to look upon. It seemed like some gigantic, -fiery monster bent upon devouring them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Armeath put a hand affectionately upon each -of his wards. He could see that the position of -the aerostat was critical, and that they were all -in terrible danger. It was not a moment for talk -or comment, but he bent down and whispered a -few words in the ears of the two lads. 'We are -in the hands of God, my boys,' he said devoutly. -'Such things as these are but some of the smallest -and most puny of His great works! If He so -wills it we shall pass the danger safely, and live -to remember it with admiration and wonder in -place of fear!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The fiery shape grew in size till it covered the -whole screen, and in intensity till, even as thus -reflected, the light from it was almost blinding. -Then there came a close, stifling feeling, and the -chamber grew so hot as to become almost intolerable. -They were conscious of something which -whizzed past them with a frightful roar. In a -second it was gone, and the heat and light grew -perceptibly less.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It has passed!' murmured Armeath; and he -breathed a prayer of thankfulness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Monck, who had remained alongside them, gave -a gasp of relief.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'That's the nearest brush we've ever had since -I 've been on board!' he muttered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Has it really gone? Are we safe now, do -you think, sir?' Gerald asked in a whisper. Both -lads had held their breath at the critical moment. -Though they had shown no signs of panic, the -strain had been pretty severe, and they breathed -more freely now.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Yes, it has gone—shot past us like a flash. -And now'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly the aerostat gave a lurch, and then -swerved from its course so abruptly as almost to -throw the voyagers off their feet. To them it felt -as if it had swung round in a great half-circle, -and was now flying along in the opposite direction -to that in which they had been going.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was the first time since leaving the Earth -that the travellers had experienced anything that -could be called a jar or swerve; and they now -stared at one another in startled surprise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What could it mean?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ivanta's voice was heard issuing hurried orders, -and his officers hastened to execute them. Malanda -crossed the floor to handle a lever near to where -Monck was standing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What is it, friend Malanda?' asked the engineer, -in an anxious undertone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'We are caught in the attractive power of the -comet,' was the answer, 'and it is pulling us along -after it. Unless we can manage to fight free, this -ship will follow the comet through space as long -as it may continue to rush about on its erratic -journey, which would probably mean at least a -thousand years!'</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="welcome-to-mars"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XI.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">'WELCOME TO MARS!'</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The minutes which followed Malanda's startling -announcement were anxious ones indeed for -those of the voyagers who had heard it. -The great majority on board, however, were happily -ignorant of what had happened, and knew nothing -about it till subsequently.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Even Armeath and his companions could not -afterwards tell much more about it than has been -here set down, for the reason that Ivanta ordered -the conning-tower to be cleared of every one save -two or three of his officers. So they had to march -out with the others; and of what went on inside, -or whether the aerostat was likely ever to struggle -out of its fearful position, they in the meanwhile -knew nothing. For what seemed a long, weary -time they could only wait on in suspense while -the issue was being decided.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a good half-hour before the welcome -news was brought to them that the king had -succeeded in getting his ship free from the comet's -sinister influence; and then no further particulars -were vouchsafed. How it had been done was again -one of those secrets which Ivanta kept strictly to -himself. All that was made known was that the -aerostat had now resumed her voyage, and that, -as it happened, no harm had been done.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A few days later, Gerald was seated in one of -the large conservatories, reading a book which he -had borrowed. Both he and Jack could now read -the Martian language fairly well, and they found -in the library on board a new storehouse of -wonders of the most fascinating description. -Hearing footsteps, he glanced up, and saw that Tom -Clinch had come to seek him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Could I 'ave a wurd wi' you, Mr Gerald?' -Clinch asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Certainly, Tom. What's the trouble?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Well, Mr Gerald, it be like this. I've 'eerd—it's -odd 'ow things do get about—as we was nearly -run down t'other night by a comet or some such -blamed foolishness.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald looked with surprise upon the weather-beaten -features of the faithful henchman, and with -difficulty repressed a smile as he noted their -woe-begone expression.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I don't know how you managed to learn so -much, Tom,' he answered quietly; 'but something -of the kind did occur, I believe. Still, there is -no occasion for you to take it so seriously. The -danger is past; and they tell me it's not likely -to happen again during the rest of our journey.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Tom Clinch was not so easily comforted. -He shook his head with a dissatisfied grunt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>''Ow does they know?' he asked dubiously. -'They doan't keep a proper lookout, Mr Gerald, -that's what's the matter, else they 'd 'a sighted -this reckless galoot afore she got so near. They'd -'a seen as she wurn't under proper control, an' -they should 'a sounded the siren. Why doan't they -'ave somebody perched on the top, outside, in a -little sort o' crow's-nest? They could 'ave a -speakin'-tube to shout through if ye like.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I 'm afraid it wouldn't answer; it would be -rather uncomfortable—and, um—well, a little cold -for the man outside,' replied Gerald gravely, though -his eyes were twinkling. 'But is that all you -wish to say?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Why, no, sir. Me an' Bob Reid, we've talked -it over, an' we's agreed t' offer t' run the -look-out for 'em, turn an' turn about, if ye likes. -We's old sailors, an' we knows the ropes, an' we 'd -keep a proper watch. Seems t' me as the people -aboord 'ere be mostly landlubbers, what ain't got -no nautical knollidge like.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald listened with a sympathetic air, for -though he was naturally vastly amused, Tom looked -so very much in earnest that he had not the heart -to seem to ridicule his well-meant suggestion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Promising, therefore, that he would make the -generous offer known in the proper quarter, he -dismissed the old sailor, just as his chum Jack -came upon the scene.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald did not notice at the moment that Jack -looked serious too, and proceeded to tell him, with -a laugh, what Clinch had been saying.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Fancy the two honest old worthies talking this -over, and coming sedately to me with such an -offer!' said he. 'What an idea—that they should -have a lookout placed outside, where the temperature -runs far below that of liquid air! Jupiter!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then he noticed, for the first time, that his -chum was also looking troubled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Why, what's amiss?' he asked. 'You and Tom -Clinch seem alike to-day—you both remind me -of the Knight of the Troubled Countenance. You -look as if you wanted cheering up. You should -read this book I 've got hold of; it would make -you laugh.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What is it about?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It's written by some old Martian crank of an -astronomer, and contains his speculations upon the -subject of the Earth. They call us, you know, -the evening star; for so our planet appears to -them, just as Venus does to us. Well, he is writing -and speculating about their evening star—that is, -about our world—and he declares his conviction -that it cannot be inhabited by human beings like -those living on Mars. He argues that because the -light from our Earth shines with a bluish tint, -therefore, if there are people on it, they must -have blue skins. He brings forward a lot of most -convincing arguments to support this theory, and -winds up by declaring that if our world is really -inhabited, it can only be by a race of ape-like -creatures, with blue skins and bodies partly covered -with green hair!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'H'm! So much for some people's scientific -theories. However, I 've got something else to talk -to you about just now. While you 've been reading -and dreaming, and going about with your head in -the clouds'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Above the clouds, Jack—far, far above the -clouds! Be practical, now. Consider! Are we not -far above the clouds?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Will you listen, you incorrigible dreamer?' -exclaimed Jack impatiently. 'I want to tell you -that I am afraid there is some fresh trouble -brewing in which those Zuanstrooms are mixed up. -Two or three times lately I have come upon their -youngster, Freddy, wandering about in melancholy -fashion, and when I asked him why he was alone, -he said, each time, that they had sent him out -because the "ugly old man" had come there to -talk, and he was in the way. Now, by "ugly -old man" Freddy means the one you called the -Ogre—Kazzaro. The question naturally suggests -itself, why should there be secret conferences -between that worthy and the Diamond King?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Seems funny, doesn't it? Have you mentioned -anything about it to our guardian or Mr Monck?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Not yet. You see, I haven't anything definite -to go upon. But I 'm going to keep my eyes open, -and I mean, if I can, to find out what it really -is that is going on between the Zuanstrooms and -the crowd they've become so thick with.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Well, I'll help you to keep an eye on them -too. Neither Kazzaro nor Mr Zuanstroom is any -friend of ours; that we know. I do believe -that if they could have their way they would -throw us off the ship, and leave us to go whizzing -about in space like a couple of little comets.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>However, time passed on without anything -further occurring to strengthen Jack's suspicions; -and soon they were almost forgotten in the interest -and excitement which sprang up and grew from -day to day as they neared the end of the voyage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The apparent size of Mars was visibly increasing -each time they looked at it, till at last it seemed -to take up the whole of the firmament in front -of them. It was a wonderful, and in many ways -an awe-inspiring, sight. For, just as when they -had been leaving the Earth it seemed to be our -globe which was travelling away from them—not -they from the Earth—so now Mars appeared to -be coming towards them, and at a frightful pace. -Majestic, magnificent, inconceivably grand, it -certainly was; but there was something oppressive in -its very grandeur, something awful in its swift, -silent approach, something terrible in its -overwhelming greatness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Seas and continents began to show upon its -surface, till the wondering spectators could see the -whole of one side laid out as on a gigantic map. -And there, plain to the eye, were the so-called -'canals,' those curious constructions or formations -which our earthly astronomers have viewed through -their telescopes and puzzled over for so many years, -and which are supposed to be artificial canals upon -a gigantic scale.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last, the </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span> entered the planet's -atmosphere, through which they had been viewing -everything as through a faint-pinkish haze. Then a -great change took place in the outward appearance -of the aerostat. The upper covering was removed, -the immense wings were spread, a beautifully -carved and decorated 'figurehead,' like the head -of a colossal bird, was run out at one end and -a tail-like addition at the other.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Monck led Mr Armeath and his companions out -on to the upper deck.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You may now safely venture into the open -air,' he observed; 'for, unknown to you, the air -within the aerostat has been gradually changing, -and becoming denser. We are all, therefore, now -acclimatised, and you will feel no ill effects.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As they looked through their glasses, the two -lads uttered exclamations of astonishment and -admiration.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Below them could be seen an extensive city, -built beside an arm of the sea, which, instead of -being blue, was of an ethereal, rosy tint. There -were towering palaces and noble buildings, vast -embankments and terraces, surrounded by beautiful -gardens, amidst which could be distinguished stately -colonnades, winding streams, and glistening fountains -and cascades.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span> swept downwards with a swift, gliding -motion, in a series of wide circles, like some -giant bird poised on outstretched wings. There -was no vibration, no jar, no motion even of the -wide-spreading wings as she sank lightly and -gracefully through the air.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And as she descended, the air below became -filled with what at first had the appearance of -a great flight of birds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald asked what they were, and Monck bade -him look again through his glasses. Then he saw -that what he had mistaken for distant birds were -in reality numbers of flying-machines mounting -upwards to meet the </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A little later these smaller air-craft were swarming -round the great aerostat, the occupants uttering -shouts and cries of joyous welcome to their returning -king. These flying-machines were of all shapes -and kinds, and they thronged round Ivanta's -superb 'chariot of the skies' as might a swarm -of steamers, yachts, and other craft round a mighty -warship bearing our own king back to England's -shores after a foreign trip.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Finally, the wondrous structure landed easily -and quietly upon the ground in the midst of a -vast crowd of people; and, as she came to rest, -King Ivanta stepped out from the conning-tower -and showed himself to the shouting throng.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then, turning to Armeath and the others whom -he had brought with him as guests, he said, with -a charming mixture of royal dignity and kindly -condescension, 'Welcome, my friends! Welcome to -our world! Welcome to Mars!'</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="prince-alondra"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">PRINCE ALONDRA.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>As King Ivanta spoke to his visitors the -words 'Welcome to Mars!' there came a -rustling sound, and a strange figure, -shining and glistening in the sunlight, suddenly -appeared on the deck beside him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So rapidly had it arrived that the startled -spectators scarcely saw more than the sheen -from its resplendent body before it was amongst -them, alighting with the grace and ease of a -swallow close to the king, whom it addressed in -joyous, laughing accents, 'Welcome, father! welcome home!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Even King Ivanta was evidently taken by surprise, -for at first he scarcely seemed to understand -this arrival any more than the strangers from -Earth did. The next moment, however, he had -clasped the radiant vision in his arms in a -close embrace. Then he drew back and regarded -the youth—for such the figure was—critically. -'Why, Alondra, my son,' said he, 'what is this -surprise?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra, as the visitors were soon to learn, was -Ivanta's son, his only child. He was about the -same age as Gerald, with an exceedingly handsome, -open, merry-looking countenance, lithe and graceful -in figure and in every movement. On this occasion -he was clad in a most bizarre costume, which -included two large wings, just now folded back -behind the shoulders, and trailing on the floor of -the deck.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was impossible to guess what these wings -could be made of. The surface was composed of -thin, feathery flakes in constant motion, which -glistened in the sunshine with iridescent brilliance, -something between the sheen of silver and the -sparkle of crystal. A tunic of the same marvellous -material covered the body to the knees, below -which were attachments like smaller wings, which -now fitted closely round the ankles.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Evidently this wondrous outfit was as new and -surprising to the king as it was to the strangers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The youth seemed delighted at the impression he -had created. He walked to and fro, opening and -folding his wings, and turning this way and that -to show them off to advantage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Almost all my own invention, father,' he -laughed, as he moved about—'mine and Amaldo's! -We were afraid we should not get it finished and -in working order before your return. Indeed, I -only took my trial-flight in it yesterday! Is it -not a splendid creation'?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He opened the wings and fluttered them in the -sunlight. Ripples of light and dancing colours ran -incessantly over the surface, producing effects so -exquisitely varied and beautiful as to be absolutely -indescribable.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It is perfect, Alondra! Truly, as you say, a -splendid creation!' said Ivanta admiringly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'These things, however, are a little too long when -folded, as you can see,' Alondra continued, looking -down at them with a critical air. 'I must have -them shortened. You can see that if you are not -careful you may catch your feet in them and get -a tumble.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In order the better to explain his meaning, he -stepped backwards towards Gerald, who was standing -near, watching everything with intense interest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Scarcely had the young experimenter uttered the -words than he involuntarily illustrated them, in -the most practical fashion, by tripping on one of -the wings, and rolling over at Gerald's feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald stepped quickly forward to help him up, -and in doing so was astonished at the youth's -seeming lightness. So light was he that Gerald, -in trying to raise him, lifted him clean off his -feet, almost as though he had been made of cork. -As a consequence, Alondra came near to losing -his balance and rolling over again. Then the two -stood staring and smiling at one another.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Why, how strong you must be!' exclaimed the -young prince.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'H—how light you must be!' was Gerald's -answer. And he looked so very puzzled and -perplexed that the other burst into a merry peal of -laughter. Then he turned to the king. 'Father,' -he began, but stopped and hesitated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ivanta interpreted the inquiring look. 'Your -surprising creation has made me forgetful of other -matters, my son,' said he. 'I owe an apology to -our friends here. These gentlemen, Alondra, are -visitors from Lokris, the planet I have been to -visit. They are our guests. I need not say more -than that to commend them to your attention and -care.—My guests, this is my son, Prince Alondra, -who, I am sure, is ready to add his welcome to -my own!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'That I am!' cried the young prince, his handsome -face alight with interest and surprise. 'A -warm welcome to you all! Welcome to Zotis!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Ah, they do not know our world by our -name!' Ivanta reminded him. 'They call it Mars.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Welcome, then, to Mars!' said Alondra.</span></p> -<p class="pnext" id="id1"><span>He held out both hands at once; and, as it -happened, he caught hold of one each of Gerald -and Jack, and they returned his greeting as -heartily as it was given. Then he caught sight -of Monck, who was standing a little in the -background. At once he made a dart for him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Why, there is Monck Affelda!' he cried. 'You -have returned, then! Welcome, dear friend! I -was afraid that, perhaps, when you got back to -your own world you would stay there, and we -should never see you more!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Alondra, here are others waiting to know you!' -the king reminded him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And the lad at once turned obediently, with a -look of quick apology at Monck for not saying -more at the moment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All the rest of the strangers having been duly -presented, Ivanta gave his attention to his own -subjects, who were now streaming up the ladders -which had been let down the sides of the aerostat -and crowding the deck to pay their respects to -their sovereign.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra, meantime, stepped back to where the -two chums were standing with their guardian and -the engineer, and commenced a lively chat, asking -them a hundred questions concerning the world -they came from, the incidents of the voyage, and -so forth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both Gerald and Jack took to him at once. -It was almost impossible, indeed, to do otherwise. -His frank, gay, smiling manner, his attractive face, -and easy, graceful air captivated them completely. -Never, they afterwards declared, had they met so -attractive a personality. 'A true son of the stars,' -Jack dubbed him. Glad were they then that they -had made such good use of their time and had -learned the language of their hosts in advance. -Even Silas, who presently joined the group, -became quite amiable under the young prince's genial -influence; and little Freddy fell in love with him -then and there.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Naturally, amongst these young people, there -was a lot to ask about on both sides. Question -followed question, inquiries and explanations were -interrupted with exclamations of surprise, wonder, -admiration, and delight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Alondra caught sight of others who were -known to him, among them Aveena the young -noble, and went off to greet them on their return.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'He is a splendid youngster, the prince,' observed -Monck admiringly. 'Everybody loves him. Clever, -too—quite a young inventor, I can assure you.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What is this flying-dress affair?' asked Jack. -'Do people fly here, then? Or is this the first -time it has been done?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'To the last question the reply would be both -yes and no,' Monck answered. 'If you had noticed, -as we came down, you would have seen many -aeronauts flying about singly amongst the various -airships and flying-machines.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I thought I saw something of the kind,' Jack -returned. 'But we circled about so rapidly, and -there were so many buzzing around, that I scarcely -had a chance to make them out.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'As you now know, the air here is very dense.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'To me it seems very light and exhilarating,' -Gerald put in. 'I expected, when you used to tell -us it was so dense, to find, when we arrived -here, that we should scarcely be able to breathe.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Ah, that is another matter which I will explain -directly. As I have told you before, the air here -is so dense that to make a flying-machine was -never a matter of any great difficulty. For the -same reason, with a properly constructed pair of -wings, you can, after a little practice under expert -tuition, very soon learn to soar into the air, and -fly about after a fashion. It has, however, -hither-to, it must be confessed, been a rather clumsy -fashion. Now, this is the first time I have seen -it really gracefully and easily done. I knew -before we went away that Prince Alondra and -his tutor—an old scientist named Amaldo, who -was also the king's tutor when he was a -boy—were at work upon some new device which was -understood to be the prince's own idea originally. -What it was I never knew exactly, for they kept -it a sort of half-secret. Here, however, it seems, -is the outcome of the idea; and a very successful -outcome too, so far as I can judge.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What is the invention?' asked practical Jack. -'Does it consist, I mean, in the dress, in the -material of which it is composed—wonderful stuff -it certainly seems to be—or in a new shape for -the wings, or what?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Ah, that is exactly what I do not yet know -any more than you. Doubtless, the prince will -enlighten us ere long—when he has enjoyed the -general mystification a little longer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Well, now, to turn to the other point. You say -the air here feels to you light and exhilarating -rather than dense and heavy. It is not exactly -the air which gives you this feeling; it is due -rather to the difference in what we call gravity. -On Mars, things weigh only half what they would -weigh on our Earth. It follows that our muscles -feel stronger in proportion. It requires less -strength, less exertion, to lift your leg or your -arm. Every action or movement, great or small, -is easier—even breathing. Therefore, you have a -sense of lightness, of ease, of unusual strength.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A light broke upon Gerald. 'I see! That was -why the prince seemed so light to me when I -went to help him up just now!' he cried.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Exactly. We who have come from Earth, and -who possess muscles used to the greater weight of -everything there, are all "strong men" here. You -will find this one of the first and one of the -most curious of your experiences here.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then they saw King Ivanta approaching, -bringing Alondra with him. They had left the -crowd of richly arrayed courtiers and officers to -come across to Gerald.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Alondra,' said the king, indicating Gerald as -they drew near, 'I wish to commend this brave -young gentleman to your especial care; and I -hope you two will become good friends. You -must teach him to fly. If he learns to fly as -well as he has learned to swim, then I can testify -that he should make a clever performer; for he -saved your father's life!'</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-palace-in-the-clouds"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XIII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE PALACE IN THE CLOUDS.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Ivanta said a few more kindly words, and -then returned to the brilliant circle he had -left, this time beckoning the Diamond King -to accompany him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'My father says I may conduct you to our -home,' said Alondra, as the king went away. 'So, -if you are agreeable, we will start at once. My -yacht is waiting close by.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'We are ready, I think,' said Armeath. But in -his manner there was some hesitation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Monck interposed. 'You are thinking of your -baggage,' he said, with a smile; 'but you need -not trouble. It will be looked after, and -whatever you want will be brought on afterwards.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Good! That being so, we are at your service, -Prince. Shall our attendants come with us?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I dare say they will feel a bit lost if you -leave them alone in a strange world,' laughed -Alondra. 'So, by all means bring them with you, -if it so pleases you.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Tom Clinch and Bob Reid, looking very -confused and wonderstruck at their new surroundings, -were sent for; and the whole party followed -Alondra—who had been joined by Aveena—to the -other end of the deck.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here, to their surprise, they found a most -beautiful structure awaiting them, moored, so to -speak, to the </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Compared with the great aerostat in which they -had made their memorable voyage, she was like -a tiny, graceful yacht beside one of our modern -warships; yet she was large and roomy enough -to accommodate a numerous party.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra led his guests across a gangway on to -the deck, and then, begging them to excuse him, -he dived into a cabin. In a minute or two he -returned, having divested himself of his 'flying -dress,' and appearing now in a rich costume -similar to that usually worn by the king and his -courtiers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He gave the signal, ropes were cast off, unseen -engines began to work with a quiet, smooth, -scarcely perceptible vibration, setting in motion -several curious spiral contrivances which revolved -round three masts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The 'yacht' rose quietly through the air, and -when she was clear of the </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span>, wings spread -out on each side. Then she sailed swiftly away -in a direction a little to the right of the city -they had seen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What a curious arrangement!' exclaimed Jack, -as he watched the revolving spirals.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'They take the place of fans,' Monck explained. -'They are far more handy and more powerful.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'And far prettier too!' cried Gerald. 'What -lovely coloured devices they make as they twirl -round! They are like kaleidoscopes; and the wings, -too, seem to be spangled with gold.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'She is a beautifully designed structure in every -way,' observed Monck. 'One of the latest and best, -and also one of the fastest of our pleasure yachts.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile, a little apart, Tom Clinch and Bob -Reid sat together, staring about, noticing -everything, and making their comments in low, -awe-struck tones.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Well, well! that ever I should live t' see the -likes o' this!' said Clinch. 'What d'ye think of -it all, Bob?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I 'm thinkin' what 'd happen if she was t' shift -'er ballast, Tom. I do 'ope it be well stowed.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Ay, ay, Bob. Theer be a lot in the way a -ship be ballasted. But 'ow do she manage t' keep -up? That 's what beats me! Them wings scarcely -moves at all.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Tom,' said Reid, leaning over to speak almost -in a whisper, 'don't ye notice what queer sort o' -air this be 'ere? 'Tain't a bit like ourn at 'ome.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'No, it ain't. I notices that. What about it?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It must be some o' the liquid air I've read -of, as scientific chaps thinks a lot of in our world. -Depend on it, this is where it comes from!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Tom slapped his thigh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Right ye are, mate! That explanations it. -That 's 'ow 'tis she floats like this 'ere. They be -all a-livin' 'ere in liquid air! An' them wings -bain't wings at all! They be fins!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then Monck drew Armeath's attention to -a comparatively large, heavy-looking airship which -was just rising into the air from near where the -</span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span> lay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'That,' said he, 'is one of King Agrando's -war-vessels; or rather she was formerly a war-craft, -but now she serves the purpose of a private yacht. -She is just starting off to carry him and his people -back to their own country.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Is that far away, Mr Monck?' Gerald asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Yes. A pretty good distance as distances are -reckoned on this globe.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'The farther away the better, I should say,' -muttered Jack. 'Good riddance go with him!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A little while afterwards they neared a -grand-looking mass of rock which rose abruptly from -the plains below. It was a precipitous mountain, -and upon its lofty summit, literally amongst the -clouds, rose the noble towers and domes of the -most stately building the strangers had ever seen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They realised at once that none of our earthly -buildings could compare with this magnificent pile. -As the yacht rose in the air, and they obtained -a better view, their amazement increased, every -moment exhibiting more clearly its vast -proportions and revealing some fresh surprise. What -it might be built of was a puzzle; for it shone -through the rosy haze with a golden lustre, and -looked a veritable fairy palace of the upper air.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Wh-what is that wonderful sight? Is it -another town—a real town—or an effect of -sunlight among the clouds?' gasped Gerald.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'That is King Ivanta's palace,' said Monck -quietly. 'It is Alondra's home—the place we are -going to stay at.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'But how do you get to it?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'The way we are getting to it now; there is -no other way. No person could climb up that -mountain. There is no road, no path to it. It -can only be approached by airship.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then a hoarse shout was heard, and there -came a loud clanging of bells and gongs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Amidst it all, Tom Clinch's voice was clearly -heard. 'Avast theer, ye galoots!' he cried. 'Port -yer helm, ye blunderin' lubbers! Can't ye see yer -runnin' inter us?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So absorbed had the strangers been in gazing -at the palace on the mountain-top that they had -not noticed a flying-craft which had been -travelling behind them, and had almost overtaken them. -Alondra and his attendants, seeing the effect -produced upon his guests by the scene before -them, had reduced the speed, and allowed the -yacht to float upwards in leisurely fashion, omitting -to look out for what might be behind them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was now a sudden bustle on board as -the navigators rushed to the various levers, and -a moment later the yacht dropped suddenly with -a downward swoop, allowing the strange craft to -pass harmlessly overhead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Jupiter!' cried Gerald, 'that was a near -squeak! What careless people they must be! Is -that sort of thing common here?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Monck scowled and shook his head. 'No,' he -said curtly. 'And there will be trouble about it -to-morrow. Some one will be called to account -for it, you may be sure!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra made no remark, but coolly resumed -the journey as though nothing out of the way had -happened.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gradually they drew nearer to the mountain-top, -and all the while fresh beauties burst upon -their view. Down the rocky sides tumbled mighty -waterfalls, which gleamed like masses of molten -gold till they were lost in clouds of golden spray -below. Around the wondrous edifice itself were -now seen groves and terraces upon a tableland -broken by hills and dales extending far into the -clouds beyond.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The travellers from the distant Earth, reassured -by Alondra's coolness, gazed upon the scene of -grandeur and sublimity in wondering silence, and -seemed for a while scarcely to breathe. So -entranced were they that they scarcely noticed -when their yacht 'grounded' upon the summit of -the mountain, at a short distance from an -imposing gateway which formed the main entrance -to the palace.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A minute or two later they passed down a -gangway, and then followed their young host -towards the gateway, which seemed to loom up -larger and higher as they approached it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly the massive gates were thrown open, -and a stream of attendants sallied forth and -ranged themselves in two rows, between which the -guests were ushered into the building. Through -wide galleries, open courtyards, where fountains -played among strange plants and flowers, and up -spacious staircases, they passed onwards to a -central hall, where they found another assembly -of nobles and officials, evidently waiting to receive -them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At one end, upon a dais, was a throne of ivory -and gold, and on each side of it a number of -richly upholstered seats.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra signed to his chief guests to seat themselves -upon the latter, while he himself occupied -the throne.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Good friends,' said he, addressing the assembly, -'I bring you glorious news—the news of the -safe return of the king, my father! You have -doubtless already seen that his "chariot of the -skies" has arrived? To that I am rejoiced to be -able to add the welcome tidings that my royal -father, and all who accompanied him, have come -back safely and in good health.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this there was much shouting and clapping -of hands upon the part of the hitherto silent -crowd. Evidently they had been awaiting news -in some suspense, anxious as to whether, though -they knew the </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span> had returned, some -untoward accident might have happened to any of -those on board.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I am also the bearer, good friends, of commands -to you from the king,' continued Alondra, when -the shouting had died down. 'By his wish I -take my seat here in his absence, to welcome in -his name to his royal home some strangers he -has brought with him from a far-distant planet. -Good friends, that is all I need say to you! These -strangers are the king's friends and guests, and as -such he bids you receive and treat them until -he comes himself to attend to their pleasure and -comfort.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then such a clamour was heard as fairly took -the visitors by surprise. It seemed even to -surpass that which had greeted the announcement -of the king's safe return. Hands, handkerchiefs, -banners, were waved, trumpets blared, cymbals -sounded. Finally, at a sign from the prince, there -was a general rush towards the dais, the friendly -crowd almost tumbling over one another, as each -seemed determined to be the first to shake hands -with these strangers from a distant world.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="tom-clinch-s-statement"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XIV.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">TOM CLINCH'S STATEMENT.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>When the plaudits which greeted the -strangers had subsided, and the -strenuous handshaking had come to an end, -Monck, at a signal from Alondra, conducted them -from the great hall to a private suite of apartments.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'These are assigned to you for your own use -during your stay here,' he explained. 'I may -tell you, in confidence, that they have never been -occupied by any save guests of consequence. Therefore, -the fact that they have been allotted to you -is one more proof that my royal master desires -to pay you special honour in the eyes of his -people.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It is very kind of him,' murmured Armeath, -'but a little embarrassing. It is likely to cause -misapprehension. We are no royal visitors, you -know.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'My master knows it also,' Monck reminded -him. 'But he is not like other monarchs. You -know by this time, for instance, that he never -allows any one to address him as "your Majesty." He -looks upon it as unnecessary, and resents it as -he does any kind of adulation or flattery. He -expects that we shall treat him with due respect -as the head of the State. If you go beyond that, -so far from pleasing him, you only offend him.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'And if you do less,' observed Gerald, 'why -then'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I cannot tell you what would happen,' returned -Monck drily. 'So far as my experience extends, -I have never seen it attempted.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Truly, these are sumptuous quarters,' said -Armeath, gazing round at the richly furnished -rooms.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You will find your sleeping apartments equally -comfortable, with marble baths attached, where you -can have a swim before breakfast if it so please -you. Also, you will see there is an ample -wardrobe from which to select your Court dress'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Eh, what's that? Are we to put on Court -dress, sir?' Jack stared, and looked first at the -engineer and then at his guardian in serio-comic -distress. 'Must we do that? We've never been -used to that sort of thing, you know!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What does that matter?' said Gerald. 'When -one goes to Rome one must do as Rome does.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A little while later the two chums were looking -over a collection of the most gorgeous raiment -they had ever set eyes upon. Gerald viewed the -dazzling costumes with enthusiastic admiration; -but Jack was inclined to regard them almost with -disfavour.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Beautiful! Splendid!' exclaimed Gerald. 'Just -what I have seen in my sleep when I was a -child, and I used to gaze at the stars and dream -that I went up into the heavens to visit them! -In those dreams I went from one star to another, -and saw the most charming countries and places, -and all the good people in them were dressed in -clothes something like these.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'And how were the bad ones dressed?' asked -Jack quizzically.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'There weren't any,' Gerald declared stoutly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What! No ogres, or giants, or bad fairies? -However, it's odd, now, to think of those old -dreams of yours! I remember how you used to -recount them to us afterwards. It's curious to -think how, after all, they seem to be coming true, -isn't it?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Yes,' answered Gerald slowly, as the dreamy, -far-away look came again into his eyes. 'But -this is only the beginning. If they are all coming -true, we have experiences before us more wonderful -even than anything that has happened yet! Perhaps -it will turn out so. Who can tell?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Well, I've got to that state of mind now that -I sha'n't be so very much surprised if they do; -and if they don't, I 'm quite content with what -we have in hand,' said practical-minded Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Their two attendants were lodged in adjacent -rooms, so that they might be within call when -wanted. Presently, Gerald looked in upon them -to see how they were getting on, and was much -amused to see Reid staring blankly at a heap of -clothes, much as Jack had been doing but a little -while before. These costumes, it is true, were -much plainer and less pretentious; but they were, -nevertheless, far finer clothes than either of the two -worthies had ever yet worn, or ever expected to.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Why, Bob, what's the matter?' Gerald asked. -'You look as dismal as if you were going to have -a tooth out!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>''E 's a poor sort o' creechure sometimes, be -Bob Reid,' said Clinch sententiously. Tom was -busy picking out the most showy dress he could -find, and attiring himself therein. ''E often doan't -seem to know when 'e's in luck. What's these -yer fine things sent for if we ain't t' wear 'em? -Take what Providence sends ye, an' be thankful! -Them's my sentiments.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As he spoke he selected a coloured hat with a -very high crown and poised it on his head, -opposite a looking-glass.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I never 'ad no 'igh 'at to wear afore, an' I -ain't a-goin' t' throw this chance away,' said -Tom.—'Look at that, Bob Reid,' he continued, as he -surveyed himself in the glass and strutted to and -fro. 'See 'ow it sets off yer figger, me lad!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald smiled, and was turning away, when -Tom suddenly threw the hat on one side, and, -looking very serious, said, 'Mr Gerald, I wants a -wurd wi' ye. Ye knows as we was nearly run -down a while since a-comin' up 'ere?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Yes, Tom. Well?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'D' ye know who was in that blunderin' pirate -as tried t' send us rattlin' down on the rocks -below?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'No, I saw no one. It was a strange-looking -craft, and seemed to have no one on board; -though, I suppose, the people were really boxed -up and out of sight.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Tom looked cautiously round, as if doubtful -whether there were any hidden listeners. Then -he came close to Gerald, and said in a whisper, -'But I see one on 'em! 'E were a-peepin' out o' -a porthole! Nobody but me was lookin', an' as -soon as 'e see me 'e bobbed back.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Well, who was it?' Gerald asked, impressed by -Tom's manner. 'Any one we—you or I—know?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Tom nodded portentously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Ay, ay, sir; one who ain't no frien' o' yourn—the -one ye call the Ogre—an' a jolly good name -for 'im too!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Are you sure—quite sure, Tom? This may be -a serious matter! You should not say such a -thing unless you are absolutely certain.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'As sure as I am that me 'ead be on me -shoulders, sir. The ugly swab! As if anybody -could mistake 'is phizog!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald reflected a while, then said, 'Say nothing -to any one else about this, Tom. Keep your own -counsel. There may be nothing in it, and if you -talk it may get you into trouble.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Ay, ay, sir! I shall be dumb about it onless -ye tells me t' speak.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently a loud flourish of trumpets and sounds -of shouting and a general commotion announced -that the king himself was approaching. Monck -led the visitors to a post of vantage outside the -palace, from which they could obtain a good view.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sun was near to setting, and its beams -cast a lurid glow over the scene—redder than any -sunset they had ever seen on Earth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Below them was a vast plain with a few low -hills, upon and round which was the great city -of Ivenia, looking vast and glorious, with magnificent -buildings extending in one direction pile upon -pile almost as far as the eye could see. On the -other side lay the sea, glistening like molten -copper.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The king's air-yacht—larger and more beautiful -even than the one they had come in—was seen -rising majestically towards them, surrounded by -hundreds of smaller air-craft, their decorations -glittering and sparkling in the sun's red beams. -There was no booming of cannon, as would be the -case with us, but a loud, musical, humming sound, -which was curiously agreeable to the ear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When in due course Ivanta landed upon the -height, a few of the craft accompanying him -landed also, and from them poured out a stream -of people splendidly arrayed, who trooped after -him in procession to attend the reception in the -palace.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was a repetition upon a larger scale, so to -speak, of the function at which Prince Alondra -had presided, Ivanta this time occupying the throne -himself, with the young prince beside him. As -before, places of honour were given to the strangers, -amongst whom the Zuanstrooms were now -included; and the proceedings were even more -enthusiastic and of longer duration, winding up -with a grand banquet. It would take too long -to describe all that followed. It must suffice to -say that the two chums voted it the most wonderful -entertainment that they had ever heard of or -that imagination could picture; and when at last -they lay down together for their night's rest they -were both about tired out.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now, however, that the dazzling excitement of -this wonderful day was over, and they were once -more alone and quiet, the memory of their narrow -escape from death and of what Tom Clinch had -said came back to Gerald's mind like the -proverbial skeleton of the feast.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He had had a talk with Monck about it, and -had been rather snubbed for his pains. The -engineer said he had seen Kazzaro go with his -master on board the large ex-warship which he -had pointed out as serving now as Agrando's -private yacht. Therefore, the Ogre could not -possibly have been where Clinch said he was.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And Monck had ended the talk by rather curtly -advising Gerald not to hunt for mares' nests, and -warning him to be careful not to mention such -suspicions to any one else.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'We shall make inquiries and find out who the -people were who so nearly ran us down,' Monck -assured him; 'and they will be called to account -for their reckless navigation of the air. But I do -not myself believe that there was anything more -than carelessness, nor that Kazzaro could have -been on board.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald felt a little sore at the engineer's blunt -refusal to believe honest Tom Clinch; and Jack -sympathised with him, and tried to comfort him -by declaring that he agreed with his view.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Depend upon it, Tom would not be likely to -make a mistake in such a matter,' Jack agreed. -'He is an old sailor, and is as sharp as a needle -in a case of emergency like that. My own -opinion—strictly, of course, between ourselves—is that -that imp of evil we call the Ogre was there, and -that he deliberately tried to run us down and to -kill us all, including the king's son. You will -remember my saying I believed that some understanding -existed between the Ogre and Zuanstroom. -I am still positive that I was right, and that -there is some sinister mischief brewing. Mr Monck -may disbelieve it and laugh at the idea if he -chooses to, but don't you feel sore, old chap. I -am afraid he will wish by-and-by that he had -treated our hints more seriously.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald shivered. 'I would rather it should turn -out that it is Monck who is right and we who -are wrong,' he returned. 'It's horrible to think -that we have come all this way, and incurred so -many risks, only to meet with plots and murderous -attempts. It used not to be so in my dreams,' -he added moodily. 'I wonder why it should be -so now? Mr Monck gave us to understand that -we were coming to a place where there were no -more wars, where King Ivanta reigned in peace -and security, beloved by all his subjects. Why -does it not seem to be as he led us to believe? -Are we the cause? Is it due simply to the fact -that the Zuanstrooms don't like us—that they are -angry because we came, or jealous because the king -shows more favour to you than he does to Silas?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'No; I don't think it is our fault,' said Jack, -with decision. 'Zuanstroom has brought with him -the biggest cargo of diamonds ever seen; and, as -Mr Armeath said, trouble was sure to follow. -Now, dismiss it from your thoughts, old chap, and -go to sleep.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I will; and perhaps some of the old dreams -about the stars will come back to me,' Gerald -finished, with a sigh. 'I hope, if they do, there -will be no diamonds there!'</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="hunting-the-great-mars-eagle"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XV.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">HUNTING THE GREAT MARS EAGLE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The time that followed upon their arrival on Mars -was a period of great enjoyment for the two -chums. The gloomy feeling which had been -caused by their narrow escape upon that first day -quickly passed away and was now almost forgotten.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Agrando and the Ogre stayed at home in their -own country, and the chums saw and heard nothing -of them. Zuanstroom and his son went their own -way, for the most part making friends with the -nobles and the chief citizens, and seemingly bent only -upon the acquisition of useful knowledge concerning -the country they were in and its inhabitants.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald and Jack, on the other hand, became -the daily companions of the young prince; and -the three grew more friendly and intimate as the -weeks passed by.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra showed himself a charming host in his -behaviour towards his young guests, and did all -he could to make their stay pleasant. He took -them about, showing and explaining such things -as were new to them and likely to excite their -interest, and in particular initiating them into the -mysteries of the Martian sports and pastimes. In -some of these, as has been related, the two lads had -already made themselves proficient during the voyage; -but those had necessarily been only of such a kind as -were possible in a comparatively confined space.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To attempt to tell of the many strange things the -visitors met with, the novel and surprising sights they -saw, and all their curious experiences, would, however, -extend this narrative to too great a length. It is only -possible to relate some of the more noteworthy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The one great marvel of the place—naturally, -the one which had first attracted their attention, -and which was always in evidence—was the fact -that everybody went about in the air. No one -ever thought of travelling far in any other manner; -no other kind of mechanical locomotion was to be -seen, except as regards the transport of heavy -goods. These were still carried to and fro on -railways of various kinds, or on other motor -vehicles—'slow, old-fashioned affairs,' as Alondra called -them—or still slower 'electric ships.' None of -these, Monck explained, could travel at a faster -rate than a hundred miles or so an hour—reckoning -miles as we do on Earth, and that was far too -slow to suit the Martians of to-day.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Fancy any one travelling at such an absurdly -slow speed!' observed Alondra, laughing at the -idea. 'Yet, ages ago, in what some here call the -good, old-fashioned days, people, even upon the -longest journeys, had to be content with crawling -about our world no faster than that! We can travel -far more quickly now, in our racing air-yachts, and -I suppose that on your planet, which we know is -bigger than ours, you travel more swiftly still?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald thought of some of our old-fashioned, -slow-going railways, and blushed. 'I am sorry to -have to confess that we do not,' he returned, a -little shamefacedly. He did not like having to -admit at every turn how far his native Earth was -'behind the age,' as things were understood in -Mars. But it was constantly the case, nevertheless.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They sailed about almost daily in the young -prince's yacht—the one which had carried them -up to the king's palace the first day—and they -were astounded at the speed she attained in the -air. No doubt, as Jack remarked, the marvellous -</span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span> must have travelled immeasurably faster, -or they would have been years upon their journey -instead of months. But they had scarcely been aware -of her real speed, because they had passed no object -near enough to give any idea of the actual rate at -which they were being whirled through space.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It happened that the prince's air-yacht had been -named after our Earth. She was called </span><em class="italics">Lokris</em><span>, -which, as has been already made known, was the -name by which the Martians knew our planet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'She was built shortly after my father's return -from his first visit to your world,' Alondra -explained; 'and I felt so interested in all he had to -tell me about it that I called her by that name.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At times there were 'air-regattas,' at which -races were arranged for various classes of airships -and flying-machines. The prizes at these were -valuable and were eagerly competed for, and the -</span><em class="italics">Lokris</em><span> was frequently one of the competitors. In -these contests the young prince showed himself a -skilful and daring navigator of the air; and -sometimes, when the two chums accompanied him, they -had some exciting experiences, as the competing -yachts whirled along, often neck and neck, at -almost incredible speed. At such times it was -often the most venturesome—almost, one might -say, the most reckless—who came in winners.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra was delighted to discover that in his -two visitors he had gained sailing companions after -his own heart. He took special pains to teach -them to assist him in the handling of the yacht, -and they soon grew expert. Then the two sailors -were instructed, and took the place of the former -crew; and the five became celebrated for their -skilful and fearless manoeuvring and for the -number of races they won.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Tom Clinch and Bob Reid entered into the -spirit of the thing with great gusto, and soon -proved themselves as clever in the air as ever -they had been in the handling of sailing-boats on -the water at home. And when the prizes began to -come in—half of which Alondra allotted to them, -the other half being distributed in charity—their -satisfaction and delight may well be imagined.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It should be explained that these Earth-born -assistants gained a considerable advantage from -the fact, which has already been noted, that their -muscles were stronger comparatively than those -of the natives. Thus the four on board the -</span><em class="italics">Lokris</em><span> could do the work of nearly double the -number of Martians—and as in this kind of racing -the work was often heavy, and required considerable -physical exertion, the saving in weight effected by -carrying a smaller crew made an important difference.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the great sport of the Martians, it presently -appeared, was eagle-hunting. A species of eagle, -very much larger than any on Earth, had their -eyries amongst some mountain peaks in a wild -district some distance away. In regard to size, -the visitors found that birds were larger on the -average, while some animals were often smaller, -than those species on our earth which correspond -to them. Certainly these eagles—known by the -name of krondos—were gigantic birds, swift and -very high flyers, and terribly savage, powerful -creatures when attacked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Doubtless they would have been exterminated -long ago but for the fact that they had been -expressly preserved for the purposes of sport, just -as foxes are in England.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Packs of smaller tame eagles, of a different -breed, were trained to hunt them. Assisted by -these, a party of Martian nobles would sally -forth in their air-yachts and chase the formidable -giant eagles from peak to peak, following them in -their circling flights into the upper air or their -dizzy downward swoops, until some expert -hunter-aeronaut contrived to throw a net over the quarry -and capture it alive.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That was, briefly, the general procedure, Monck -explained; but, as he further remarked, it did -not always come off as per programme. Sometimes -the krondos assumed the offensive against the -hunters; and cases had been even known of their -dragging men out of the airships and carrying -them off, or dashing them down upon the rocks -below.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'The king has arranged for a grand krondo-hunt -to-morrow, in your honour!' Alondra one day -informed the chums. 'We must be astir early in -the morning. You are to come with me in my -yacht. Now you will see some truly royal sport. -Our air-yacht races are but as a children's game -compared with this!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It came to pass, accordingly, that at dawn a -great procession of air-craft, headed by the king -in his own yacht—known as the </span><em class="italics">Nelda</em><span>—started -off in the beams of the rising sun for the district -which was the haunt of the great birds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>An hour's run brought them to the hunting-ground, -and the chums thought they had never -seen a more desolate tract. Great, rocky cliffs -and heights, and soaring mountain-peaks above, -with dark, gloomy ravines and valleys below, were -its chief features—truly a suitable region for the -ferocious winged monsters they were in search of.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra was the first to sight one of the creatures; -and, following the rules of the hunt, turned his -yacht quickly and dashed away in pursuit. He -was wearing, as it happened, through a fancy of -his own, his new flying-dress. Why, exactly, the -chums who were with him did not know; though -he had hinted mysteriously at some new experiment -he was desirous of trying.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the </span><em class="italics">Lokris</em><span> shot upwards, and then swerved -to round a towering peak, something went wrong -with one of the revolving spirals; and Gerald, as -he had done before in a similar case, climbed up -the mast to try to right it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the meantime, the speed was checked, and -the craft passed closer to the rock than had been -intended.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Other yachts, which had turned aside to follow, -were catching them up; and Alondra, who did -not like this, was shouting excited instructions to -Gerald, when there came a loud rushing of wings -as two immense dark forms rose unexpectedly from -off the rock and sailed upwards within a few yards -of him. One of the giant birds swung round in -a narrow circle, poised, and then swooped down -upon the busy worker on the top of the mast.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So sudden and unlooked for was the rush, so -powerful the clutch which gripped him, that Gerald -was forced from his hold; and a moment later -the bird, with its prey, was seen either flying or -falling headlong down towards the valley, thousands -of feet below.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A great shout of horror and dismay went up -from the spectators; but, even as the cries were -heard, a glistening, shining figure flashed from the -side of the yacht.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra had dived through the air after his friend!</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="in-dire-peril"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XVI.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">IN DIRE PERIL.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>As Alondra disappeared over the side of -the </span><em class="italics">Lokris</em><span>, Jack made a dart at the -controlling-gear and began handling the -levers. They were placed on a raised platform -or bridge situated in the bow, in such a position -as to give the best all-round view for directing -and managing the craft. He had seen that Gerald -had cleared the spiral just before he had been -attacked by the giant eagle, and that everything, -therefore, was now again in working order. Just -before leaping off, Alondra had paused a second -to give him a look which said as plainly as -words could have done, 'I leave you in charge;' -and Jack acted promptly upon the unspoken wish.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Hold tight, everybody!' he shouted, and a -moment later the airship plunged downward.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The </span><em class="italics">Nelda</em><span>, carrying King Ivanta and his party, -had turned and dived too; and the two airships -came close together, and raced for a while side -by side in their swift descent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>King Ivanta was directing his own craft, and -he made signs to Jack, indicating in dumb show -his line of action.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Below them, and, as yet, far ahead, could be seen -the feathered monster bearing off his prey, in what -was now a more gradual downward sweep. Alondra -could be seen, too, in close pursuit behind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack understood Ivanta's meaning, and the two -airships parted company—one going off to the -right and the other to the left.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then followed a most strange and terribly -exciting chase.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The desolate valley at its farther end opened -out, and there, away in the distance, could be -seen a sheet of water forming an extensive lake. -It was the object of the pursuers to drive the -krondo in that direction.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This required very delicate and careful manoeuvring. -If, on the one hand, the bird were pressed -too closely, it might drop its prey upon the rocks -beneath, which would mean for Gerald certain death. -On the other hand, it was advisable to force it to -fly its hardest, so that it would have no leisure to -peck at its victim </span><em class="italics">en route</em><span>. Once it was over the -water, Alondra, who had armed himself with his -trident, would probably be able to deal with it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All this King Ivanta had conveyed to Jack in -pantomime, for no words could be heard amidst -the rush through the air as the airships plunged -madly downwards. Jack had been quick to divine -what was intended, and now took his share in the -hunt accordingly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The krondo, however, also seemed to guess what -its pursuers were trying to do, and it exhibited -a desire to balk them by making for one or -other of the rocky precipices which rose like -colossal walls on either side of the valley. Every -time it tried to do this, the king on the one side, -or Jack on the other, immediately swept round to -head it off.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Behind them came a number of other airships, -which had formed now into more or less orderly -ranks, some above and some below. Their -occupants were watching all that took place with -breathless interest, and held themselves ready to -close up if the bird should elude the leading -pursuers and break back.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The position was rendered yet more difficult by -the appearance of four other krondos, which swooped -down with blood-curdling screams, and followed the -first one, quite ready and willing to fight it on their -own account for the possession of its prize.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In one respect this, perhaps, was an advantage, -as it had the effect of causing the robber to hold -on to its prey more obstinately, and rendered it -less likely to drop it. But there was also the -danger of the other krondos closing round and -pecking Gerald to death amongst them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly a new factor was added. From the -king's yacht quite a flock of birds emerged and -began flying about with shrill cries and hoarse -calls. These were Ivanta's tame eagles—small -birds, comparatively speaking, but still, in actual -fact, strong creatures, which had been trained to -hunt their giant cousins.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At first they circled round and darted this way -and that in seeming confusion, no doubt dazzled -by the light, for they had thus far been kept -hooded. But they quickly became accustomed to -their surroundings, and then a close observer might -have seen that they were all watching their -master the king, as he stood plainly in view upon -the prow of his craft.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He waved his hands, and away they flew in a -compact cloud, heading straight for the four krondos, -just as they were beginning to 'mob' the one which -was carrying Gerald.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then ensued a battle-royal in mid-air, the -sagacious, trained birds dashing at the bigger -ones and darting away again, harrying and worrying -them, as clever hounds will rush in at a wild -boar, snap at it, and dart away before the bigger -beast has time to turn and rend them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This attack of the trained birds had the effect -of turning the pursuing krondos from their -intended purpose. They had now enough to do to -defend themselves; and clouds of feathers could -be seen falling through the air, testifying to the -severity of the combat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During the melee the first robber, glad of the -opportunity of making its escape with its prize, -winged its way steadily onwards until at last it -was over the waters of the lake.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here its speed grew perceptibly less, and it -began to dip in its flight—unmistakable signs that -it was tiring. For, large and powerful as the -creature was, the weight it was carrying was -bound to tell upon it sooner or later.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The pursuing airships now came up, and while -some forged on ahead, the others closed round in -such a manner as to hem the robber in.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra, who had been following the heavily -burdened thief without any great effort, made a -sudden spurt, and, sweeping round, passed close -to it. There was a flash of light, and a sharp, -crackling sound.</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 75%" id="figure-53"> -<span id="there-was-a-flash-of-light-and-a-sharp-crackling-sound"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="There was a flash of light, and a sharp, crackling sound." src="images/img-124.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">There was a flash of light, and a sharp, crackling sound.</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then the spreading wings drooped, the gigantic -bird seemed to stagger and shrink, and finally it -collapsed. Robber and prey fell together into the -lake, and the waters closed over them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were a few moments of anxious suspense. -Was Gerald injured? Would he be able to swim? -These and similar questions were in the minds of -the spectators as they scanned the surface of the -lake.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack had turned his airship downwards as he -saw Alondra make his rush, and a moment or -two after the bird's fall the craft alighted on the -water and lay gently rocking within a few yards -of the spot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack and Clinch both sprang to the side, and -there were two splashes as they dived almost -simultaneously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just, however, as they disappeared from sight -beneath the water, two other forms emerged. One -was the krondo, which floated motionless; the -other was Gerald, who was swimming vigorously, -seemingly none the worse for what he had -undergone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A great cheer went up from the assembled -crowd, which was renewed again and again as -first Jack and then Clinch reappeared, and, catching -sight of their friend, hastened towards him to -offer their help.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then the king's yacht descended close to -the swimmers; a ladder was thrown from her side, -and Ivanta himself stepped down and assisted -them to climb on hoard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He soon satisfied himself by actual examination -that no great harm had been done. Gerald had -some nasty scratches, and the muscles were bruised -in places; but otherwise he was unhurt, and was -inclined to make light of his adventure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It's an experience that no one on our own -planet can boast of,' he observed with a smile. -'No one since the days of Sindbad the Sailor has -ever been carried off by a bird.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I am thankful that it has been no worse, my -lad,' said Ivanta, and in his tone there was a note -of deep and kindly feeling. 'It is an unpleasant -variation of our usual sport.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I confess I was on tenterhooks the whole -time,' said Armeath, who was one of the king's -party, 'and I am more relieved than I can tell you.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Oh, it's all right, sir!' answered Gerald -cheerfully. 'I am none the worse, and I am quite -ready to go on with the hunt. Don't let me -spoil your day's sport. Besides, I want to get -a bit of my own back. Those feathered brutes -have hunted me; I want to hunt them before I 've -done with them!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'So you shall!' returned the king. 'But you -must first put on some dry clothes. Go down to -my cabin, and Alondra will find you a change.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I haven't thanked him yet for following up -the beast so promptly,' cried Gerald, turning to -Alondra, who had just alighted on the deck and -grasped his hand. 'I saw all that went on! I -saw you, Alondra, leap down after me; and it -was that really which turned the bird in the -right direction, for he was heading the other way!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I noticed that,' said Alondra modestly. 'I -remembered that there was this lake ahead of -us, and it struck me in a flash that the -best—almost the only—chance of saving you was to -drive the krondo towards it. Of course, I could -have overtaken him and mastered him; but I -could not have supported you and battled with -him too—to say nothing of the others which -would have been after us.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>''Twas wisely thought out, my son,' Ivanta -declared. 'I caught your idea directly I noted -that you had purposely turned the bird from the -line it had first taken. Our young friend here -was prompt, too, in following it up and aiding -me to prevent it from breaking back,' he added, -indicating Jack. 'Now, go and change your -clothes; and we will give you your revenge upon -the krondos.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Half an hour later they were back again in -the valley which had been the scene of Gerald's -startling adventure. A desultory fight was still -going on between Ivanta's trained eagles and a -pair of their foes. Upon the rocky ground below -lay one dead krondo and several of the smaller -birds. Of the fourth krondo nothing was to be -seen; it had probably taken refuge in flight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ivanta looked at his dead birds with grave -concern and regret.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'This is my fault! I forgot to call them off!' -said he. 'I do not like to have my faithful -feathered friends treated like this.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He put a whistle to his lips, and at the sound -of it his eagles obediently left the krondos they -were 'mobbing;' and the latter at once flew off. -Evidently they had had quite enough of the fray, -and were glad of the chance of making good their -retreat without further trouble.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'We will find some more to chase presently,' -observed Ivanta. 'First, let us see what can be -done for those of my eagles which are hurt but -not killed.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Armeath and his wards looked on with wondering -approval as they saw the attention Ivanta -proceeded to bestow upon his wounded birds. It -was curiously characteristic of the man to delay -the proceedings and keep all his friends waiting -for such a cause.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Later on, the hunt was resumed, and the visitors -had some lively experiences among the -mountain-peaks, though none quite so startling as the first -one.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They found it, as Alondra had said they would, -splendid sport. The krondos were hunted out and -pursued by the small eagles in all their turns, and -these were followed by the airships, just as the -huntsmen follow the hounds. There was the same -rivalry, too, amongst the latter to be 'in at the -death.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Naturally, this necessitated some bold manoeuvring -on the part of the airships. At one time they -would be circling through the upper air to dizzy -heights far above the highest mountains; then -suddenly there would be a turn and a mad -plunge downwards for thousands of feet, as their -quarry swooped down almost to the level of the -ground below. There were many hairbreadth -escapes from collisions; and altogether the sport -was about as exciting as the most daring or the -most reckless could desire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It beats the switchback railway business and -all that sort of thing hollow!' exclaimed Gerald -that evening, when relating their experiences to -Freddy; for the Zuanstrooms had not joined the -hunting-party.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Looping the loop's nothing to it!' Jack declared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Freddy looked wistful. 'How I wished I was -with you!' he sighed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'H'm! I 'm afraid you are not old enough yet -for that sort of thing, youngster,' remarked Jack -loftily. 'What has Silas been doing to amuse -you to-day?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'He hasn't been amusing me at all,' was the -answer. 'It's been one of my "bad days" again. -The nasty, ugly old man has come back, and has -been with uncle and Silas all day; and whenever -he comes I am always sent off and left to amuse -myself as best I can!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald and Jack looked at each other. Jack -gave a long, low whistle; Gerald exclaimed under -his breath, 'The Ogre again!'</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="lessons-in-flying"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XVII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">LESSONS IN FLYING.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>'It bain't no sort o' use; I shall never l'arn -t' fly!' grumbled Bob Reid, as he stood -rubbing his bruises. He had just come 'a -nasty cropper,' and seemed, as he expressed it, to -have 'hurt meself all over at wanst.' One hand -was rubbing a leg, while the other was busy -with a shoulder. 'If I 'ad 'alf a dozen more -'ands I could find plenty for 'em t' do!' he -continued ruefully. 'I seem t' be bruised -everywhere. Let's give it up, Tom, afore we suicides -ourselves unintentional.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Not I!' cried Tom Clinch, who was balancing -himself on a ladder. He flung his arms—to -which two great wings were attached—about -wildly, and leaped into the air, gasping as he -came floundering down. 'You see, Bob, I 'll -master it yet!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The two sailors had had some 'flying-dresses' -lent them, and had been practising and striving -for all they were worth to learn the mystic art; -but somehow they could not, as Tom put it, 'fall -into the knack.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It be like swimmin',' Tom went on, between -leaps and jumps which would have done credit to -a Spring-heeled Jack. 'It takes a long time t' -fall inter the knack'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Ye'll fall inter the ditch d'reckly,' Bob tittered, -as Tom rolled over on the ground. 'It's no use, -Tom! Let's be sensible, an' give it up. It ain't -dignerfied like fur us two chaps at our time o' -life!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I be goin' t' try another jump from that -there ladder,' returned Tom obstinately. 'You -needn't try no more if ye funks it! But when -I starts out to do a thing I don't like t' be -beat! Other people 'ere does it, so why shouldn't we?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Ay, but they l'arns it in their young days,' -said Bob.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Theer 's Mr Gerald—he's gettin' on fine! An' -Mr Jack, too, ain't doin' bad at it! He be -a-practisin' now just out yonder—t'other side -that fence! There he goes now—a-soarin' up in -grand style! I 'd give 'alf me month's wages t' -be able t' go like that!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It's that puff o' wind's took 'old o' 'im,' Bob -declared, as he watched Jack perform some rather -curious aerial evolutions. 'Strikes me the wind's -got 'old of 'im, an 'e can't 'elp 'isself! Yes! -Look out fur 'im t' stop 'im, Tom!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Tom had just succeeded, at the moment this -urgent warning was uttered, in again climbing -laboriously up the ladder on to a narrow -platform which had been erected as a 'jumping-off -place' for fliers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were several of these platforms, of various -heights, placed at intervals in some spacious fields -laid out specially near the city of Ivenia, for the -use of those who were learning to fly, or -experimenting with small flying-machines. They might -be likened to the diving-platforms, with ladders -leading up to them, which are to be seen at some -bathing-places. They were open to all, and were -freely used by old and young—especially the latter. -It was no uncommon sight to see numbers of boys -and girls—some almost babies—fluttering about like -so many large butterflies.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This particular morning the two sailors were -practising on their own account in one part, while -Gerald and Jack were similarly engaged, not far -away, under Alondra's tuition.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a windy day, with violent squalls at -intervals, and lulls between. Just at the time -Tom climbed to the platform there had arisen a -very violent gust, which came sweeping across, -bearing with it the figure of Jack, with large -wings whirling about like the sails of a windmill. -Whether he was purposely heading for the -platform as a refuge to which he could cling, or -whether the unexpected violence of the wind -carried him there, it would be difficult to say. -All that is certain about it is that he cannoned -against Tom Clinch, and a moment later the two -were gyrating and spinning in the air like a -couple of gigantic bluebottles. Then, as though -poor Bob Reid had not already enough bruises to -attend to, the two descended like an avalanche -plump on top of him. Finally, Gerald, who had -followed Jack in his involuntary flight, sailed -straight into the struggling group. Fortunately, at -this point Alondra arrived. He had come after -the two chums to render them his assistance, and -was now able to help to disentangle them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'One o' my wings is broke!' cried Tom, as he -sat up and surveyed the wreck.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I'm afraid both mine are,' said Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You 've broke my back atween ye!' Bob -spluttered, as he rolled over. 'This settles it! -No more flyin' fur me!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I've had enough for to-day too!' Jack laughingly -owned, as he proceeded to divest himself of -his flying outfit. 'It's a mistake for beginners to -practise on a windy day.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I doan't practise no more—wind or no wind,' -Bob declared in a tone of conviction. 'All I -wants now be some limbrokation—an' plenty on it!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I think you only require a little more practice,' -Alondra afterwards assured the two chums, as -they were walking home towards his yacht, -leaving their outfits to be brought after them by -the two sailors.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I don't know,' said Jack doubtfully. 'We've -been trying it for a good while now, and we -don't seem to make much progress. I begin to -doubt if we ever shall. It's different with you, -you see. Your people have learnt it more or -less for generations, and it's in the blood, I fancy. -I think we shall have to be content with motor-wings.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack referred to the smallest form of flying-machine -in use. It consisted merely of a pair -of wings worked by a small motor, a balancing -tail, and a saddle-seat on which the aeronaut -perched himself. In many respects it might be -described as the aerial counterpart of our -motor-bicycle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From the incidents just related it will be -gathered that the visitors had not made much -progress in learning the use of artificial wings. -Whether there was something different in their -physical constitution, or whether it was, as Jack -was inclined to think, that the knack of flying -was becoming hereditary amongst the Martians, -it is certain that neither the youthful aspirants -nor the two elderly sailors had so far been able -to master the tantalising secret of soaring into the -air at will with artificial wings alone. They could -come down—from a height; but then, as Tom -Clinch remarked, 'Most people can do that wi'out -any l'arnin'.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When, an hour or two later, Alondra's yacht -landed them again at Karendia, as the king's -palace was called (the name meant literally 'the -palace in the clouds'), they found Monck awaiting -them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I have some news for you young people,' said -he. 'Our royal master has honoured me by -entrusting me with a special mission to Sedenia -(King Agrando's country); and he will let you -accompany me, so that you may see something of -another part of our world.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I 'm willing, if you others are going, of course,' -Gerald answered readily, but without enthusiasm. -He glanced at Alondra as he spoke.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I shall like very much to go with you,' said -Alondra. 'It is a country well worth visiting. -There are many curious natural wonders to be -seen there. Moreover, we shall be able to visit -other countries on our way.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That night, as the two chums were retiring to -rest, Gerald said, with a shiver, 'Do you know, -Jack, I would give a good deal if we could get -out of this trip. I've got a feeling—a sort of -presentiment'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Nerves again!' murmured Jack sleepily. 'We -shall be all right! We go as the king's guests or -ambassadors, or whatever it is; and not even the -Ogre will dare to harm us. Ivanta has a long -arm, it strikes me.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Maybe he has, and maybe it will, as you say, -be all right,' was Gerald's reply. 'All the same, -something tells me we're in for trouble in some -way or another.'</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-royal-progress"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XVIII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">A ROYAL PROGRESS.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>'There are the famous canals—the great -waterways which the astronomers of the -Earth have seen through their telescopes -and puzzled over for so many years. The curious -thing is that the scientists of Mars have puzzled -over them almost as much, and can tell you -practically just as little about them.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus spoke Monck, as the </span><em class="italics">Lokris</em><span> sailed through -the upper air on her way to the country of King -Agrando.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Below them the voyagers saw seas and -continents spread out as upon an enormous map. -And there, quite plain to the eye, were the strange -channels Monck had referred to. They looked like -great arms of the sea; but there was that in their -regular shape which proclaimed, even to the -unscientific eye, that they must have been -constructed artificially.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Their origin is lost in the mists of past ages,' -Monck explained. 'Some mighty race in the past -must have made them at a time when to be able -to travel by water was all-important.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack, who was looking through a powerful -telescope, exclaimed in surprise, 'I can see vessels -going about on them! The curious thing is that -in one channel they are all going one way, and -in the other channel they are all moving along in -the opposite direction.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Exactly!' Monck replied. 'And that, you -perceive, seems to suggest a reason for their -construction. There are strong currents running -through them just as you see the vessels going—that -is to say, in opposite directions. It is -supposed that the ancients, in the days before -mechanical propulsion was invented, saw in that -fact an easy way of getting about. At any rate, -that is the general supposition nowadays. Of -course, it is only a guess.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The </span><em class="italics">Lokris</em><span> had been at this time two days and -nights on her journey. She was accompanied by -several airships, forming, in effect, a small squadron. -'Escorted' would be perhaps a more fitting term, -for several of them were war-vessels, while others -again were craft in attendance, carrying supplies.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The progress of the whole fleet was methodical, -and was conducted with a good deal of ceremony. -It was all ordered very much as would be the -case with the fleet of one of the Great Powers -on Earth escorting the yacht carrying the son of -a powerful monarch on a visit or tour to a distant -realm. One of the war-vessels carried the -Diamond King and his party; while Armeath and his -wards travelled with Prince Alondra in his yacht.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As they continued their journey they passed -over various cities and countries. Sometimes -strange war-vessels, seeing from a distance that -a small fleet was approaching, came soaring up -to inquire who and what they were. Continually, -all day long, other craft, of every size and kind, -passed them. Some were great liners, carrying -passengers, going swiftly to and fro like our -greyhounds of the Atlantic; some were private -yachts; and others again war-craft, alone, or in twos -and threes. All, as they went by, ran up signals; -and when they learnt from the answering signals -who the illustrious travellers were, saluted in token -of respect.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Their progress was leisurely, and there were -many halts. There were certain places where their -coming was expected, and preparations had been -made to give them a brilliant reception. Airships, -splendidly decorated, came up to welcome them, -and beg them to descend to receive addresses.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then it was that the strangers saw how much -diversity it was possible to introduce into the -decoration of the various air-craft, and how their -outward appearance could be varied and altered -according to the taste and ingenuity of the -owners. Every kind of bird was imitated upon -a large scale. There were gigantic swans, eagles, -swallows, and other birds such as are familiar -to us upon Earth, and a number of strange -bird-forms which exist only on Mars. There -were grotesque creatures, too, representations of -beasts and fish, and uncanny-looking monsters, some -of the latter resembling what we know as dragons, -griffins, wyverns, and so on.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At night there would be fêtes, when all these -creatures were lighted up in curious and -ingenious fashion, revealing to the astonished and -delighted travellers most weird and marvellous -effects, as they performed intricate evolutions and -manoeuvres in the air in the dark. Then there -were fireworks such as have probably never been -dreamed of by even our most skilful pyrotechnists. -Illuminated airships soared up into the heavens -and formed brilliant constellations of huge coloured -stars, or rained down showers of fire, like colossal, -inverted, fiery fountains. Chariots of fire sailed to -and fro and engaged in races, contests, or in -sham-fights upon a grand scale. Fiery monsters, -which left long, shining trails of light behind -them like the tails of comets, darted to and fro -with a roar which startled those who heard it -for the first time. Luminous clouds—red, yellow, -blue, or green—formed mysteriously, and aeronauts -played hide-and-seek amongst them with their -lighted cars, vanishing suddenly into them and -reappearing quite unexpectedly in a different place.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Such were some—only a few—of the spectacles -with which the travellers from our Earth were -entertained by the hospitable inhabitants of the -countries over which they passed in the course of -their journey to Sedenia. It would require too -much space to describe all the marvellous sights -they gazed upon, the novelties they met with, -the quaint costumes, manners, and customs of the -various nations they encountered, or the numerous -zoological curiosities which were brought under -their notice. Weeks were occupied in this manner, -and it may safely be said that each day brought -some fresh surprise, something which was new, -unexpected, or curiously interesting to the visitors.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Altogether, the two chums and their guardian -had a memorable journey—one to be remembered -with delight and wonder for the rest of their -lives, one which was in every sense a truly royal -progress. Not the least interesting part of it -consisted in the frank curiosity displayed by the -inhabitants in themselves as natives of another -world. Many showed great surprise at finding -that they were just human beings, very much the -same as the Martians were, neither more nor less.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I suppose,' remarked Gerald, 'they expected that -we should turn out to be monsters like those -which that philosopher of theirs, whose book I -was reading on the way here, declared us to be: -"ape-like creatures, with blue skins covered with -green hair."'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But whatever the expectations of the Martians -had been, they soon demonstrated that they were -well pleased with the reality, for they -overwhelmed the visitors with the most lavish -hospitality, and accorded them places of great honour -at every public function.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One note there was, however, not exactly of -discord, but a jarring note—an undercurrent—of -disappointment and dissatisfaction, nevertheless. -In every place at which they arrived, one of -the first questions addressed to Monck was: 'Have -you brought the diamonds?' or 'When are the -diamonds to be offered for sale?' These, or some -similar inquiries concerning the great shipload of -gems which it was now known throughout the -Martian world had been brought by King Ivanta -from the 'evening star,' met them at every -halting-place.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was evident that the answer which Monck, -as the king's messenger, was compelled to make -to these queries, caused considerable surprise and -disappointment. In certain extreme cases they -even threw a certain air of restraint into the -exhibitions of public rejoicings.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What has been done with the diamonds, Mr -Monck?' asked Jack one day. 'What is going -to be done with them? If they were brought -here to be offered for sale to those who could -afford to buy them, why are they kept back?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'At present they are under lock and key—that -is to say, they are deposited in the strong room -of the treasury in the city of Ivenia.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'When are they going to be brought out again?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'That is more than I can say, young sir. It -is at present a secret known only to my royal -master.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It's no business of mine, sir,' Jack went on -modestly, 'and perhaps you will think I have no -right to say anything; but I can't help seeing -that keeping them locked up is causing a great -deal of ill-feeling. I know that Mr Armeath -thinks—and I feel sure that he is right—that it -is a pity they were ever brought here at all. But -since they have been brought, it does seem a bit -funny that so much time should be allowed to -go by without any one being allowed even to see them.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It is the king's will, and that is all I can tell -you. I may just hint to you privately, however, -that I have an idea—it is only my own guess, -mind you—that the king wishes to defer taking -any decided step till after his return from his -visit to Kondris—that is, to the planet you know -as Saturn.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack whistled. 'Oh, oh!' he cried, nodding his -head shrewdly. 'I see! Then he is really bent -on making that trip?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Undoubtedly. At least, I believe he is now -completing the necessary preparations.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Mr Zuanstroom—he won't like that, will he?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'He will have to wait the king's pleasure.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I suppose he will; but he won't like it. And -you will find he will begin to kick if something -isn't done soon. I have heard hints to that effect. -Silas let it out in an indiscreet moment.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'My royal master has a way of doing what -he chooses without regard to the opinions of -private individuals,' was Monck's answer; and it -was given in a tone which effectually closed the -conversation.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-daring-plot"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XIX.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">A DARING PLOT.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>In due course the travellers reached the country -of Sedenia. They were met upon—or rather -over—its borders by the ruler of the realm, -King Agrando. He was accompanied by his chief -councillor, Kazzaro—otherwise the Ogre—Gorondo -his chief General, and his principal officers of -State. He also had with him a number of -war-airships of various sizes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Under his conduct the travellers passed on to -his capital, the city of Dyrania, a rambling town -of considerable size, built upon the slopes of a -high mountain and overlooking a large lake.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The visitors left their airships, and took up -their abode for the time being in suites of -apartments assigned to them for their use in the -royal palace.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here King Agrando dispensed his hospitality -with a sort of semi-barbaric dignity. To Gerald, -in particular, as may be imagined, it seemed a -curious thing to find himself attending his Court -as a guest. It cannot be said that it was a -pleasant experience, and he entered into it with -very mixed feelings.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So far as the outward conduct of his host -went, however, he had nothing to complain of. -He had come there with Prince Alondra and -Monck, King Ivanta's special representative; and -he, Mr Armeath, and Jack, were treated upon -that footing with the strictest regard to -everything that courtesy and etiquette required. At -the same time, try as he would, he could not feel -exactly comfortable. Every time he attended any -function, and saw before him King Agrando and -his chief officers, there came back to him the -memory of that time when he had been brought -before those same men as a helpless prisoner, and -treated with contumely and insult. His cheeks -would flush, and the hot blood rush through his -veins even now, as he recalled how Kazzaro had -prodded and pommelled him as a farmer might a -bullock offered for sale, and remembered the sinister -and forbidding aspect of the whole crowd as they -gazed upon him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Still, so far as they were concerned, all this -might have been a mere dream. Nothing in -their behaviour showed that they even recollected -it. The king, indeed, in a certain fashion of his -own, seemed to wish to convey to Gerald that -he desired the whole 'regrettable incident' to be -forgotten.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As King Agrando plays an important part in -this history, some further particulars concerning -him may be given here.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His had been one of the last countries to be -brought under the sway of the all-powerful, -all-conquering Ivanta. He now occupied a -semi-independent position, one somewhat similar to that -of some of the richest and most powerful of the -native princes of India. In his time he had -himself been a great fighter and conqueror, having -invaded and conquered several adjoining countries. -He had ruled over these—and over his own -subjects also—with an iron hand; and at times, it -was said, with tyrannical cruelty. There had been, -indeed, dark rumours afloat of terrible deeds carried -out by him with the aid of the band of councillors -he kept about him, of whom Kazzaro was the chief. -If these tales were anywhere near the truth, then -the title of Ogre, which the chums had bestowed -upon Kazzaro, might have been quite as suitably -given to his master.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But those days were past—or supposed to be -past. Agrando was now on his best behaviour. -Ivanta had insisted that there should be no more -fighting or quarrelling with his neighbours, and -no more cruelty and oppression within his realm. -Thus the tyrant's 'occupation was gone,' and he -had little left to him to do save to occupy himself -and his select circle with such more or less -harmless amusements as the circumstances permitted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For one thing, he had become a great collector -of curios of all kinds, animate and inanimate. -That is to say, he had got together the finest -collection of curios and zoological and botanical -specimens of any upon the planet. Some of these -had been contributed by Ivanta—brought by him -from distant planets, Earth and Saturn—who -possibly thought it good policy to encourage his -restless vassal in so blameless a hobby. Thus the -gardens surrounding the palace formed a sort of -glorified Zoo and Kew Gardens rolled into one. -His palace, too, was filled to overflowing with the -most remarkable works of art that money could -buy and the countries of his globe could produce. -The fame of his collections had spread throughout -the world of Mars, and people travelled immense -distances and made long pilgrimages to see them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It is scarcely a matter for surprise that such -a man should now be bitten with a craze for -diamonds, with a burning, overmastering desire—which -later on became a determination—to become -the possessor of the finest collection of jewels upon -his planet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now, it so happened that while Agrando's -desires in this direction had been growing and -growing until they had almost reached the length -of becoming a sort of madness, Ivanta's thoughts -had been working in an exactly opposite direction. -By degrees he had come to wish he had never -troubled himself about precious stones at all. -Certainly, what he had done had been planned -with the best intentions; but his sagacious -instinct now began to lean to the idea that for -once in his life he had made a great mistake. -Therefore, he was casting about for some plausible -excuse for undoing what he had travelled all the -way to Earth specially to accomplish.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Already, during the voyage home to Mars, he -had noted many incidents which his keen insight -into human nature had told him were the little -seeds likely to grow into a big crop of future -trouble. He had seen, with sorrow and alarm, -that even his most trusted councillors and dearest -friends were beginning to give their chief thought -and attention to 'dividing up' the cargo of -diamonds they were carrying back. Already envy, -covetousness, and greed were raising their ugly -heads where before all had been amiability and -goodwill. And if this were so even before the -distribution took place, what was likely to be the -state of things afterwards?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This alteration in his views had been greatly -strengthened by his conversations with Armeath. -That honest sage, also deeply experienced in -human nature, fearlessly expressed his own -opinions on the subject. He gave Ivanta endless -illustrations and 'modern instances' of the crimes and -misery which a covetous greed for precious stones -might be expected to introduce into his world.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ivanta—convinced, yet, as an honourable man, -hampered by his own promises and undertakings—gladly -jumped at Armeath's suggestion of making -artificial stones in such quantities as to render -them as 'common as pieces of glass.' Then, as -Armeath had argued in his talk with Monck, -nobody would bother himself to be the possessor -of any of the 'gems,' whether real or artificial. -For none could tell the former from the latter -when manufactured by Armeath's process.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The great difficulty now seemed to be to get -a sufficient quantity of the necessary mineral; and -to do this Ivanta would have to pay a visit to -Saturn, that being the only place he knew of -where it could be obtained.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meantime, Ivanta had decided to keep the -cargo he had brought locked up; and to postpone -its distribution until his return from his projected -journey.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Unfortunately, however, the mischief had already -been done; the seeds of serious trouble had been -sown, and were now growing to a far larger extent -than King Ivanta knew of.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>King Agrando, in particular, was hatching a -double plot, which, if it succeeded, was not only -to gratify his newly-born craze for a big collection -of jewels, but to restore him to his former -position of independent ruler. Even, perhaps—who -could tell?—it might raise him to the position -now occupied by Ivanta himself!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Into this conspiracy Zuanstroom had entered. -That, at first sight, may appear a little strange; -but the so-called Diamond King had newly -awakened ambitions of his own. He saw that, -as the owner of this great cargo of precious stones, -he was in a position which was absolutely unique -in the world of Mars. Upon Earth he had only -been the Diamond King in a relative sense; here -he was actually entitled to that name. But why -should he stop there? Why should he not use his -unique position to make himself a king in actual -fact? Upon Earth, even with the help of all his -diamonds, he could never aspire to such a height; -but here it was different. Ivanta, he knew, would -never fall in with such an idea; but Agrando, if -approached in the right way, might—and he did.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The result of the conferences between the two -plotters may be summed up thus: Agrando had -said, 'Let us use your diamonds to depose Ivanta -and put me in his shoes, and give me the biggest -share of the treasure; and I will then put you -into a position similar to that I now myself occupy. -You shall be king over a large tract of country, -subject only to me as your overlord.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And Zuanstroom's ambition and unscrupulous -nature had determined him to seal the compact -and risk the consequences.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The visitors to Agrando found plenty to amuse -and interest them during their stay. The palace -gardens alone were a never-ending source of wonder -and delight to the two chums. Rumour had not -exaggerated when it had spread reports of the -marvels to be seen there. The friends spent a -good deal of their time exploring and investigating—for -the gardens were of very great extent—and -every day they came upon something fresh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the beginning, Monck had given them this -curious warning: 'Kazzaro has asked me to put you -on your guard,' said he. 'King Agrando remembers -the dangers which you, Gerald, so narrowly escaped -during our journey in the </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span>; and he does -not wish that a similar unhappy occurrence should -cast a reflection upon any of his people here. -So he has instructed Kazzaro to remind me that -there are many specimens and scientific -curiosities in the gardens which may be dangerous to -strangers unacquainted with their characteristics—not -merely among the animals, and reptiles, and -so on, he says, but even amongst the trees and -plants. For King Agrando has devoted an -immense amount of money and trouble to collecting -and cultivating specimens of most out-of-the-way -kinds, some of them with qualities never known -or heard of before. Apart from this consideration, -you have the king's permission to go about freely -wherever you choose!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Later on, Gerald asked Jack his private opinion -of this warning. 'What does it mean?' he asked -doubtfully. 'Is it genuine, do you think, or does -it conceal some crafty trick?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Sounds straightforward enough!' Jack declared. -'Where can the trick come in?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I don't know,' Gerald mused. 'I have no right, -perhaps, to suspect any trickery; yet, somehow, I -don't trust the Ogre!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'No more do I, for that matter! We'll keep -our eyes open!' said Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A few days later, Alondra, wandering alone in -the gardens, one morning, came upon an immense -round glass-house, the door of which, he noticed, -was standing open for the first time. He had -paused at the place two or three times before; -but the door had always been shut and locked. -Moreover, there was a label upon it, which read: -'Private. Contents Dangerous.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Naturally, such a placard had aroused his -curiosity, and he had made attempts to see what -was inside; but everywhere the glass was screened -off within, and he could discover nothing. Here, -this morning, was an opportunity to see for -himself what the mysterious 'contents' were. He had -his trident with him—he had carried it every day -in consequence of the warning that had been -given—so what had he to fear?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He passed through the open door, and came to -a second door at one side. Opening this, he made -his way amongst a lot of thick shrubs, and came -out in an open space paved with white marble. -In the centre was a large marble pool, with steps -leading down into it. In the pool a fountain was -playing; the whole looking very cool and inviting. -It had the appearance of a plunge-bath; and -seemed to tempt the stranger to take a dive -into its bubbling waters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra looked round. Nothing was to be seen -on any side but flowering shrubs, the scent of -which filled the air. But the most beautiful blooms -of all, he noticed, were some large white lilies -growing amongst clusters of immense leaves in the pool.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Surprised and fascinated at the extreme beauty -of these blooms, the like of which he had never -seen before, he walked down the steps as far as -the edge of the water, and put his hand amongst -the green leaves to pluck a flower. Immediately -the leaf curled over upon his hand, and to his -astonishment and dismay he found he could not -withdraw it! Not only that, but the leaf was -exercising a distinct pulling power; it was steadily -dragging him towards the water! Then he put -the other hand down to try to free the first one, -when another leaf curled round it, and he found -himself held as though his hands had been tied -together with a strong rope. He struggled hard, -but he could not cast off that deadly grip; and, -little by little, the horrible leaves dragged him -forward until he was forced into the pool. Other -leaves then began to curl round his body, and -forced him down, down, step by step, until the -water encircled his neck!</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-death-pool"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XX.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE DEATH POOL.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>It was well for Alondra that Gerald and Jack -happened to be walking in the gardens that -particular morning. They had, in fact, strolled -out to look for him, and Providence must have -led them into the neighbourhood of the large -glass-house just at the critical moment. They also -noticed—as he had done—that the outer door -was standing open; and they were reading the -warning notice with great curiosity, and considering -whether, in despite of it, they should venture -on a peep inside, when a terrible cry rang out from -within, a cry as of some one in urgent need of help.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It's Alondra's voice!' exclaimed Gerald. 'He's -inside there, and must be in some trouble! Come -on, Jack!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The two pushed open the inner door and -rushed along the pathway amongst the shrubs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A moment later they came in sight of the -pool with the fountain playing in the middle; -and there they saw Alondra—or, rather, his head, -for that was all there was above the water—with -a look of terrible, deadly horror upon his face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Help me quickly!' he gasped. 'Some awful -thing is clinging round me and is dragging me -down! Your knives! Get out your knives! But -be careful, or you may get drawn in yourselves—both -of you!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The two friends acted upon the hints thus -given; and, drawing their knives and joining -hands, Gerald went boldly down the steps and -seized hold of the young prince just as he was -being drawn completely under the water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The task of setting him free, however, proved -a tougher one than they had expected. The -clinging leaves, as though directed by some -dreadful, sinister intelligence, closed upon Gerald's -extended arm, and, exercising a strength and tenacity -which had about it something almost superhuman, -endeavoured to drag him in too.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A terrible struggle for dear life ensued between -the three, on the one side, and the horrible, silent -power which they had to fight against, on the other.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald managed to free one of Alondra's arms, -and gave him his own knife, taking Jack's in -place of it. The two then hacked and slashed at -the slimy, slippery, but wonderfully tough leaves. -As fast as they cut themselves free from some, -others laid hold of them; and it seemed at one -time as though all three would be dragged bodily -into the water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then Jack caught sight of a coil of strong -rope lying upon the floor in a corner, and he -made a dart and possessed himself of it. In a -trice he had passed one end to Gerald, and secured -the other round one of the columns supporting -the roof.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald, in his turn, managed to slip the end -round Alondra and pass it back to Jack, who -caught hold of it, and, standing himself on the -steps out of reach, hauled with all his might. -This enabled the two who were struggling in the -water—for by this time Gerald had also been -drawn in—to use both hands. Little by little, -step by step, they struggled backwards, until at -last they reached the water's edge and were free.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Panting and exhausted, the three sat down on -a low marble balustrade, and looked first at the -pool, then at one another. Then they stared once -more at the treacherous pool, where all now was -silent and still, save for the bubbling and splashing -of the water as it fell from the fountain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Jupiter!' cried Jack at last. 'Of all the awful -death-traps I ever saw or heard of, commend me -to this! A horrible death pool! But what in the -name of all that is fiendish is that awful plant?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It's some kind of cannibal plant, I suppose,' -said Gerald.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Yes, that is right,' Alondra agreed. 'I have -heard there are such plants on our globe in some -remote corners, but I have never seen one before.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What does anybody want to keep such a monstrous, -uncanny affair for?' queried Jack indignantly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I never heard that they grew to such a size,' -Alondra added. 'This must have been growing -here many years to become so large, I should say.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'A nice sort of pet to cultivate and pamper!' -Jack grumbled. 'What do they feed it on, I -wonder? Such a thing ought not to be allowed! -It's a public danger!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'There's a warning on the door,' Gerald -reminded him. 'After all, it's our own fault, I 'm -afraid people will say, for coming here.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'My fault, you mean—for I was the one who -yielded first to curiosity, and so drew you here,' -Alondra confessed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Oh, we should have come in on our own, you -may be pretty sure of that,' Jack declared. 'We -were just discussing the point when we heard -you call out.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It's a very beautiful flower,' Gerald observed, -looking attentively at the large, handsome blossoms, -'and the scent is delicious. Who would imagine -that anything so lovely to look at could be so -treacherous—so deadly?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He walked cautiously up near to it to get a -clear view, and Jack followed him—partly, as it -seemed, to satisfy his own curiosity, and partly -to see that his chum did not become too -venturesome and get unwittingly caught again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meantime, Alondra was evidently thinking deeply. -He began to look and search about, first in this -direction, then in that. Presently the others noticed -his proceedings, and, leaving the side of the pool, -went across and asked him what he was doing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Before I tell you,' was the reply, 'you must -promise that you will say nothing to any one else. -If what I am thinking of was mere fancy, I don't -wish to be laughed at; and if it turns out that -it was not fancy—well, then I still wish that -nothing should be said about it just now. Do -you understand?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The two friends readily gave the required promise. -'Well, then, what is troubling me is this: Just -as I called out—when I was struggling up to -my neck in the water—when, as it seemed to -me, I was at my last gasp, and all hope had -gone—I saw, or imagined I saw, some one peering -at me from among those thick bushes!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'My stars! That sounds funny!' was Jack's -comment. 'D'you mean to say that there was some -one in here, some one so cold-blooded as to stand -by and look on at you, and never offer to help?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'That is my—er—impression; but'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Who was it, then? Anybody you know?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra hesitated. Then he said slowly, 'I -cannot say. I could hardly see more than the -eyes, if I saw any one. But, understand me, I -cannot declare positively that I saw any one at all. -I was in such a state of horror that I may have -imagined it. I was ready to imagine anything.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack looked at him attentively.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I don't think you are one to lose your wits -to that extent, my friend,' he declared, shaking -his head, 'though I admit it would be no -discredit to you if you did. I can't imagine a more -frightful predicament, or one better calculated to -try the nerves of the bravest man.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Let's all set to work and have a good hunt -round,' suggested Gerald. 'If any one was here, -he must be somewhere in hiding now, unless there -is another way out. If there is, let's find it!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They searched the place in all directions, but -for some time could find nothing to reward their -trouble. They could see no trace of any person -other than themselves having been there.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were about to give it up and go away, -when Jack suddenly uttered a cry. 'See! What -is that on the floor!' he exclaimed. 'Ah, I thought -so! A diamond—a small diamond!' He exhibited -upon the open palm of his hand a little sparkling -stone. While his companions were busy looking at -it, he went on to examine attentively a number of -slabs of carved marble which stood up from the -floor some four or five feet, forming a many-sided -enclosure. They made a ring, as it were, fifteen -feet in diameter or thereabouts, and upon each -slab were figures or scenes carved in bas-relief.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was not unlike a huge, many-sided flower-pot; -and it appeared to be intended for a similar -purpose; for the space it enclosed was filled with -mould up to the level of the top of the slabs, and -this again was thickly planted with large shrubs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack walked all round this affair, peering keenly -into the dense leafy screen. It was so thick that -nothing could be seen of what was in the middle. -Then he returned to the starting-point—that -opposite to the place where he had picked up the -diamond. He caught hold of the branches and -pulled them apart. Then he uttered a low whistle. -'Come and look at this!' he cried.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The other two ran up to the place and peered -in. There, upon the loose mould, could be seen -a footprint, and a little beyond it another.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack pointed to one of the bas-relief figures -on the slab. It was in a kneeling position, and -the head formed a convenient step to any one -wishing to mount to the top of the slab. 'Do -you see?' he cried. 'This has been used as a -step! You place a foot on it—thus, take hold -of these branches—so, pull them apart—so, and -you can spring up and through quite easily. -Then the branches close up after you and hide -all trace. But the last one who passed this way -was in a great hurry. He was in such haste -to get through that he snapped off a twig—here -it is—and another twig caught against his breast, -and tore off a little diamond, and cast it on to -the floor where I found it.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While talking, Jack had suited actions to words, -and shown, by practical illustration, how easily -what he had suggested might happen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Where, then, is that person now, do you -suppose?' asked Gerald, in a low tone. 'Hiding in -the middle of those bushes?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack shook his head. 'I should say not,' he -replied. 'I should say there must be a secret -passage leading to this curious place, and that -those bushes conceal the entrance to it. However, -that's a question we'll soon put to the test. -I 'm going in to see what's in the middle. You -fellows come after me!'</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-secret-treasure-house"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXI.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">A SECRET TREASURE-HOUSE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Jack's theory proved to be well founded. In -the middle of the clump of bushes they -discovered a portion of an old tree-trunk. -It was about three feet high by, perhaps, four -feet in diameter. A glance over the side showed -that it was hollow, and that inside it there were -some steps leading downwards.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack pointed to them in quiet triumph. 'Are -you going to explore farther?' he asked Alondra, -in a low tone scarcely above a whisper. 'Because, if -you are, I should suggest that we go very quietly.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Yes; I 'm going to find out what it all means,' -said Alondra firmly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What about arms?' queried Jack dubiously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I have my trident, or I had,' Alondra answered. -'I must have left it somewhere about on the floor.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack went back to look for it, and Alondra -followed; but it was nowhere to be seen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It has disappeared!' exclaimed Alondra, -bewildered. 'What can have become of it? I -remember putting it down when I went, towards -the pool to pick one of those terrible flowers. -Are you sure you have not picked it up, either -of you?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What should we do with it—put it in one of -our pockets?' laughed Jack. 'No; this is one -more proof that what you saw was reality and -not a vision of your fanciful brain. Some one -was here—some one who coolly looked on while -you were struggling for your life in the grasp -of the dreadful floral monster beside yonder -pretty-looking fountain. Some one who wears -diamonds on his breast, and was in too great a -hurry to notice that the bushes had scratched -one off in passing. Some one, finally, who has -walked off with your trident.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'True. But why did he take that?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It seems to me that the reason is not difficult -to guess at. It tells a little tale to me by itself. -He considered that you were as good as dead, -and would have no further use for your trident. -So, as it is a very beautifully ornamented one, -he thought he might as well have it.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I 'm afraid you must be right!' Alondra -rejoined, with a slight shiver. 'Yet, I don't -understand it! However, let us see what we can find -out. As to arms, who would dare to lay a hand -openly on me?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As Alondra asked this last question he drew -himself up proudly, and his eyes flashed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It's not for me to say,' Jack remarked, with -a philosophical air. 'Gerald and I have our own -arms—what we call revolvers when we are at -home. They're not like yours, though. They -hurt if they are used properly, as you know.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The two went back to where they had left -Gerald, and a little later they were all three -creeping noiselessly down the steps inside the -hollow tree-trunk. At the bottom they found -themselves in another passage, which they -calculated must run under the floor of the glass-house, -and then under the garden. It was in darkness, -save for a little glimmer which came down the -steps they had descended.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Now, I wonder where this goes to?' muttered -Jack. 'It doesn't seem to me to lead to the -palace. I fancy it runs in the opposite direction.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra produced from his pocket a little -electric lamp, and by its aid they followed the -passage for some distance. Then they came to -more steps, which went much farther down into -the ground. They also came to other side-passages, -which branched off in different directions. Soon -the passage became wider and higher, and finally -ended in a heavily barred door, which, however, -was standing ajar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They listened cautiously, and, hearing no one -about, pushed it open, and suddenly found -themselves in a blaze of light. Yet it was certain -that they were not in the open air.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They stared around, and then up, in wondering -astonishment. They seemed to be in another -glass-house, for certainly there was some kind of -transparent or semi-transparent roof overhead. -But the light was not the light of the sky -exactly. It was a strange reflected light, such -as puzzled the three who gazed at it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then an idea flashed into Jack's mind. 'I -know what it is!' he whispered. 'We are looking -up through water! This place is built underneath -the large lake in the gardens.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Yes, you are right. It must be so,' Alondra -agreed. 'But why? This must be some place -constructed in this strange fashion on purpose -that its very existence should be kept a secret! -Now, why is that, I wonder? I do not believe -that my father even knows of its existence. But -why all this secrecy? There seems to be no one -about. Let us try to find out what it all means.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One thing they found it undoubtedly was—a -treasure-house. They quickly saw enough to -convince them that Agrando had a great store of -treasure here. But there were also roomy -chambers, and a spacious central place, with a -great dome as large as a good-sized theatre, and -not unlike one, having banks of seats around, -one behind the other, arranged like semicircular -steps. The use of this building seemed very -doubtful, as did that of some small, dark -side-chambers—mere cells—of which there were quite -a number about.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While the explorers were wondering what it -all meant, they heard the sound of voices. Jack -pointed to one of the small cells high up in the -wall, and led the way up the banks of seats, -stepping from one to the other like going upstairs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The cell had a strong door, the upper part of -which consisted of a grille, and when they were -well inside they pulled it to after them. Then, -peering through the grille, they could see nearly -all over the interior. The voices drew nearer, and -in a few moments there entered King Agrando, -Kazzaro, and Zuanstroom, with two attendants, -each of whom bore small sacks. Judging by -their manner, the sacks were pretty heavy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'That will do. Put them down there!' ordered -Agrando. 'We can examine them better here -than in the other chambers. This has the best -light of any.' The centre was occupied by a -circular platform or staging of stonework, the -use or meaning of which the three hidden -spectators had not been able to guess at. Upon this -the attendants deposited their bags, and -immediately withdrew.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When assured that their servitors were out of -sight and hearing, Zuanstroom opened the bags, -and turned out from one a sparkling collection -of jewellery of all kinds and designs, and from -the other a dazzling heap of unset stones, some -of them of great size and brilliancy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was curious to see the expressions of greed -and avarice which crept into the features of the -king and his favourite as they gazed upon this -display.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'There!' cried Zuanstroom triumphantly, 'have -I not kept my word? Have I not done as I -promised? You doubted whether I could perform -what I said; but you see I've managed it, spite -of all Ivanta's edicts and precautions! He little -dreams that all these are now in your hands, -instead of reposing peacefully in his own treasure-house -until it suits his royal fancy to allow me -to deal as I please with my own. Ah, he is a -clever man, in many ways—a wonderful man; -but he does not know everything! He has yet -to learn the real power that lies in diamonds. -I learned it long ago! There is nothing too -difficult to attain, no living being you cannot -bribe, if you have only diamonds enough!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack had put a hand on Alondra as a hint -to keep his feelings under control. And it was -well he had done so, for he felt him start, and -could tell that he was battling with his rising -indignation as he listened to this talk. Jack, -however, had quickly decided in his own mind -that it would be better to keep their presence -there a secret if possible, and the pressure of -his hand upon the young prince said so plainly. -Alondra, on his side, was forced to admit to -himself that Jack was right as to this; though -he did so all unwillingly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There ensued a good deal of talk between -Agrando and the other two, the while that they -turned the scintillating heaps over and over, but -it was carried on for the most part in such low -tones that the listeners heard but little of what -was said. Now and then they heard exclamations, -or caught scraps of sentences, but these did not -convey much information.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last the conspirators put the two heaps back -into their respective receptacles, which they -themselves then carried into another chamber. -Presumably, they there locked them up in some vault, and -went their way; and all once more became quiet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Now's our time!' said Jack. 'If you take -my advice, Prince, we shall slip back the way -we came, and get out—if we're lucky enough to -meet no one—through the glass-house where we -found you. I should keep what you have learned -to yourself till you are safely back home, and -then tell your royal father, who will know what -to do better than you or I, or Mr Monck.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I think you are right,' said Alondra musingly, -'although'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I am sure Jack is right,' Gerald put in. 'Those -men, now that the fire of covetousness has been -lighted in their breasts, would stick at nothing. -They would murder you, and me, and all your -suite, as soon as look at us, rather than give -up their booty, or rather than risk our telling -King Ivanta. So we'd better be discreet and keep -still tongues in our heads.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They left their hiding-place and made their -way down the rows of seats. When, however, -they reached the floor, Alondra looked round and -whispered, 'I should like very much to know -what this place is used for. It must have been -constructed for some distinct purpose, and whatever -the purpose it was a secret one. I see many -things about, the uses of which I confess I do -not understand, and yet I cannot help guessing; -but I hope I am not right in my guesses, for -they make me shudder.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I think I know what is in your mind,' returned -Jack gloomily. 'I fancy the same thoughts -came into mine; but I deemed it better not to -say anything about them at present.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As he spoke they distinctly heard a door opened -and the sound of voices. There was nothing for -it but to regain their former place of concealment. -They had hardly entered it and closed the door, -when a number of people came bursting into the -place, looking about them as though in search of -some one.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="malto"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">MALTO.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>In the shade of the cell in which they had -concealed themselves, the three friends talked -in whispers, while watching, through the grille, -the doings of the new-comers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Who were these people, and whom were they -searching for? At first the watchers took it for -granted that they were themselves the objects of -their search; but a few moments later they had -doubts as to whether it was so. If it was, -Alondra was ready to 'take the bull by the -horns' and show himself, quite believing that they -would not dare to harm King Ivanta's son. Jack, -however, was for waiting a while to see what -happened.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You can do that at any time—when it is -forced upon us,' he whispered. 'They may not be -looking for us at all; and we may learn -something if we keep quiet.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The reasoning seemed good, and Alondra agreed, -though somewhat unwillingly. He was angry and -indignant at what had already occurred, and was -becoming impatient at being compelled to play -hide-and-seek in what he considered was an undignified -fashion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the same time, he was curious, and, for one -thing, was wondering who these people could be -who were hunting about. He had never seen -them before. Not only were they strangers to -him, but their dress was quite different from -that usually worn by Agrando's followers. Their -costumes were a very dark purple, and they were -all big, powerful-looking men. Moreover, when -they called out to one another they spoke in a -strange language, one that even Alondra did not -understand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now a fresh development occurred. Into -the midst of these strangers strode three men in -masks—men even bigger and taller than the rest. -They seemed to speak angrily, as though rating -the others for something they had done wrongly. -Then they issued some sharp, short word of -command, and the first-comers turned and marched out -in perfect military order, the masked men walking -behind them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a minute or two they had all disappeared. -Sounds followed as of the closing and fastening of -heavy doors, and the place was once more empty -and quiet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What does it all mean?' exclaimed Gerald -perplexedly, addressing Alondra. 'What are all -these strange comings and goings? Who were -those chaps who came in last, and why do they -wear masks? It is all very mysterious and -extraordinary! It seems to me there must be a good -deal more going on here than you have any idea of!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It seems so, indeed,' Alondra replied, in a tone -which showed that he was not less puzzled. 'I -confess it is a mystery to me at present. But -I mean to get to the bottom of it if the thing -is possible.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What do you think King Ivanta will say to -it all when you tell him?' asked Jack. 'What -do you suppose he will do? You will tell him, -will you not?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You may be sure I shall,' returned Alondra, -'and I think the sooner he knows the better. We -must find some excuse for cutting short our visit -here and getting back to Ivenia as quickly as -possible,' he added with decision.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'If you will take me with you to King Ivanta,' -said a strange voice behind them, 'I can tell him -many more things which he ought to know—which -he ought to have known long ago!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The three friends started and looked round. -From somewhere in the darkness, at the back of -the cell, a figure now stepped forth, and stood -looking at them with as much interest as they -showed themselves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was a young fellow of scarcely more than -twenty years of age perhaps, good-looking, well -set up, and muscular in build. He was dressed -like an official of Agrando's household; but Alondra -detected at once that he was not a native of the -country.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Who are you?' he asked, eying him curiously. -'And why have you been hiding and listening to -our talk?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Who I am doesn't matter just now,' returned -the stranger quietly. 'You need not be afraid of -me; you may trust me thoroughly. I am a friend, -and you need a friend just now if you want to -get out of this place without being captured by -Kazzaro's myrmidons!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I am not afraid of them! You do not know -who I am!' returned Alondra proudly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It does not matter to me who you are, any -more than it matters to you who I am,' was the -cool answer. 'You would need to be some one -very wonderful, or very clever, to get out of this -place alive if Kazzaro knew you were here. If -I help you to escape, will you promise to take -me to King Ivanta? He will thank you for doing -so when he hears what I have to tell him, and -I have little doubt will reward you handsomely.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this the three looked at each other and -burst out laughing. Jack was about to tell the -stranger that he was talking to the son of Ivanta, -when a look from Alondra stopped him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I suppose you expect to be rewarded too,' said -the young prince shrewdly. 'Well, I promise to -take you to him; but if we do, and he gives -you the reward you expect, it is only fair that -we should share it.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'That you cannot do,' answered the stranger -with a sigh. 'I know not whether he will be -able to give me what I am hoping for; but if -he should it is not anything that I can share, -or that you would care to have.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You are very mysterious, my friend!' Alondra -commented. 'Why are you hiding in here?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Well, I came here upon a little errand of my -own—one somewhat similar to that which brought -you, I fancy, judging by what I heard you -say—to look about and find out what I could. As to -who those people in purple were, I will tell you -that at another time. The fact is, my friends, -I have no reason to love King Agrando, though I -am an officer of his household. He brought me -here against my will from a distant country, and -has forced me to be a sort of slave to him and -to take part in things that I loathe and detest. -But that is not the worst; I have a deeper wrong -to set right. I have long hoped that King Ivanta -might pay us a visit here so that I might appeal -to him. But if you can take me to him it will -be better still. Will you swear to do so if I lead -you safely out of this den?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You have my promise,' returned Alondra a -little haughtily. 'There is no need for me to -repeat it or to swear.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The other looked at the young prince keenly, -and then said, in a satisfied tone, 'Your face is -honest to look at, and I will trust to your promise. -Follow me and I will get you a disguise.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'A disguise!' exclaimed Alondra. 'What next?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It is necessary. We cannot get out without -the chance of running against some one.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'We can get out the way we came,' Alondra -asserted; but the stranger shook his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'No,' he said decidedly. 'I saw you come in, -and the door you came through is now locked and -barred, and neither you nor I can open it. You -must come my way, or I must give up the idea of -befriending you and leave you to your own devices.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Very well,' Alondra assented, somewhat -ungraciously. He was getting restive at the -masterful manner of this stranger, who, after all, was -only an under-official—or, as he himself had -admitted, a kind of slave. 'What is your name?' -he added as an afterthought.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The stranger hesitated for a brief space, then -said, 'You may call me Malto.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With that he turned away, and began stepping -down from one row of seats to another, walking -as if plunged deep in thought, and seemingly -taking but little further notice of his companions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As for Gerald and Jack, they glanced at one -another with perplexed and wondering looks. This -cool, self-possessed young fellow had somehow -impressed them favourably, and they were inclined to -like him. But they did not in the least understand -him; and, like Alondra, they were half-disposed to -resent his assumption of so authoritative a manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'My stars!' muttered Jack, under his breath, to -Gerald, 'I fancy he thinks we are some of the -hangers-on amongst Mr Monck's suite!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meantime, the stranger had reached the floor of -the place, and was now leading the way towards -one end of it, which was closed in by some huge, -massive-looking gates. There was something grand -yet repellent about these gates. Upon them were -carved two great heads as of some kind of giants, -which frowned down upon them in forbidding -ugliness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Their leader turned to a small wicket gate at -one side, and, taking a key from his pocket, opened -it, waited for the three to pass inside, then closed -it and locked it behind him. They were then in -a dark lobby. A moment later he opened another -door, and they all passed through it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here the three looked round in wondering silence. -They were in what might have been either an -immense underground cavern or a large enclosure -roofed over. The light was dim, the air was -oppressive, and there was a foul odour, which to -the visitors seemed sickly and nauseating.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Before them, at some little distance, there was -a network of metal bars, which rose to a great -height like an immense cage. It attracted their -attention at once to the exclusion of all other -surroundings, for it seemed to be the source of the -evil smell which had assailed their nostrils.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly they were startled by a terrible scream. -It was followed by a cry as of some one in the -extreme of fear and dread. At the same moment -a face distorted by terror came into view behind -the bars. It was only visible for a moment, then -melted again into the gloom beyond.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-foul-den"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXIII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">A FOUL DEN.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>For a few moments the three friends stared -without moving at the place where the -agonised face had appeared. They were -spellbound with horror of they knew not what; -for though they could not see anything of what -was going on in the den in front of them, they -could hear strange sounds and weird noises.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a rushing sound as of large bodies -darting to and fro through the air; they heard -the beat of powerful wings, low gasps and gurgles, -yet could make out nothing in the obscurity. Then -another terrible cry was heard—this time an -unmistakably human one: 'Malto! Malto! Is it you? -Save me! save me!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This appeal startled their new friend into instant -action, and he dashed toward the bars, crying out -as he went, 'Have you arms, you three? If you -have, come and help me!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a moment Gerald and Jack gripped their -revolvers and raced after him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He made for a small metal gate in the bars, and -after applying a key to the lock began feverishly to -work away at other fastenings which still held it. -The two chums stood beside him, gazing into the -cage, trying to make out what was going on within. -Suddenly something swished past them. It had -the general appearance of a monstrous bat—certainly -it had what looked like the body and -wings of a bat—but it also had a human face!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Malto! Malto!' cried this apparition, as it flew -past—for it was certainly flying—'make haste or -it will be too late! I am tired out! I'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The last words were lost as it disappeared again -into the darkness beyond. Hardly had it passed -when a huge shape came into view, beating the -air with great wings, evidently in hot pursuit of -the other. It was undoubtedly a monster bat—much -bigger than the strange apparition with the -human face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Without waiting for instructions from Malto, -both the chums fired at the creature, but seemingly -with no result; for it continued on its way, and -a moment later was lost in the shadows.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Malto looked up in surprise at the sound of the -shots; then resumed his work at the fastenings, -in which he was now assisted by Alondra.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A moment later the gate was open. Malto -snatched up a long, heavy piece of wood which -was lying near, and, entering the cage, stood -boldly waiting for the expected return of the -monster.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'This way, Malandris! this way! The gate is -open!' he shouted, as he looked about, trying to -pierce the gloom.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a low answering cry, and the form -of the man-bat—as he seemed to be—came into -view, made a desperate attempt to keep up, but -fell exhausted at Malto's feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then the great bat itself appeared, and made a -swoop to seize its prey. It was met with a blow -from the heavy wooden bar, whereupon it turned -viciously upon the rescuer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The great wings closed round him, and the -immense claws with which they were armed -gripped him, striving to draw him within reach of -the head, with its open mouth and shining fangs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The wooden bar, however, was jammed against -its breast, and prevented it for the moment from -coming to close quarters. Just then Gerald and -Jack, who had entered the cage behind Malto, -fired their pistols simultaneously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As a result, one wing could be seen to be -hanging limply, broken by a bullet; and as the -creature gave utterance to another scream, Jack -rushed in and despatched it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald and Alondra assisted the plucky young -fellow to struggle out of the enfolding wings. -Directly he was clear he sprang up, and, seizing -upon the prostrate man, began to drag him towards -the opening.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Quick, quick!' he cried. 'That scream was to -call its mate to its aid, and it will be here in -another minute!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man they had saved was unconscious; but -the two chums laid hold of him, and, picking -him up with comparative ease, carried him out -of the cage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hardly had the gate been closed behind them -when there was heard a repetition of the scream. -A second monster came rushing out of the gloom and -hurled itself against the bars with a force which -shook them as though they had been but wire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Malto, badly mauled as he was, hastily fastened -the gate, and then, turning to the others, said -hurriedly, 'There is no time to lose! If you can -carry my friend, who has fainted, bear him this -way. The noise will bring people here, and we -shall be captured ourselves if they see us!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Between them they bore the one they had -rescued across the floor to a small door upon the -side opposite that by which they had entered. -Malto unlocked it, and when they were well inside -closed it quickly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were here, amongst other things, a number -of queer-looking dresses hung on pegs, and Malto -took some down and urged the three friends to -dress themselves in them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Make haste, while I attend to my friend!' he -urged; and though Alondra strongly disliked the -idea of dressing himself up in a disguise, there was -that in their new friend's tone and manner which -somehow silenced his objections. The stranger, -meantime, had obtained a bowl of water from -somewhere near, and sprinkled it in the face of -the unconscious man. Then he drew from his -pocket a flask, which he held to the man's lips, -and a minute later the sufferer opened his eyes, -gave a gasp, and sat up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently he seemed to recollect what had -happened, and, realising the need for action himself, -he struggled to his feet. He looked a grotesque -figure indeed, and the three who had helped to -save him, busy though they were, trying to fit on -their strange garments, could not help staring at -him in wonder. He was evidently 'got up' in -imitation of a great bat—that much seemed certain—but -the reason of such an extraordinary get-up -was for the time being a riddle to which they -could find no answer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Whatever the original intention in wearing the -dress may have been, however, it was clear that -Malto saw no use in its continuance, for he -proceeded to assist the wearer to discard it and -attire himself in some of the garments which were -hanging on the pegs. Then he rolled up the whole -affair into a bundle, and concealed it in a corner -beneath a pile of skins.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were now all garbed in a quaint kind of -costume, the chief points of which consisted of a -high hat and a loose cloak, which hid the clothes -they were still wearing underneath. It was one -of the dresses worn by the attendants of the -palace, so Malto briefly explained, while peering -out through a grating in the door to see what -was going on in the place they had just left.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As he had expected would be the case, the -noise of the revolver shots had brought some -people upon the scene. He could see a group -gathered near the cage, staring at the dead monster, -while others were moving about in search of a clue -to the mystery of how it had come by its death.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'They will be in here directly,' Malto said in -a low tone, after a brief inspection. 'We had -better be off!—Do you think you can walk, -Malandris?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Ay, ay, and run too, if needs be,' returned -the rescued man briskly. 'I am all right now. -I owe you my life'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Never mind that now. This is no time for -talk,' Malto interrupted. 'Just take a last look -round, to make sure we have left nothing to tell -that we have been here, and follow me!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He unlocked a door on one side, and they passed -out in silence into a passage, which was almost -in darkness. A little farther on there were several -flights of steps, and, having ascended these, they -came out, after some careful reconnoitring through -another door, into the open air in a spacious -courtyard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Malto locked the door behind him, and, enjoining -caution upon his companions, led the way to a -large gateway which they could see in front of -them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'If any one addresses you, say nothing, but leave -it to me,' he said to Alondra and his friends. -'Your speech would betray you at once.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As they drew near the gates they were pushed -open, and a number of men in the purple dresses -they had seen inside marched in, with soldierly -bearing and military precision.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One, who seemed to be an officer, stopped and -spoke to Malto; and again Alondra heard the -strange tongue which he had noted before.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Malto remained a short time in talk, while his -companions walked on with as good an imitation -of carelessness as they could summon up on the -spur of the moment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When Malto came up with them he was smiling -quietly to himself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It's lucky they did not see us come out of -that door,' he said to Malandris, 'or they would -have asked awkward questions as to how I came -to have a key.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Ah, that is what has been puzzling me all this -time,' observed Malandris.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'That is my secret for the present,' returned -Malto. 'It is a little secret which would interest -Kazzaro even more than it does you, if he -happened to be aware that I had such a key.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What has been puzzling me,' said Alondra, -addressing Malandris, 'is how you came to be in -that cage, and in such an extraordinary dress—if -one can call it a dress. I suppose some one -must have placed you there. Who could have -been guilty of such an atrocious act?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Malandris, who was a tall, elderly man, with -grizzled hair and a worn, haggard-looking face, -shook his head with a sigh, as he answered, 'That -you should wonder, young sir, only shows that you -must be a stranger hereabouts—one who knows not -the master we serve, or what he is capable of.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Hark! what is that?' exclaimed Malto suddenly. -'I 'm afraid they 've got upon our track! Do you -see that tower yonder?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Before them lay a wide, grassy expanse, at the -end of which was a sort of ornamental pavilion -or small tower.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'That is the place we have to make for,' he -went on. 'If we can reach it, we shall be safe—at -all events, for a time—till assistance comes. If -necessary, we must run for it.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As he spoke, the low murmur which he had -noted behind them grew into a clamorous shouting, -and a moment later a crowd of pursuers came -running through the gateway they had so recently -passed through.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="at-the-pavilion"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXIV.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">AT THE PAVILION.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>'You said a little while ago that you could -run if needs were,' said Malto, addressing -Malandris. 'You must try now, at any -rate. I will help you.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I am quite recovered,' was the answer. 'We -must look after these young people.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Oh, that I had my wings! Why did I leave -them behind this morning!' exclaimed Alondra.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You may as well throw off those disguises,' Malto -advised. 'They are of no use now, and will only -hamper you.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As yet their pursuers were a long way off, for -after the reconnoitre at the gateway the fugitives -had stepped out briskly, and had covered nearly -half the distance to the pavilion before the alarm -had been given.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They now set off at a run, after discarding -their disguises, and at first it seemed as though -there would be no difficulty in reaching the tower -well ahead of their pursuers. Indeed, the latter -seemed, at one time, to have almost given up the -chase; for only a few were to be seen coming -towards them; the rest had halted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A few moments later, however, the cause of the -delay became clear. Suddenly a man rose in the -air on motor-wings and began to sail rapidly -towards them. He was armed with a trident. -Convinced that he would easily effect the capture -of the fugitives, who had, as could be seen, neither -shields nor tridents, the remainder of the crowd -followed quietly in the rear. They would be in -plenty of time, they reckoned, to pick up the -unconscious bodies when the man with the trident -had dealt with them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Malto muttered something between his set teeth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I 'm afraid it is no use,' said Malandris -despondently, as he ran along beside the others. 'He -is bound to overtake us, and we are all unarmed.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Not quite,' Jack answered. 'If they think we -are, so much the better; it may give us a chance -to get on equal terms with that flying chap. His -trident is no good at more than twenty yards. We -have something here which reaches farther than that.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He and Gerald had drawn their revolvers, and -were looking to the hammers as they raced onwards, -to make quite sure that they were in working order. -Everything would depend upon making good -practice with their first shots.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You aim at one wing, Gerald,' said Jack; 'I -will aim at the fellow's arm which carries the -trident. Take it easy! Don't run too fast; it -will make your hand shake.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They continued on their way for some distance -farther. The pavilion was now not far off; so also, -unfortunately, was the flying man with his trident.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack gave a sign to Gerald, and they both turned -and faced him. Alondra stopped too; and the -others, although they did not exactly understand -what was likely to happen, immediately halted, -because they would not leave the three to their fate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As it happened, this was the best thing they -could have done. The flying man interpreted -their action as an abject surrender. He slackened -speed and came on carelessly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then two shots rang out. Jack's aim was true; -his bullet struck the man's right arm, and the -trident flew from the hand which had grasped it. -Gerald's first shot missed, but his second struck -one wing and smashed the light framework. The -wing drooped, and the flier fell heavily to the -ground.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-wing-drooped-and-the-flier-fell-heavily-to-the-ground"><span class="bold">[Illustration: The wing drooped, and the flier -<br />fell heavily to the ground -<br />(missing from source book)]</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>'Good! Good! Capital!' Malto and Malandris -cried out, in surprised wonder and delight at this -turn of affairs, for neither of them understood -anything about pistols.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Now, run for it, my friends! We shall get -there first yet!' Jack called out.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Let me have his trident, though,' said Alondra, -as he picked up the fallen man's weapon. 'This -may come in useful, you know.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a great outcry behind them as the -pursuers witnessed the discomfiture of the aeronaut. -The crowd at once took up the chase in a manner -which showed how confidently they had been -counting upon his ability to capture the fugitives -without their aid.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As has been stated, the men in the dark-purple -dresses were big, fine men, all of them. There was -that in their aspect, too, which betokened a fierce -nature, used to warfare.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They quickly made it evident that they were -good runners, and they started off now in earnest -and came on swiftly. But they had lost whatever -chance they might at first have had of overtaking -those they were chasing, by trusting too confidently -to the man with the wings.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By the time they reached the base of the tower -the fugitives had already dashed up the steps -leading to the entrance, had opened and passed -through some barred gates, fastened them behind -them, and gained the shelter of the doorway.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A minute or two afterwards they appeared upon -a balcony, of which there were several running -round the tower on the outside, one above the -other, and complacently smiled down upon their -baffled foes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Well, we 've beaten 'em so far,' exclaimed Malto. -'I had almost given up hope. We should have -been done for if it hadn't been for those noisy -playthings of yours, young gentlemen. May I ask -what they are, and where they come from? I have -never met with that kind of weapon before.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'They come from a far country, so far that your -head would scarcely carry the tale of the figures -if I were to attempt to give them to you,' Alondra -declared laughingly. 'Now, what is to be done -next? Our foes will be sending an airship against -us, I suppose; and if assistance doesn't reach us -pretty soon I am afraid they will have the best -of it, after all.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'No, I don't think there is any fear of that. -They won't send an airship against us,' said Malto.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Malandris shook his head too. 'Not during the -day,' he assented. 'They might when it gets dark, -if we are still here.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Why not?' asked Jack, in surprise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It would attract attention. You see, our master -has visitors. Prince Alondra, the son of King -Ivanta, is staying here; and he, or some of his -people, might be cruising about in his air-yacht -or in some of the airships which came with him. -If they caught sight of an airship engaged in -fighting operations down here their curiosity might -be aroused, and they might come and ask -inconvenient questions.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this Gerald and Jack glanced at one another -and then at Alondra, and nearly burst out laughing; -but the latter made a sign, and they turned away -and said nothing. The young prince wished to -keep his identity a secret a little longer, in order -that he might have an opportunity of quietly -probing farther into the meaning of the -extraordinary events of that eventful morning.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What, then, do you suppose they will do?' -Alondra went on.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Oh, very likely nothing at all! Just loaf about -to make sure that we don't get away during the -day. They know they can't break into this pavilion; -it has been strongly built on purpose. Then at -night they will make sure of us. Our best hope -is that we may see some passing airship and -attract the attention of the people in her, and -that they may come and take us off.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'That doesn't sound very hopeful. It might be -one of Agrando's airships,' Jack pointed out.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'On the other hand, it might be one belonging -to his visitors,' said Malto. 'Then, I imagine, we -should be all right. I suppose you belong to their -party, don't you? I have been thinking it over, -and can't guess who else you can be. You said -you could take me to King Ivanta, and I don't see -how you could make such a promise unless you -belonged to the prince's party.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He looked searchingly at Alondra as he spoke, -and there was in his tone and look a suggestion -of reproach at their keeping him in the dark.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You are quite right, my friend,' Alondra now -said gravely. 'We do belong to the party of -visitors you speak of. I expect they are already -wondering where we have got to, and will be coming -out to look for us before long. So I hope our -troubles are over, or soon will be. And now, -as we have time for a little talk, I want to hear -your stories—you two. Explain to me the meaning -of all that has happened.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Malto shook his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I wish to tell it all to King Ivanta, and to no -one else,' he declared. 'You have promised to take -me to him, and I shall ask you to keep your -promise, and to refrain from questioning me -meantime. Cannot you understand that the king might -not be pleased if he found I had been talking -freely of things which he may wish had been kept -for his ear alone?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra was silent. He felt that Malto was -right, and could not but respect him for his -caution. At the same time, he was burning to -have some explanation of their adventures.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'But you said you wished for our testimony -to back up yours,' he reminded him. 'How can -we help in that way if you do not enlighten us -as to what it is we are to testify about?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was now Malto's turn to ponder, and he -remained for a space gazing out thoughtfully over -the expanse of ground which lay upon the other -side of the pavilion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The three followed his glance, and noted that -the building formed part of the boundary wall of -an extensive enclosure, which just here consisted of -an extremely high and massive-looking stone fence, -adorned at the top with formidable metal spikes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Farther round, to right and to left, the boundary -wall consisted of precipitous rocks, which shut the -place in, and made it a kind of a park.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra noted this, and, breaking off from the -subject of his last question, asked why they could -not descend from the pavilion into this enclosure. -It seemed to him that it would be a difficult -matter for their enemies to scale the wall in -order to follow them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just as he had spoken there rose on the air -a strange, weird, booming sound. It was a sort -of bellowing roar, but far louder and more startling -than the bellow of a bull or the roar of the largest -lion ever seen or heard of. The sound seemed -to come from a distance; yet it was so loud that -it almost made the tower itself tremble. That it -was produced by some member of the animal -kingdom seemed pretty certain. But what horrible -monster could it be which could make such a -sound? There was something almost supernatural -in its awful depth and power; something appalling -in the menacing tones of the hoarse, ferocious growl -into which it changed as it gradually died away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What in the name of all that is horrible is -that?' cried the startled young prince.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It is the answer to your question,' returned -Malto quietly. 'That is to say, it partly answers -both your questions. I may go so far as to explain -that my original object in coming here, before we -were found out and pursued, was that you might -perhaps hear that terrible roar, and possibly catch -sight of the creature which gave utterance to it. -But it is not at present in sight, and I imagine -that, after what you heard, you will scarcely care -to get out on the other side of the pavilion and -go to look for it?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I—I think not,' said Alondra. 'I will take -your word for it that we are probably safer even -here than we should be down there.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You are,' answered Malto drily. 'It is a creature -upon which neither your trident nor the strange -weapons of your young friends would make more -impression than upon yonder rocks! Now you -will be able, if we ever come before King Ivanta, -to confirm one part of what I wish him to know. -King Agrando has a name as a collector of all -kinds of curiosities and monstrosities. King Ivanta -has himself helped him to make his collection the -most comprehensive that has ever been seen'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Yes, yes, I know all that,' Alondra put in -impatiently.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Ay, but what you do not know is this—that -Agrando's object in gathering these out-of-the-way -things about him is not altogether a mere -harmless love of the curious. He is a monster of -cruelty'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'A perfect fiend!' Malandris interjected.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'His craze—for such it is—is a sort of madness,' -Malto continued. 'It is to set men to fight for -their lives with the most terrible creatures he can -find to pit against them. That is the amusement -he and that demon Kazzaro delight in! That is -why they have constructed all these secret places, -which none know of save themselves and their -myrmidons. Little does the noble-minded Ivanta -dream of the proceedings of these two, or of the -way in which he has himself contributed to them. -If he but knew'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Eh, what? How dare—I mean, how can King -Ivanta have contributed to such horrible cruelties -as you are hinting at?' demanded Alondra hotly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I don't wonder that you are moved to indignation, -young sir. But I am not blaming King -Ivanta. He has been deceived. For instance, he, -it is said, paid a visit to another planet, and brought -back with him many strange and horrible monsters -never seen or heard of on our globe. Is it not so?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Well?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Many of them were the young of fearful -creatures. But, young or old, he presented Agrando -with specimens for his collection.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Very likely. What then? I see no harm -in that.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'No. For King Ivanta little guessed the use -which the tyrant's ingenious brain would put them -to. Agrando gave out that most of them died in -captivity, that the climate here did not suit them, -and so on. Was it not so?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Very likely. I have heard something of the -sort. What then?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It is untrue that they died—at least, as regards -most of them. The greater part—some of the -most ferocious, terrible creatures amongst -them—he nursed with perverted tenderness and care. -He has reared them and brought them to maturity. -Now his sole use for them is to pit them against -any one who happens to incur his anger; which -means, of course, simply dooming the hapless wretch -to a cruel and terrible death. You have just heard -the voice of one; you saw others—monster bats -which they call krudias—in the cage below; you -have also seen one of the intended victims, and -helped me to rescue him at the last moment.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Ay, he sent me there—sentenced me to that -awful fate merely in a fit of passing temper,' -Malandris declared. 'My crime was only that I -had mistaken an order he gave me!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Horrible! Incredible!' cried Alondra, his eyes -flashing with indignation and disgust.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You may well say incredible,' muttered Malto. -'That is why I wished you to see some of the -creatures for yourselves, you three, so that King -Ivanta might have your testimony to confirm -mine. Otherwise, he might think my statements, -as you say, incredible. Little did I imagine then, -however, that you would witness such a convincing -proof or that I should find my friend Malandris -in that cage!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'And why were you dressed up in that grotesque -fashion?' Alondra asked of Malandris.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Oh, that is one of Kazzaro's little jokes! It is -a whim of his sometimes to dress his victims up -like the creatures they are doomed to fight against.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'But he wasn't there to look on to-day,' Jack -commented.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I suppose he happened to be particularly busy -over something else, or he would have been,' said -Malandris grimly. He shuddered, and looked around -half-apprehensively. 'Now you can understand how -much depends upon our being able to escape from -here, and what it will mean if we fall again into -his power.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald and Jack stared at one another, almost -stupefied with horror.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Did ever two such miscreants exist before, I -wonder?' said Jack. 'How right, Gerald, you -were when you called Kazzaro the Ogre!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I am in for it, too, now, of course,' Malto added. -'They know by this time what I have done; and -I shall find no mercy there if I am dragged back -into their clutches.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'But you sha'n't be!' cried Alondra, impulsively. -'I will not allow it! And King Agrando, strong -as he may deem himself upon his own ground, -dares not attempt to take you against my will.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Malto and Malandris looked at him in astonishment -at this unexpected outburst.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Your feelings do you credit, young sir,' said -the elder man; 'but I fear your brave words -will not avail us much.' He smiled slightly and -sighed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'But who are you, then, to talk like that?' -exclaimed Malto incredulously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'This is King Ivanta's son, Prince Alondra!' -said Jack.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="agrando-throws-off-the-mask"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXV.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">AGRANDO THROWS OFF THE MASK.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>King Agrando sat in his own particular -sanctum, watching, with absorbed attention, -the proceedings of the Diamond King, who -was engaged in fitting together, by way of trial, -the several parts of a new crown.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Upon the table before him were spread out -several heaps of lustrous, sparkling loose stones, -some of which must have been among the finest -of their kind in existence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Agrando had made up his mind that this new -crown was to be the most magnificent that ever -adorned the head of mortal potentate. Had he -not here at hand to advise him the greatest living -authority upon such subjects—Zuanstroom to -wit—who claimed that he had seen, handled, examined, -and photographed the most splendid crowns which -graced the various royal heads upon our planet?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Zuanstroom picked up the gems one by one, and -placed them tentatively in the golden framework, -stepping back from time to time to observe the -effect, as does an artist with his picture. Then, if -the result did not commend itself to his sense of -the fitness of things, he would take some of them -out, and replace them with others of a different -size or colour.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Agrando looked on, a curious variety of expressions -flitting across his face. He could not but -admire the beauty of the work of art which was -slowly growing under his eyes. Yet he grudged -the worker the delight of handling the bewitching -jewels.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To these two there entered Kazzaro. It was -easy to see that he was put out about something -or other, and that he was in a very bad humour -even for him, which is saying a good deal. It -should rather be said, perhaps, that it would have -been easy to perceive this if any one had looked -at him; as a matter of exact fact, no one did. -Agrando's gaze was fixed upon the table as though -he feared that if he removed it for a single -instant some one would snatch at an odd stone -and hide it away. He knew his henchman's voice, -and had no need to make use of his sight to -inform him who it was who had intruded upon -his privacy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'All gone wrong—miscarried!' he heard Kazzaro -grumble. 'That young upstart Alondra has escaped -my snare after all!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'So,' said Agrando, without taking his glance off -the table, 'you 've managed to blunder again, then?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Blunder, indeed!' growled the Ogre. 'I thought -he was safe. I as good as watched him drown! -I saw him in the deadly coils which no one has -ever escaped before, up to his very neck in water. -Then I came away in haste, for fear some one -might enter and find me there. Some one did -enter—must have done, I imagine—and just in -time to rescue him, after all!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The king muttered something between his teeth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then an officer came in and said something -to Kazzaro in a low tone. The latter started, -turned visibly pale, and then, without a word, -left the apartment with him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was gone about a quarter of an hour, and -when he returned he was almost choking with rage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It's all up!' he cried, throwing his hands into -the air. 'There is treachery—treason—at work! -Some strangers have made their way below and -rescued Malandris from the cage. He is missing, -and so is Malto; and there are signs that some -of your visitors from the evening star have been -there, for they have killed one of the krudias -with their fire-weapons. Did I not warn you -against ever allowing these people to come here -prying about? This is what has come of it!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Agrando at last was roused, and he turned his -eyes from his beloved jewels. But when his gaze -fell upon Kazzaro there was in it a menace which -made even that hardened miscreant tremble.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Miserable wretch!' thundered his master. 'You -dare to say this to me as an excuse for your own -clumsy blundering and lack of vigilance! By -Krondris, I'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What awful threat he was about to utter, -however, cannot be told, for he was interrupted by -the unceremonious entry of Zuanstroom's son Silas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Father, father!' he exclaimed, failing, in his -excitement, to notice the black looks cast at him -by Agrando. 'Gerald and Jack have been shooting -some of King Agrando's soldiers, who have got -them shut up in the pavilion tower! Alondra is -with them, and two of King Agrando's officers. I -know their names—they are Malto and Malandris! -I saw them shoot down a man sent to bring them -back when they were running away.' Out of -breath, first with running and then with this -speech, poured forth in a violent hurry, Silas -subsided, panting, into a chair.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'They are in the pavilion—that tower by the -side of the place where "the great beast," as you -call it, lives?' asked Agrando with deadly calmness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Yes, sir. They are defying all your people there, -hoping, I expect, to be taken off by Alondra's -yacht.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Agrando and Kazzaro looked at each other, the -latter mutely asking for orders.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'We must have them out of that tower,' said -Agrando, in a hard, resolute tone, 'before they can -be taken off! Do you hear? We must have -them at any cost. Send out war-vessels! Knock -the tower down with the traitors in it! Crush -them at any cost!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'But how if Alondra's yacht reaches him first?' -queried Kazzaro.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Fight them! I 'm sick of this dissembling! -Everything is prepared! We will throw off the -mask, and show Ivanta that we have some teeth -beneath it to bite with!'</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-wireless-message"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXVI.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE WIRELESS MESSAGE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>While Agrando was issuing the orders -which would precipitate his long-thought-of -revolt against his overlord King -Ivanta, Alondra and his four companions were -waiting, with what patience they could command, -for the hoped-for arrival of their friends.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a while there was a pause in the hostilities. -Either their foes recognised that it was not possible -to attack them successfully with the means then -at their disposal, or they deemed it impolitic to -do so. After taking counsel together, they appeared -resolved to content themselves for the time with -laying siege to the pavilion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The only incident worthy of note during this -interval was that a wind sprang up, bringing -with it heavy clouds. Rumblings were heard more -than once as of distant thunder, and there were -other indications of a coming storm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack's abrupt announcement of Alondra's identity -had naturally produced a great effect upon the two -officers of Agrando with whom they had become -so strangely associated. So surprising had the -statement seemed that Malto had at first been -inclined to be incredulous. He half-suspected that -the statement might be a bit of rather ill-timed -levity on the part of the one who had made it. -But a little reflection altered this view.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I have been foolish—blind—not to have guessed -it before!' he exclaimed. 'Prince, I have to ask -your pardon for several things I said which may -perhaps have displeased you, especially when I refused -point-blank to answer some of your questions.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Nay, I think you were right in the circumstances,' -said Alondra. 'It proves that one can -rely upon you to be close and discreet when you -deem it necessary.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Malandris also had apologies to make; but Jack -and Gerald both noticed that his demeanour was -different from that of Malto. The former spoke -and behaved just in the way that any one might -be expected to do who is confused at finding he -has been all unknowingly talking rather freely in -the presence of a superior. Malto, on the other -hand, appeared in no wise embarrassed. He made -his apologies with perfect self-possession, and -carried himself as though he were in the habit -of associating with distinguished personages every -day of his life.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra noticed this too, and at first was a -little inclined to resent it; but Malto's manner -was so entirely unconscious and free from offence -that, with his usual good nature, the young prince -quickly thrust the idea aside. 'Well, now,' he -said, when he had listened to their apologies and -given kindly and suitable replies, 'we are wasting -time. As my people don't seem to be coming to -look for me of their own accord, I must summon them.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His companions stared at him with puzzled looks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I don't see how you are going to do that!' -observed Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I will let you into a little secret, then. My -royal father lent me, just before we came away, -one of his pocket telegraph-boxes; and he lent -Monck Affelda another, so that we might be able -to communicate with one another if we were -separated. Perhaps he did not trust King Agrando -quite so much as he appeared to do. Anyway, -he lent us these. He usually keeps them for the -exclusive use of himself and his most confidential -officers, and very few people even know of their -existence. He invented and designed them himself, -and the working parts were made by workmen -he could trust, who were sworn to secrecy.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The term 'Affelda,' applied to Monck, it may -be here explained, was a term of courtesy and -respect in use among the Martians. It signified -rather more than our 'Mr' and something less -than 'lord.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As Alondra spoke he drew from a side-pocket -a small affair which looked at first sight like a -gold chronometer attached to a gold chain. Just -then there came another rumbling warning of the -approaching storm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Come inside. We shall be quieter there,' he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They left the outside gallery, or balcony, and -went into an inner chamber, where were seats and -a plain wood table. Upon the latter he placed -the little 'watch.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'The wood acts as a sounding-board, and we -shall hear better,' he explained.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He touched a spring and a lid flew open. Then -he touched other springs, and at once there was -heard the sound of little bells or gongs not unlike -those of a repeater watch. He repeated this performance -several times, waiting a little while between, as -though expecting some reply which did not come.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The others stood around, looking on with perplexed -curiosity and wondering what it was all about.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It seems to me it is a repeater watch,' said -Jack presently. 'The gongs are beautiful and -silvery in tone; but how in the world they are -going to'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Hush!' exclaimed Alondra, with a warning -gesture. He had placed the instrument on the -table and left it to itself; and now, lo! the little -gongs were ringing away on their own account. -Alondra bent over it and listened intently, holding -up his hand the while to enjoin strict silence on -his companions. Then, when the sounds ceased, he -manipulated the gongs himself in turn; immediately -he left them alone they again rung out by themselves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It appeared to the onlookers as though a sort -of conversation were being carried on in some -mysterious fashion between Alondra and the curious -little machine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then a thought flashed into Jack's mind. 'Wireless -telegraphy—or I 'm a Dutchman!' he breathed. -Still the curious performance went on, and the -longer it continued the graver grew Alondra's face. -His brow clouded over, and at last, when there came -a pause, and he drew himself up, it could be seen -that his face was flushed and his eyes flashing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Treason!' he cried. 'Foul treachery is at work! -Agrando has made an attempt to seize my whole -party! Some of them he has indeed already basely -captured; and he has now actually attacked some -of our airships. Monck is in difficulties himself, -he tells me; but he hopes to be able to send my -yacht to our aid soon, now that I have told him -where we are. Whether he can do more than -that, he says, he really does not yet know.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were exclamations of amazement at these -sinister tidings, and the friends stared at one -another in bewildered perplexity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I can scarcely, even now, believe it!' cried -Alondra.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You are sure there is no mistake? Or may -it be that some one is playing a joke upon you?' -suggested Gerald rather vaguely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'No one would dare to attempt such a thing!' -Alondra asserted haughtily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'But—it sounds impossible,' said Jack helplessly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It wouldn't if you knew our master as well -as we do,' Malandris put in. 'I have had an idea -for some time past that something of the kind -was hatching.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'If it be as you say, Prince, our position is -critical indeed,' Malto declared. 'Agrando will not -hesitate now to send one of his airships against -us—the very thing I thought we were safe from -so long as daylight lasted. I am afraid we must -make up our minds to the inevitable—we shall all -be his prisoners before another hour is over. And -what that means you can now guess; although -what we have already told you is but a small -portion of the actual truth.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'My father will rescue us; and they dare not -harm us meantime!' cried Alondra proudly. -'Agrando knows too well the terrible vengeance -that would be exacted.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Malto shook his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Do not count too much upon that, Prince,' he -said. 'It was partly the fear that some such plot -was brewing which made me wish to see King -Ivanta in order that I might warn him. I had -hoped that in return he would be willing to assist -me in another matter on which my heart is set—to -right a great wrong. But I fear it is useless -to dream of it now.' And he sighed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'But is there no other way of escape open -to us?' Jack asked. 'Surely, if it be that our -friends cannot come to our aid, we should do -better to try some other plan rather than stay -on here to be tamely captured whenever it pleases -Agrando to send an airship to take us prisoners!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Yes, it might be better even to risk a run -across the enclosure where your monster lives,' -Gerald put in. 'It is only a choice of monsters—that -or Agrando.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Very likely both—Agrando will give us to him -later on,' said Malandris grimly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Well, then, what is this place that we are in?' -Jack went on. 'Is it empty? Is there nothing -in the place that might be useful to help us to -defend ourselves?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'This pavilion is a sort of grand stand—a place -of vantage from which the privileged spectators -obtain a good view—and a safe one—of what takes -place in the enclosure when there is anything -exciting going on,' Malandris explained. 'It is not used -for any other purpose, and is empty'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Wait a moment!' Malto interrupted, with a -sudden light in his eyes. 'I am not so sure that -it is quite empty. Is there not a store-place below, -where they keep'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You are right, Malto,' the other answered in -some excitement. 'I had forgotten it. There may -be some arms and things there which would be -useful indeed if we have to try to hold out for a -time till assistance can reach us. But I am afraid -the place is locked up'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Perhaps my key will fit; if not, we must break -it open.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then there came a great gust of wind and -another and louder growl of thunder; and a little -later there was heard an outburst of shouting -outside. Malto ran out on to the balcony to see -what it meant.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a good deal of excitement amongst -their enemies below. People were talking one to -another, and some were pointing up at the pavilion, -while a few were huddled together in a knot. -In the middle of these last were seen two men -who were doing something with some wings, -seemingly preparatory to taking a flight in the air.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'They have thrown off all thought of concealment,' -said Malto, coming inside again. 'You can -see that. So what you told us, Prince, must be -only too true! They are going to send a couple -of fliers up to attempt our capture.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'But in that case, why does not Agrando send -an airship and settle the matter at once?' Gerald -asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I expect just now all his airships are busy -fighting my friends,' said Alondra. 'They will -attend to us presently, I suppose, if the people -here don't succeed.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Well, we will make a fight of it, anyway!' -cried Malto sturdily. 'I believe we may find the -means down below, if you can keep them at bay -for a little time while we search'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'We can manage that, I think,' Jack answered -him. 'Do you go below and see what you can -find to help us.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again there came a blustering gust of the -fast-rising wind. Then there was a blinding flash, -followed by a deafening crash of thunder which -shook the whole building to its foundations.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-desperate-venture"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXVII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">A DESPERATE VENTURE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Malto and Malandris disappeared down a -stairway; and Alondra and the two chums -strolled on to the outside gallery to watch -their foes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The wind was now very high, and the darkening -sky grew blacker every minute. The swirling gusts -whistled and shrieked amongst the outer metal -framework, and moaned dismally through the -windows and doors.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On each floor of the pavilion there was one of -these galleries which ran the whole way round -on the outside, being partitioned off from the -interior by glass windows only. Hence there was -almost as good a view from the inside as from -without; except that one could not look over and -see what was going on immediately beneath.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'The storm seems likely to be a bit of luck -for us,' Jack observed, as he watched the -preparations which were going on below. 'They don't -seem to find it to their liking.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So boisterous had the weather become that they -found wings almost unmanageable. The two men -were trying their best to manipulate some contrivances -of the kind, but with scant success. Every -time an attempt was made at a start, a blast -would come along, swishing and buffeting the -outspread wings, and dashing one or other of them -to the ground ere the aeronaut could rise high -enough to use them properly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Why, it doesn't seem much use to think of -attacking us in that way in such a wind!' -exclaimed Gerald. 'If they even succeed in making -a start, they will only run a risk of being either -dashed against the building or carried past it out -of sight. And they couldn't hope to fly back in -face of this wind, could they?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'No, you are quite right,' Alondra returned. 'I -must say those two fellows must be either unusually -clever or uncommonly foolish, to think they can -attack us under such circumstances. Nevertheless, -we must be on our guard. One of them might, -by some chance, get blown against the framework -here, and cling to it. Then, with his trident, he -would make short work of us if he caught us -within reach.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'And if we were idle meantime,' put in Jack, -between his teeth. 'There, look at that!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One of the daring aeronauts had taken advantage, -as he thought, of a slight lull, and had sprung -up into the air. But a sudden gust caught one -of the wings and dashed it violently to the ground -again, causing him to fall heavily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'If that's all they can do, we haven't much to -fear from them!' cried Gerald, rubbing his hands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But his rejoicing came too soon, for even as -he spoke there came another lull; and the other -aeronaut rose into the air and came straight -towards them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra laid a hand upon both of his companions -and dragged them promptly back through the door, -and closed it. Jack, who had been about to fire -at the assailant, looked not a little surprised.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Another moment—before you could use your -weapon—he would have had the three of us!' -exclaimed the young prince. 'We had better watch -him from behind the glass, where we are safe, -and wait to see what happens next.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The two chums could but recognise the wisdom -of this advice. They had not at first realised that -the man had risen high enough to bring them -within range. They had been in imminent danger, -therefore—supposing their foe had been able to -use his trident—of being assailed and rendered -helpless before their bullets could take effect. -Inside the glass they were safe, for the fateful -flash could not penetrate it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The attacker seemed to be coming on gaily, -or, at least, without any great trouble, when -another blast caught him and spun him round like -a great top. Then, ere he could reach the gallery, -it carried him downwards with a sudden swoop, -and left him helpless, but unhurt, at the foot of -the building.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He picked himself up, and a crowd of his friends -seized upon him and half-carried, half-dragged him -back to a distance which they considered necessary -for another attempt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'We had a narrow escape,' Alondra declared. -'He is a plucky fellow; and he was as cool and -unflustered just then as if there had been no -roaring wind playing around. I saw it in his eye. -It was lucky I did see it, and rushed you two -into shelter in time.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'We have to thank you for being so prompt, -then,' Jack answered. 'We must be more careful -next time. He 'll have another try, I suppose?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I don't know. I almost doubt if he will risk -it, plucky as he evidently is. You can hear how -the wind is increasing.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He opened the door a little way as he spoke, -and such a gust came in as almost forced it out -of his hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It's a regular tempest!' cried Gerald. 'The -building itself seems to rock about with it and -almost feels as if it might blow over.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Yes, it will certainly stop any further attempts -of that kind,' Alondra decided. 'No man who is -not a fool or a madman would trust himself on -wings in such a storm. His life would not be -worth a minute's purchase. He would be likely -to be blown against the first thing that came in -his way, and have his brains dashed out. No -airship, even—unless it were the great </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span>—could -make headway against such a wind.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What you say is true enough, Prince; yet I am -afraid we shall have to show ourselves mad enough -to risk it,' said Malto, who had re-entered the -apartment unperceived. 'If the chance were offered you -of trying to escape on wings, now, at this moment, -or waiting to be pounced upon by Agrando's people -later on, which would you choose?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What is the use of asking such a question?' -Alondra queried in return, somewhat impatiently. -'Surely we have something more urgent to think -of just now than'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Not at all,' answered Malto coolly. 'It happens -to be the most urgent question of the moment. -To cut the matter short, Prince, we have met with -a great find. We have discovered, besides the -tridents and things I had hoped for, several -complete flying-outfits. They are motor-wings, and -if you have the courage to try your luck with -them in this storm, there is no reason why we -should not bid Agrando's people a cheery "Good-bye," -and flit off before his airships come buzzing -about our ears in real earnest.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The friends stared at one another in blank -astonishment. Here was an unexpected turn indeed! -Truly, it was a most momentous decision which -they were called upon to make—to do that which -Alondra but a minute before had pronounced none -but a fool or madman would dare to risk, or stay -and take their chance of being rescued.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Honestly, it seems to me our only plan,' Malto -declared. 'Malandris and I have been discussing -it downstairs, and we came to the conclusion that -your friends would have been here before this if -they were coming at all. I am sorry to say I -fear they must have got the worst of it; and -Agrando is only waiting till the wind drops to -come and seize us. He thinks he is sure of us; -and need not, therefore, risk one of his airships in -such a storm.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I fear you must be right, my friend,' said -Alondra sadly. 'In that case, your plan, wild as -it would otherwise be, is the only one open to us. -For my part, I will risk it.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'And I!' exclaimed Gerald and Jack together.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Then the sooner we act upon that decision the -better,' said Malto. 'At any moment the wind may -drop, and our chance will have gone. Everything -is ready. From the top outside gallery we can get -a better send-off than those chaps down there had. -We can slip out upon the farther side, and be -off and away before they have time to understand -what's afoot. Then we must trust to the very -force of the wind to carry us well beyond their -reach. There is one suggestion I have to make. -It is that we shall be all five roped together with -double ropes, so that we shall keep together; in -that way, if one is in trouble, the others may -be able to help him. Otherwise, we shall probably -be blown about like flies, and lose touch with one -another in the first ten minutes.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>No time was lost in further discussion. They -all set to work with a will, dragging the necessary -equipage up to the top floor. There they speedily -completed their arrangements, went out on to the -outside gallery, and, after some preliminary -manoeuvring, Malto gave the signal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Being on the lee side, sheltered for the moment -from the gale, they managed to make a fairly -good start. They threw themselves fearlessly from -the gallery, and a great shout of rage and astonishment -which came to their ears from below told -them that their foes had just caught sight of them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A moment more and the howling tempest had -caught them and was whirling them madly forward. -Upwards they sailed with poised wings, like -immense birds, while their bewildered enemies -below gazed after them with staring eyes and -open mouths.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was another flash of lightning, followed -on the instant by a crash that seemed to shake -the very rocks around; and then there were cries -and shrieks from the crowd as stones and pieces -of metal-work came flying through the air.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lightning had struck the pavilion and -wrecked it!</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="sailing-on-the-storm-wind"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXVIII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">SAILING ON THE STORM-WIND.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The five adventurous fliers were borne along -by the wind in a fashion which can be -better imagined than described.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To Gerald and Jack, at least, it was an absolutely -novel experience, whatever it may have been to -the others. Every time they glanced down it almost -made them giddy to see the rate at which the -various features of the landscape were racing, as -it were, past them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Of the wrecking of the pavilion by lightning -they knew nothing. They had been dazzled by -the awful flash, and almost deafened by the terrible -crash which followed; but they were then already -two or three hundred yards from the scene. A -minute or two later, and they were a mile or -more away; and the place itself would have been -out of sight even if they could have looked -round.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But they had no time to look round. They -scarcely seemed to have time to look ahead. No -sooner did they catch sight of something—a large -building, a group of trees, or what not—in the -distance, than, lo! it seemed to make a mad rush -towards them. One moment it was half a mile -away; the next it had vanished behind them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But it was very difficult to distinguish any -individual object.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The whole landscape beneath them was one vast -blur. Cities, villages, trees, fields, woods, streams, -lakes, hills, valleys—all seemed to be merged into -a vague mass, and there was no time to single out -details before they had slipped past.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Curiously enough—and contrary to all expectations -of the two visitors from Earth—their -progress, wild and mad as it seemed when they -looked down, was serene, easy, almost quiet, when -they looked up. So long as they made no effort -to stop or turn they scarcely felt any wind at all; -and so long as they could keep clear of possible -obstacles in their course by sailing over them -there appeared to be no immediate danger. Below -them all was a wild, mad race amid a continuous, -low, booming roar; above, everything looked quiet, -almost stationary, for the black clouds travelled -noiselessly and kept exact pace with them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Whether they would be able to continue to -travel thus so long as the storm should last was -another matter—as also was the question of where -they were being carried. They had no control -over their course, no idea of what their ultimate -destination was likely to be, no possible means of -arresting their wild career. To have ventured on -a lower course, nearer the ground, in the hope of -stopping, would have meant certain death.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nor could they so much as speak to one -another. They were all roped together, it is true, -and this proved a very wise precaution, for -without it they would undoubtedly have quickly -become separated and hopelessly lost to one -another. Malto had left plenty of rope between -each, and this was now extended to its utmost, -leaving too great an interval to permit even of -shouting. They all looked to Malto—who was in -the centre—for guidance; and he conveyed his -directions and advice by signs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Of other fliers, or of airships of any kind, they -saw none. It was the custom to send warnings -ahead in such case, and for all air-craft to seek -shelter until the storm had passed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The wings they had found and appropriated -were a sort of combination—that is to say, they -were supplied with electric motors, but could also -be used as ordinary wings when the supply of -electricity stored in the batteries ran out, just as -one can work a motor-cycle with one's feet. At -present the travellers were husbanding their power -carefully, using only just enough to keep them -at what seemed to be a safe height.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It had been Malto's hope, when they had -started, that the storm would not continue in such -fury for any length of time. But this expectation -proved to be delusive. Hour after hour passed, -and still they were carried along at a pace which -would have rendered any attempt at stopping sheer -madness. Cities and towns had long disappeared; -villages, even, now seemed to be no more. The -ground became hilly, and less and less cultivated -till they came upon a region which was little more -than a rocky desert. Here the hills were growing -into mountains; and some of these towered up to -such a height that possible collision with their -rocky peaks became a very ugly possibility.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Malto grew alarmed, and signalled to his -companions to ascend yet higher. Upwards they -mounted accordingly, and passed into the midst -of the swirling clouds. Here they were in a -thick mist, but presently, to Malto's relief, they -struck into an upper current free from cloud, and -there they entered a region of perfect calm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They could now even talk, and look round, and -take rest of a sort. The sun was shining, and -everything was bright and cheerful. Beneath their -feet they could see nothing save great masses of -sombre, heavy-looking clouds scurrying furiously -onwards.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Whew!' Jack uttered a long whistle of relief. -'This is a change indeed! I began to wonder -where on Earth—h'm, I mean where on Mars—we -were rushing to! Where do you suppose we 've -got to? I mean, supposing we dropped straight -down, what part of your world should we be in?' He -asked the question in a general sort of way, -and Malto answered him as vaguely, by admitting -frankly that he had not the least idea.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I confess I 've lost count of all landmarks,' he -declared. 'I am very much afraid we are now -near what is known as the Great Desert. It is a -more or less waterless tract which is uninhabited, -save by some roaming tribes of wanderers who do -not bear the best of characters.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Ha! You have deserts, then, as we have?' said -Gerald.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Malto looked at him in surprise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Why, of course; I thought everybody knew -that! Fully one-third of our globe is waterless -desert, and, what is worse, the tract is gradually -extending. Our scientific men prophesy that the -proportion will grow larger and larger until the -whole planet becomes a dried-up waste. That is -the cheerful sort of doom they predict for future -generations!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Curious, isn't it?' murmured Jack, glancing at -Gerald. 'That is exactly what our earthly scientists -have prophesied as likely to happen to Mars in the -future!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'And to our own planet also, some day, I -suppose,' Gerald rejoined. 'Only, here, I suppose, -the process has gone farther than it has with us.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Well, desert or no desert, it will be better than -Agrando's dungeons,' said Jack. 'We shall have -to go down into it, I suppose, when the storm -subsides? We can't stop up here indefinitely. -What are we to do meanwhile? Can't we try to -work back in this upper current?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Malto shook his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It would probably be of very little use, and -would certainly be unwise,' he counselled. 'We -have come hundreds of miles—much farther than -our whole store of electric force would carry us. -If we expend it all in trying to work back we -shall be in bad case if, when we come to the end -of our store, we still find ourselves where we do -not want to be. Now, to support ourselves up -here quietly will take but very little of our -reserve force, and we shall have a good stock left -for emergencies. That is my advice; in fact, that -is practically all we can do. We must wait here -till the storm below has blown itself out. Then -we will go down and try to find out what country -we have got into.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I think you are right,' Alondra agreed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It is already well on in the afternoon—judging -by the sun—and we have had nothing to eat. -I 'm getting hungry!' Jack grumbled. 'Don't you -have aerial inns up in the clouds here, where -storm-tossed travellers can get a meal?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Needless to say, they were all hungry, but there -was nothing to be done but wait. So, to pass the -time, they began to compare notes, and Alondra -related his adventure of the early morning in the -pool in the glass-house. Malto and Malandris -nodded their heads significantly as they listened.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Ah, there are strange tales afloat about that -glass-house and the deadly plant it shelters,' the -elder man declared. 'I have never seen it myself, -but I have heard quite enough concerning it.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The talk went on, and an hour or two slipped -by; and then, just as the sun drew near the -horizon, Malto, looking down, suddenly ventured -an opinion that the wind below had subsided.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To test the point, they swept downwards, passed -through several strata of dense cloud, and found, -sure enough, that the guess had been correct. -Below the cloud all was now almost as calm as -above. There was scarcely breeze enough to carry -them along.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They finally descended, just before sunset, in a -gloomy, forbidding valley of rocks, where there -were no signs of Martian inhabitants to be seen -in any direction. They found, however, a small -stream—a fact which surprised Malto—and this -enabled them to quench their thirst. But how to -obtain the wherewithal to satisfy their hunger was -another and more hopeless matter.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="attacked-in-the-dark"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXIX.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">ATTACKED IN THE DARK.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Presently Malto uttered an exclamation of -surprise. He walked a short distance up -the little watercourse and examined carefully -some bushes growing on its banks. They -seemed to excite both interest and pleasure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I know those plants,' he explained to his -companions. 'They will provide us with a very fair -and toothsome supper, and they also tell me a -story. You wished to know where we had drifted -to, and I can now tell you almost exactly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'This is not the Great Desert—fortunately, we -have not travelled far enough to reach that—but -a tract lying upon its borders. We are in a -region situated between the desert and the country -of Iraynia, which,' he added slowly, and with some -sadness in his tone, 'is my native land.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Oh!' said Alondra; 'so you are a native of -Iraynia! I have heard a good deal about that -country, though I have never been there. Was -there not some great fuss or trouble there some -years ago, before my father'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Before King Ivanta allowed the tyrant Agrando -to annex it, would you say? Yes, Prince, there -was. And thereby hangs a tale. I will not tell it -to you now, however—it will keep for another time; -but I may say that it is a tale of terrible, almost -incredible wrong, and treachery, and wickedness. -It is that great wrong which I wished to induce -King Ivanta to inquire into, in order that the -memory of a good man's name may be cleared -from dishonour. That man was my father, Prince; -and that was the reward I was hoping to win -from King Ivanta. Now you will understand why -I said I could not share my reward, if I obtained -what I hoped for, with any one else!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were notes of deep feeling and sadness -in the young fellow's voice as he spoke in low, -incisive tones, turning his face away the while as -though afraid he might break down.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a pause; then Alondra said gently -and sympathetically, 'I am sorry, indeed, that you -have such a heavy trouble to bear. Later on you -shall give me fuller particulars, and I will myself -lay them before my father. He is just and -fearless in punishing where wrong has been done, and -if he finds, on investigation, that your story is true, -I am certain he will right you, and the memory of -your father, and punish the wrongdoers.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'He will have to fight to maintain his own -position ere that can come about, I fear!' rejoined -Malto gravely. 'But I thank you, Prince, all the -same, for your sympathy and your promise. -Another day I will, as you say, give you the -details—when the time comes. Let me now explain -how we are situated here. We are in a desolate -territory known as Kubandia. It is nothing but a -maze of arid rocks and mountains, and wild, -gloomy gorges and valleys, almost waterless, but -not so bad, in that respect, as the Great Desert -which lies beyond. For the reasons I have -mentioned the tract has a bad name, and also for -another—that there are bands of reckless outlaws -who have made it their fastness. They are, I -believe, for the most part remnants or descendants -of men who were originally honest patriots—men -who were driven into exile by Agrando's -heavy hand when he took over the government -of the country. Now, I fear, they are, -most of them, no better than brigands and -unscrupulous adventurers. It is said that there are -many bands, under different heads, but all directed -by one leader—a clever, daring chief, of whom -wild tales are told. His name is Fumenta; and it -is a name held in terror by Agrando's followers. -But for this man's wonderful genius and bravery, -it is believed these brigands would all have been -exterminated before this. He has, somehow, -managed to evade capture for many years, and -carry on a guerilla warfare, holding his own in -these wild valleys and gorges in spite of all the -forces Agrando has sent against him. Such, at -least, is what we hear. I myself can say nothing -as to this part from my own knowledge, because -I have been brought up in Agrando's city and -forced to be one of his servitors.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Naturally, however, you cannot help feeling a -certain amount of sympathy for these outlaws, -who are your own countrymen, and who have -been driven, as you think, perhaps unjustly, -into exile, eh?' queried Alondra, eying the other -keenly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It may be so—deep down in my mind,' was -the quiet answer. 'Certainly, however, I have no -sympathy with tales of robbery and murder such -as are related of these bands. But, of course, they -may not be true, or they may be very much -exaggerated. We only hear one side, that told by -Agrando's people; and from my own experience I -can tell you that it is not safe to believe all they -assert.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'But how do you know where we are, if, as you -say, you only know of all these things by -hearsay?' was Alondra's shrewd query.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Oh, I have been in these parts before as a boy, -and I know that those plants yonder are peculiar -to this region. You do not find them anywhere -else.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I see. Well, if they are good to eat, let us -try them as soon as we can. For my part, I am -hungry enough to devour anything that is fairly -eatable.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'We must have a fire. It is the root which is -good to eat; and it requires cooking,' Malto -returned. 'I have dug these roots up and cooked -them many times when picnicking out here with -other youngsters. If you others will get some wood -together, and start a fire, I will soon have a -first-rate supper ready for you.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young fellow proved as good as his word, -and some half-hour later, just as darkness fell, -they were all sitting round a cheerful fire, -discussing a very agreeable meal off something which -had a flavour not unlike baked potatoes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Humph! Not a bad thing to fall back upon in -a wilderness like this!' Jack declared. 'And what -are we going to do afterwards? How are we to -get back to our friends?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'That is not easy to say,' Malto answered -soberly. 'We must have passed right over my -country to get here, and that alone means two or -three hundred miles. It is a land which is full of -Agrando's followers, and you may be sure that his -airships will, by this time, be cruising about in -search of us.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'That sounds cheerful! Looks as if we shall -have to stay here and do a bit of outlaw business -on our own account!' cried Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Malandris glanced at him with a very grave -expression in his eyes. 'Your remark exactly -describes the position, young sir, though spoken, -doubtless, half in jest. I am sorry to have to -say it, for it is not a trifling matter. For myself, -I accept it as preferable to the fate from which -you all so pluckily aided to rescue me. But it -grieves me that I should live to see the son of the -good and wise King Ivanta in the position of a -hunted fugitive!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra started and flushed up at these plain -words. But there was in the elder man's eyes a -look so thoroughly honest and kindly that it was -impossible to take offence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Perhaps such an experience will do me no -harm,' he answered, after a minute's thought. -'That is, provided it ends in the right way. It -is better than passing the time in Agrando's palace -as his captive. My father is sure to rescue us in -his own good time. He will follow us up and -find us out, wherever we are, and the punishment -he will inflict on his daring enemies will be -terrible. Does Agrando hug to himself the notion -that he can pit himself against his overlord?' -Alondra continued, with a proud curl of his lip. -'Why, where is his fleet? What means has he of -resisting my father's power?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'He has been making secret preparations ever -since his return from his trip to the evening star. -I feel sure of that!' Malto declared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Why don't you try a wireless message?' Jack -asked of Alondra.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young prince shook his head. 'It is useless. -The little instrument you saw does not carry far -enough,' he explained. 'Monck Affelda cannot hear -me unless he is within a hundred miles. But you -may be sure of one thing, the news of all that -has happened has before this been flashed -through to my father, and he is already on his -way to our assistance in the </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span>. How can -Agrando think he can prevail in the end against -such a monster of the skies as the </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span>?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As he spoke these words there was a sudden -illumination of the spot where they were sitting -round their fire, and the sound of voices was -heard. Lights were flashed upon them from the -air above, dazzling their eyes and rendering it -impossible to make out what had happened or -who the speakers were. But the words were -unmistakable; some one had called out in harsh, -hoarse tones, 'Surrender! You are my prisoners! -If you make any attempt at resistance you are all -dead men!'</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="captured"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXX.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">CAPTURED.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>When the ominous summons to surrender -was heard, shouted down from some -invisible person in the air above them, it -was Malto who took upon himself to reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His brain had been working quickly. At first -he had feared that it was Agrando's people who -had thus found them out, but a moment's -reflection convinced him that such a thing was -extremely improbable. If it were indeed so, then, -such was his detestation of his late master, and -horror of again falling into his clutches, that he -would rather have died fighting than yield.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Agrando's men would have acted first. -There would have been no preliminary summons; -they would simply have used their tridents to -render the fugitives powerless at once. The -inference was that these must be some other people -who were not armed with tridents. All the same, -resistance was probably useless, as they could not -even see their adversaries, and a fight could only -end in one way. So he called out, 'Who are -you? And why do you threaten us? We have -no quarrel with you, whoever you are. We are -peaceable folk.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You will find out who we are in good time,' -was the answer, given with a grim laugh. 'Will -you surrender quietly, or shall we'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The speaker did not finish the sentence, but -waited for an answer, as though he considered -it unnecessary to say more.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were other sounds, however, which had -caught Malto's quick ear—sounds as of a number -of men moving about amongst the surrounding -rocks, and from these he drew the inference that -the threat that had been made was not likely to -prove an idle one.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'If we yield, what are you going to do with -us?' he asked again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'That is for us to say. We cannot make any -bargain with you,' was the answer given roughly -and impatiently.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Will you guarantee us good treatment? -Remember, I have told you we are peaceable folk. -Have you no fear that King Agrando will call -you to account?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this there was a harsh laugh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'We have no fear of Agrando or his ruffians,' -the voice declared jeeringly. 'You will gain nothing -by appealing to him here.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Then you ought to welcome us as friends -instead of treating us as enemies, for we have -no more bitter foe than that same Agrando.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Why,' cried another voice, 'the fellow is -mocking us! Is he not himself one of Agrando's -myrmidons? He is dressed in the tyrant's -uniform—ay, and so is another I can see beside him!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'A man may wear another's uniform and yet -be no friend of'—— Malto began, when Malandris -interrupted him. It struck him that the second -speaker was not unknown to him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I ought to know that voice!' he exclaimed. -'I should recognise it among a thousand. Surely -it is Landris, who was once a friend of mine!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It is Malandris,' they heard the second man -then say; and there ensued a colloquy in a low -tone between the unseen speakers. Presently the -second man's voice was heard again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'If you are Malandris, what are you doing -here? If you have come out at the tyrant's -bidding to join in hunting us down'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'We are fugitives, Landris. We have run away -from him, as you yourself did once, and for the -same reason—because we could put up with his -treatment no longer. He condemned me to the -cage of the krudias—his great monstrous -bats—but by good chance these brave gentlemen, who -are my companions, rescued me, and we all had -to flee for our lives in consequence.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again there was a conference in low tones, -and what seemed to be an argument ensued. -At last the one called Landris said aloud, 'I tell -you I will have it so! I know this Malandris -to be an honest man, and once he saved my -life; and I insist that he and those with him -shall go before the chief and speak for themselves.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Oh, very well, if you insist!' the other replied. -'But, recollect, if there is trouble about it, it is -your doing, not mine.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You will have to be bound and blindfolded, -Malandris—all of you,' Landris now said. 'I will -conduct you to our leader, and you can tell your -story to him. If he believes that you speak the -truth he will not harm you—indeed, he may -welcome you if so be that you care to join -him and fight against Agrando, even as he did -with me.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Lead us to him, friend Landris. That is all -I ask,' Malandris said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A few moments later the fugitives found themselves -in the midst of a crowd of rough-looking -men, who climbed down from the adjoining rocks, -bringing with them lanterns and pieces of rope.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were certainly not by any means of -attractive appearance, and their apparel was of the -coarsest. Their hair and beards, too, were -unkempt, and their manners gruff and surly. But -they had the appearance of alert, hardy veterans -of the wilds; and in their handling of their -prisoners there was nothing cruel or insulting.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The one named Landris greeted Malandris with -quiet friendliness, and his companion—the one -who had called upon them to surrender—also came -and conversed with the prisoners. His name, it -appeared, was Duralda. He was a fine, picturesque -figure of a man, with bearded face, shaggy hair, -and dressed in what had probably once been a -rich costume, but had evidently seen its best -days. This man examined and questioned each -prisoner in turn, but showed no resentment when, -acting upon a hint from Malandris, they told -him civilly that they preferred to tell what they -had to tell to his chief.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Their wings and other belongings were packed -up by the band—of whom it was now seen -there were fully a hundred—and in due time -the whole party commenced a march over very -difficult, rocky ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the end of some two hours a halt was -called. They were then blindfolded, and the -march resumed in slow fashion, each captive -being led by two guards, one on each side.</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 74%" id="figure-54"> -<span id="they-were-then-blindfolded-and-the-march-resumed"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="They were then blindfolded, and the march resumed." src="images/img-232.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">They were then blindfolded, and the march resumed.</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>This time, after ascending some steep, broken -ground, they came to steps, up which their guards -assisted them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At length there was another halt, and a low, -tumultuous murmuring sound told them that they -must have arrived in the midst of a considerable -assembly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then the bandages were removed from their -eyes, and they gazed round upon a marvellous -scene.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="at-home-in-a-volcano"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXXI.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">AT HOME IN A VOLCANO.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The prisoners found themselves in the middle -of what they took to be a vast round -building, with an immense domed roof, -open to the sky in the centre. As a matter of -fact, they afterwards knew it to be the interior -of the crater of an extinct volcano.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Into the open part, one of Mars' two moons -was peeping, throwing down a warm, mellow light, -very different from the pale silvery beams of our -own moon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But this soft radiance was lost in the bright -illumination given out by thousands of lights of -some kind which were placed about within the -great dome—some round the rocky walls, others -high up in the wide, lofty roof.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Round the sides, below, were seats, rising tier -upon tier, save at one place, where was a -platform or dais, upon which were raised seats with -a canopy over them. Just in front of the highest -seat stood a man of commanding appearance, who -gazed at the prisoners with a look of keen, -searching scrutiny. This man, as they afterwards -learned, was the chief of whom Malto had -spoken—the one who was known as Fumenta. He was -dressed as plainly as his followers—indeed, more -plainly than some of them; but there was that -in his face, in his manner, in his very pose, -which singled him out from all the rest, and -proclaimed the fact that he was their leader.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That he must be old was apparent from the -gray beard and the gray hair which showed -beneath his head-covering—a kind of helmet. His -face, too, was seamed and marked, and spoke -eloquently of a life of hardship and adventure. -But his tall figure was upright and stalwart, and -exhibited no sign of failing strength; while his -dark, piercing eyes were flashing with a fire -almost as of youth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Duralda and Landris mounted, by means of -three or four steps, on to the platform, and, after a -respectful salutation, conferred in a low tone with -their leader. Meantime, those seated around—of -whom there must have been many hundreds—ceased -their talk, and gazed in silence at the -prisoners.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently, Fumenta turned from his henchmen, -and, fixing his eagle glance upon the captives, -began to question them. 'Who are you?' he -asked. 'And what are you doing in these parts?' His -voice was sonorous, and, though stern, not -unpleasing. He glanced from one to the other, -as if to mark the effect of his question upon -each in turn; but he evidently addressed -himself more particularly to Malandris, who had been -pointed out by Landris.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'We were storm-tossed travellers at the time -we were captured, my lord,' Malandris answered. -'We had lost our way. Apart from that, we were -fugitives fleeing from'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fumenta's eyes flashed and his brow grew dark.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I want a plain answer,' he interrupted -warningly. 'You—you two—wear Agrando's hated -livery; you are evidently his servitors—some of -his myrmidons! Woe to you if you have come -here to play the part of spy for him!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the mention of the words 'livery' and -'servitors,' Malto had started and flushed. And -now at the word 'spy' he seemed to lose control -of himself. He laid a hand on Malandris, as -though asking that the answering of the questions -should be left to him. Then, drawing himself up, -he said haughtily, 'Though we are your prisoners, -sir, I fail to see why we should endure your -insults without protest! It is true, alas! that I -have for many years been one of Agrando's -servitors—ay, even his slave, I may almost say. -But I am not the first, nor the only one, of gentle -birth, who has been forced by the tyrant to serve -him thus. At last, however, I have escaped, and -I only await the opportunity of picking up some -other suit of clothes to throw off for ever -what you aptly call his hated livery. If you -are, indeed, as I suspect, the chief Fumenta of -whom I have heard, I have no reason for fear, -for I have been told of him that he is brave -and just, an upright, chivalrous gentleman, though -he has been sorely persecuted. I have never -heard, however, that he was given to insulting -his prisoners, and taunting them with having been -forced to serve a hateful tyrant.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra, who had been engaged in 'taking -stock,' so to speak, of everything and every one -around, turned and looked at Malto in surprise. -The young man had suddenly come out in a -new character. He was looking his questioner -squarely in the face, his eyes flashing back -glance for glance, his whole attitude full of -indignant protest. Yet was there in it nothing of -rudeness; on the contrary, even in his defiance, -there was a subtle suggestion of that deference -which a young man may always pay to age -without lowering his own dignity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But what was even more noticeable was the -fact that Fumenta himself appeared to be just -as much taken aback as Alondra had been. To -the surprise of every one there—his own people -most of all—he showed no sign of anger, and the -look he cast at the speaker, shrewd, searching, -as it was, was free from all trace of irritation. -There was a pause, while he eyed the young -man from head to foot. He looked at him as -if trying to read his very soul. Then, for a -moment, a quick, eager expression came into his -face; but it faded again instantly, he passed his -hand over his forehead in a strange, dreamy -way, and finally shook his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When he spoke again his tone was gentler. -'You are bold, young sir,' he said. 'Few dare -to speak to me as you have done. Yet if you -tell the truth your boldness will be justified, for -it shall never be said that those who have -called me a just man spoke falsely. I confess I -like your spirit; you remind me of—— But -it's useless now to speak of that. What is -your name?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I have been known as Malto. But it is not -my true name.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'How so?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Agrando chose, for purposes of his own, that -I should be called Malto while I was yet but a -boy; and I had no choice but to submit.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Ha! But why, then, after serving him and -submitting to him for so many years, did you -suddenly wish to leave him?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Because, sir, something accidentally came to -my knowledge of which I had previously been -ignorant. It is rather a long story, but I may -say briefly that I wished to make a personal -appeal to King Ivanta. Instead, however, we had -to flee for our lives in the midst of the great -storm which has but just passed, and we were -carried here by the high wind.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'With these companions?' asked Fumenta. For -the first time he seemed to notice the prince's rich -dress. Malto's personality had so attracted his -attention that for the time being he had troubled -little about the others. Now he seemed suddenly -interested in Alondra. 'And who, young sir, are -you?' he queried.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra drew himself up, and proudly answered, -'My name is Alondra, son of King Ivanta!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The words had a marvellous effect; they seemed -to electrify the assembly. Till then every one -had been silent, content to await quietly the -result of their chief's questioning, and anxious to -hear all that was said. Now there burst out a -great commotion. Every one present sprang up -in amazement. Some simply stood and stared -in helpless astonishment; some leaned forward -to gaze upon the youth as though scarcely able to -believe their ears; others, again, turned to their -nearest neighbours, and began talking and gesticulating -excitedly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Exclamations were heard, some of which gave -a clue to the cause of this excitement: 'What a -piece of luck for us!' 'What a hostage!' 'Now -King Ivanta must listen to us; we can compel him!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was obvious that these outlaws regarded -the young prince as a great prize—one which -they meant to turn to account in negotiating -with Ivanta.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As to Fumenta, he, it was easy to perceive, -was nearly as much astonished by the statement -as were his followers. He seemed, indeed, almost -too surprised for speech, and for a few minutes -exhibited some signs of incredulity. Then, -suddenly making up his mind, he bent his head -courteously, and said, 'It is a pity we did not -know this sooner. Had you told my people at -first who you were, Prince, they would have -handled you a little more gently, I expect. They -are rough fellows; the life we lead has made -them so.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I have not complained,' said Alondra, with -one of his good-natured smiles. 'But certainly -I wish now that I had spoken sooner, if it -would have been better for these friends of mine. -They are my royal father's guests, and are -supposed to be under his protection. But Agrando -has suddenly revolted. We went there on a -peaceful visit, and he made a treacherous attack upon -my whole party, and sought to take us prisoners.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fumenta started, while from the listening throng -came loud exclamations. Every one strained his -ears in eager excitement.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What do you tell me?' exclaimed Fumenta, -evidently utterly amazed. 'Agrando in revolt! -Tried to seize you and your party! Is that, -then, the reason you are fleeing from him?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Truly, we had no other course open to us, -as we were situated. I myself and these -companions were cut off from my followers, and we -had to make our escape as and how we could. -It was a desperate venture, as you know, to -cast ourselves loose in the air in such a storm. -But it was our only chance. Had we not taken -the risk we should have been Agrando's prisoners. -I do not even now know how his traitorous attack -turned out. I don't know whether my followers -have got away or have been captured. But this -I do know,' he concluded, looking round proudly, -'there will be a heavy reckoning for all this. -My father King Ivanta will be already on his -way, by this time, to look for us, and to punish -Agrando and his treacherous crew.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To the astonishment of Alondra and those with -him, this speech was received by the whole -assembly with a great burst of cheering. Again -and again, and yet again, did it ring out. And -the shouters, after cheering themselves hoarse, -pressed forward and crowded round the 'prisoners,' -seeking eagerly to kiss the prince's hand, or, -failing that, to shake hands with one or another -of his companions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald and Jack found themselves suddenly -treated with exuberant friendliness by those -whom they had regarded but a few minutes -before as dangerous enemies. They stared about -them, bewildered, not understanding such a sudden -change. Alondra was as perplexed as the rest, -and his face showed it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fumenta smiled, and proceeded to explain: -'These followers of mine, rough fellows though -they are, to whom Agrando and his tools have -given a bad name, are really honest patriots who -have been driven into exile to escape from the -tyrant,' he said. 'We have fought against him, -and against his bloodthirsty followers, it is true; -but otherwise we have harmed no man. And, -above all, we have no quarrel with King Ivanta, -save in so far as he had been led—by false -representations, doubtless—to espouse Agrando's cause -against us. Now, therefore, that you have told -us that Agrando has revolted, my friends are -delighted, because they know it must lead to the -tyrant's overthrow and to his just punishment. -As to the rest, you can command us all, Prince. -Every man here will join your standard and -fight for you against Agrando. We are ready to -offer our aid, our lives, to King Ivanta. We will -fight to the death for him against that cruel -monster.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'We will! We will!' cried the shouting crowd. -'Long live King Ivanta!' 'Long live Prince -Alondra!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then a messenger entered in breathless -haste, and saluting Fumenta, spoke to him aside.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a brief colloquy between the two, -after which Fumenta spoke aloud, so that all might -hear: 'Some airships have been sighted in the -distance, seemingly coming this way. All lights -must be extinguished.' Then, addressing Alondra -more particularly, he continued, 'There are two -squadrons, it seems; but our scouts could not tell -whose ships they are. They may carry your -enemies or your friends, or a party of each, one -in chase of the other. At the same time, a thick -mist is rising, as is often the case here after -such a storm as we have had, and most likely -the airships will disappear in the fog and we -shall see no more of them.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'But that would be a bad thing if some of -them are my friends,' said Alondra. 'Your people -took charge of the motor-wings we brought with -us; let us go out in them to reconnoitre. If -we meet with friends we will all join together; -but if we discover that they are enemies, and -they do not look like going away, we will return -and warn you.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fumenta considered for a few minutes, then -answered, 'Very well; so be it.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By this time all lights had been put out, and -the whole vast interior was in black darkness, -save for the opening in the centre, where some -rays of moonlight were still feebly struggling -through the thickening vapours.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Through this opening, a little later, Alondra -and his companions rose, flying like spectres on -silent wings, and disappearing into the mist.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="ivanta-a-fugitive"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXXII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">IVANTA A FUGITIVE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Alondria's companions in his scouting -expedition were Gerald and Jack, Malto and -the outlaw chief Fumenta, the latter having -taken the place of Malandris, who had been left -behind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You will want some one who knows this -region as a guide, or you will not be able to find -your way through the mist,' Fumenta had pointed -out. Alondra had been prompt to recognise the -wisdom of the suggestion, and gladly accepted it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It seemed that these outlaws were without flying -apparatus of any kind except the roughest sort of -wings. They lived the life of hunted men, and -even if they had possessed airships or other flying -machines, they were without the necessary means -of utilising them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All kinds of air-craft required electricity to -work them; which, in its turn, as with us, -required machinery to produce it. Throughout -Ivanta's dominions there were stations here and -there at which passing aeronauts could refill their -storage batteries on payment of certain specified -sums. At these stations gigantic engines of immense -power were ever at work, day and night, accumulating -the necessary force, and it was upon this -constant supply that all airships were dependent. -When they journeyed beyond the districts in -which these stations were situated, travellers were -compelled to be careful not to venture too far -afield—no farther, that is, than they could travel -back again with the storage power on board.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For the same reason, the outlaws had none of -the usual weapons—those tridents which wielded -such strange, mysterious power; or, if they possessed -any, they were useless to them for want of the -needful force.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Throughout the inhabited portion of the planet -the same state of things prevailed. There were -no small weapons other than the tridents, save -swords, spears, and the like. Nor were there any -large weapons like our cannon and big guns. -Owing to their great weight, all such contrivances -had long ago been abandoned as too heavy to be -carried in the air, and as being no longer of any -use on the ground. An airship depended for its -means of offence either upon ramming an adversary, -or being able to get above it, and drop upon -it bombs, which, upon bursting, produced a similar -effect upon living beings around it to that of the -tridents—that is to say, they rendered them for -the time being unconscious. Thus, warfare in the -air resolved itself chiefly into a manoeuvring -contest, the one which could soar uppermost, and get -exactly over its adversary, usually—other things -being equal—gaining the advantage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Having no machinery for the production of -electricity, and consequently no flying apparatus -save the clumsy, slow wings without motors, -Fumenta and the bands of which he was chief -were for the most part restricted in their -operations to nocturnal expeditions. They seldom -ventured abroad in the daytime, but remained -hidden in their underground retreats.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fortunately for their purpose, their leader had -discovered, amid the arid wilderness of rocky -mountains into which he had been driven, an -extinct volcano with an ancient crater open to the -sky. Within was the immense cavity which they -had made their chief hiding-place, and running -into it from all points of the compass were endless -galleries and passages—a veritable labyrinth which -extended for miles in every direction. These led -to numerous underground grottos, large and lofty -caverns, which they had turned into dwelling-places. -The whole formed a sort of subterranean town.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Not the least remarkable thing about this -retreat was the ingenious ruse by which Fumenta -had kept its existence unknown to his enemies. -He had discovered, in some of the lower galleries, -considerable accumulations of sulphur, and -whenever, during the daytime, the approach of airships -was signalled by his scouts, he had sulphur fires -lighted in the crater just beneath the funnel-like -opening, sending up columns of smoke and sulphur -fumes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As a consequence, the report had gone forth -that the supposedly extinct volcano had become -active again, and its neighbourhood was shunned -as dangerous by all not in the secret. A few -venturesome inquirers, who had attempted to make -explorations, had been baffled by the sulphur -fumes, and had returned declaring that there were -evident signs of renewed volcanic activity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Similarly, if, as sometimes happened, an occasional -airship, driven out of her course by high winds, -passed near the place at night, and saw a light -coming up through the opening, it was put down -to the same cause.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These notes are necessary to explain the events -which follow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The mist seemed to grow thicker as the -adventurers sailed cautiously onwards, and it soon -became obvious that they would quickly have lost -themselves if they had not had Fumenta to guide -them. He, however, seemed to know his way -about in it with as much certainty as if it -had been clear. He was aided, no doubt, by a -dim radiance which struggled down from the moon -above.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He led off to the right, mounting always -upwards, till, after they had travelled perhaps a -mile, he brought them to a halt beside a towering -peak.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Here,' he said, in low, guarded tones, 'you had -better rest for a little time, while I reconnoitre -from the top of the mountain, which rises yet -some hundreds of feet into the air. It is one of -the highest peaks about here, and these occasional -ground-mists scarcely ever reach its top. It may -be that we can get a view from its summit over -the top of the mist, but at the same time we shall -run some risk of being seen ourselves. Let me, -therefore, make the trial first, as I am more used -to this kind of thing than you are. I will return -in a short time and let you know the result. Do -not leave this spot, and, whatever you do, do not -talk loudly. Voices travel far in this mist; you -cannot tell how near our enemies may be.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With that he started off, mounting silently -upwards, and the four he left behind began -discussing their recent adventures, and the possible -future, in low tones.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'So that's the great outlaw chief!' said Jack. -'What do you think of him? I suppose he -is to be trusted? I must say I am agreeably -surprised! I like his looks; yet one never knows! -He might betray you, Prince, to your enemies. -How if he could buy off Agrando's hostility that -way? It might be a great temptation!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I do not think he is one of that sort,' Alondra -returned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Nor do I,' Gerald put in.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Malto had remained silent. He had seemed to be -pondering deeply over something. At these words -from the others he suddenly woke up, as it were, -from his reverie, and spoke warmly. 'I would -stake my life on his loyalty!' he exclaimed -passionately. 'He is a good man—a great man—an -upright, brave, honourable man! I feel it, I -know it! But why do I know it? Why does he -rouse such a tumult of strange thoughts and ideas -in my breast? That is what has been puzzling -me ever since I set eyes on him! Have I seen -him before? It seems to me that I have—must -have done so! Yet when? Where? How could -it be? My head seems to go round puzzling it -out, and trying to seize upon some thought, some -memory, which I feel, but cannot put into words!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The others looked in surprise at this outburst.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Hush! We were warned to be quiet!' said -Alondra. 'Our opinions are really the same as -yours. What was said was only spoken in the -way of ordinary caution. You need not take it -to heart as though we were wronging a friend of -yours!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'A friend of mine!' Malto answered bitterly -and somewhat incoherently. 'Would that I could -call such a man my friend! I have no such friend -in the world! My life, since I was a boy, has -been passed among deadly enemies, who destroyed -my father and brought me up as a slave! I have -ever been a child of misfortune; and now, see how -ill-fortune dogs me! I come across you, and you -promise to take me to King Ivanta, to give me -the opportunity of pleading my cause with him -and asking for my rights; but what comes of it? -At once treachery steps in again, and instead of -your helping me, I only lead you into trouble and -fresh misfortune!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Nay, it was no doing of yours,' said Alondra -gently. 'Have patience, my friend, and all will -yet come right! I feel sure it will! My father is -not going to be beaten by people like Agrando -and his confederates. He will soon come to our -aid and rescue us, have no fear! Then you shall -tell him your story, and he will see that right is -done. Meantime, it seems to me, we have been -fortunate in meeting with Fumenta. If he and -his people are to be trusted—and I feel sure they -are—we have found useful and faithful allies, -and a secure hiding-place where we can await -developments!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the young prince finished, he started. While -he had been speaking the last few words there -had been heard a tiny, muffled 'ting-ting,' and -now, in the surrounding stillness, it was heard still -more plainly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Ting—ting-ting—ting—ting!' it rang out.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'By Jove!' exclaimed Jack, 'that's your wireless -telegraph affair!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra plunged a hand into his breast and -brought out the little instrument they had seen -when they had been in the pavilion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He placed it on his outstretched palm, and again -were heard the clear, silvery notes of the little -gongs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Excitedly he opened it and began to manipulate -the miniature levers and pins.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What did I tell you?' he breathed, in low -accents. 'Said I not that my father would be -soon on his way to our assistance?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then Fumenta came gliding back like some -weird, mysterious shadow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Follow me,' he said, 'and I will show you a -strange sight!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>First, however, they told him the news.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'My father King Ivanta has come to seek us,' -Alondra said joyously. 'He is not far away!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To their surprise the outlaw chief nodded his -head and answered slowly, 'I know. But he -cannot help us. He is in hiding, as we are. He -cannot aid us at present. I may, however, help -him by offering him a temporary refuge, as I -have done to you.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra turned and faced him in amazement, -his eyes flashing, and his cheeks flushing with -indignation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'My father—in hiding? You—offering him a -refuge?' he gasped. 'Sir, have you suddenly'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Peace, my son! You speak too loudly,' rejoined -the old man quietly. 'However painful it may -be to you to hear it, what I have said is but the -exact truth, as I will prove to you presently. -Come with me, and I will show you something -that will surprise you.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He commenced his upward flight as he spoke, -and the others wonderingly followed. His words -had, so to speak, struck them dumb; and no one -uttered another word.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a few minutes' flight it grew lighter, and -they could tell that they were nearing the limits -of the mist above them. Then Fumenta stopped -upon a sloping rock, and, looking round at his -companions to enjoin caution, signed to them to -walk slowly up the incline.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They obeyed, and, behold! quite suddenly their -heads were above the mist. It was almost as if -they had put them up through a trap-door and -looked around. The vapours closed round them -below like a mantle. They could not see their -own hands, but they could see for miles around on -every side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A large fleet of airships could be seen in the air -above, going restlessly backwards and forwards. -The moon which our astronomers call Phobos was -throwing a rather feeble light over what seemed -to be a pinkish-white sea, which was, in reality, -the surface of the mist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The airships were assisting the moonlight by -throwing their searchlights around in all directions, -prowling to and fro, and making sudden dashes -here and there, exactly as might a swarm of huge -birds of prey on the wing seeking for food.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Those,' said Fumenta, indicating the airships, -'are the war-vessels of Agrando and the allies who -have joined him. They know that King Ivanta, in -his yacht—not his great "chariot of the skies," the -mighty </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span>, look you—is hiding somewhere in -the mist below. He must have come hither to -seek for you—why he should come in his yacht -instead of the </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span> I know not—and they have -chased him here, and have lost him in the fog!'</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-queer-hunt"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXXIII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">A QUEER HUNT.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Even as Fumenta spoke, two dark shapes rose -quickly above the fleecy vapours as though -to take a cautious observation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra and the two chums instantly recognised -them as the two yachts the </span><em class="italics">Nelda</em><span> and the </span><em class="italics">Lokris</em><span>; -but ere they could breathe a word both craft -had dived back into the fog.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At once two or three of the hostile airships -made a dart at the place where they had -appeared, and so impetuous was their rush that -they narrowly missed ramming one another. But -for some reason they did not dive after the -fugitives. They were evidently averse to trusting -themselves in those foggy depths.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fumenta nudged his companions, and they crept -down the rocky slope into the concealment of the -mist again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It wouldn't do to stay up there,' he said, when -they had reached what he considered a safe -distance. 'Now, Prince, if you can send a message -to your friends, will you please ask them to -remain in one place till we find them? You -can explain to them that they have nothing to -fear at present; evidently their enemies do not -care to hunt for them down in the fog. They -prefer to wait till it clears off, as they know it -is pretty sure to do in an hour or two. In that -hour or two we must manage to find your friends -and conduct them to a place of safety.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'How can you do that?' asked Alondra helplessly. -'I confess I feel bewildered. The world -seems turned upside down! I could not have -believed my father would'—— He hesitated to -finish the sentence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'My son,' said the old chief kindly, 'you may -comfort yourself with the thought that your -august father is doing what he finds best in -the circumstances. Now the fox is going to aid -the eagle, and hide him in his burrow until the -hunters have gone away. Then we must offer -what assistance we can in finding and regaining -possession of the </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span>, from which—as I read -it—King Ivanta has become separated, probably -through a trick or some fresh treachery. If we -can help him to do that, the eagle will then be -able to turn on his enemies as though they -were a host of small birds, and all will be well!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra looked fixedly for a moment at the -outlaw leader, and then impulsively seized his -hand and shook it, and there were tears in his -eyes as he exclaimed, 'I don't know who you are, -sir; but I know that you are a friend in need. -I shall leave it to the king my father to thank -you properly, later on; now I can only say your -kindly words have filled my heart with gratitude.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Let us say no more, Prince, but set to work,' -was the terse reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra set to work accordingly, and after some -delay, succeeded in getting into communication -with his friends again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'My father has understood my message,' he -presently said, 'and agrees to your suggestion. -They are resting on a hill-top below, and will -stay there until we get to them.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Good!' observed Fumenta. 'Now, the thing is -to find out where that hill-top is.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Is there any way of telling by means of that -little instrument whether, as we move about, we -are getting nearer to them or farther away?' -asked Jack. 'In our world, when, as children, we -played at hide-and-seek, we used to say we were -getting "cold" when we were on the wrong track, -and "hot" when we were on the right one. Now, -is there any way of telling with the help of that -little contrivance whether, as we move about, we -are getting "hot" or "cold"?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Why, yes, to some extent,' Alondra returned, -but not without hesitation. 'I think I shall -be able to form an idea, as we go on, by -the sound it gives out. The nearer we are, the -stronger the current, and the louder the little bells -ring.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Exactly! That's what I was hoping for,' said -Jack. 'With that to guide us, it ought not to be -such a very long business.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And then there began the most extraordinary -hunt for the airships hidden in the mist that can -well be imagined.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It proved to be more difficult and perplexing -than the searchers had at first thought would be -the case. They went up and down, to and fro, -going too far in one direction, then turning, only -soon to find that they had travelled too far in -the opposite track. It was a veritable game of -blindman's-buff, and as time went on, and -Fumenta's prediction about the mist clearing -seemed likely to be realised, the seekers became -first anxious and then seriously alarmed. It was -true that the sounds given out by Alondra's -wondrous little instrument varied according to their -distance from those who were signalling to them; -but the differences were so slight as to be -extremely difficult to detect.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last, however, their perseverance was -rewarded. Gerald was the first to catch sight of -what they sought. A half-smothered exclamation -from him drew the attention of the others to -what seemed no more than a dark shadow. They -were all actually passing it, and in another moment -or two would have lost sight of it. But when Gerald -pointed it out, Alondra made a dart towards it, and -quickly called to his companions to follow him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A few minutes later they were standing on the -deck of the king's yacht, and Alondra was folded -in his father's arms.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What has happened, father?' he asked. 'Where -is the </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span>?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Ah, that is what I want to know!' Ivanta -confessed. 'Some strange, unforeseen occurrence—an -accident, or treachery, I know not what—has -hidden her away. Thanks to the machinations -of Agrando and Zuanstroom, the whole of -the people of my realm seem to have gone mad -and turned against me. For the time being, -Alondra, your father is an exile, a fugitive, with -scarce a friend in the world.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You have one friend, oh king!—one who has -some followers you may depend upon,' said -Fumenta, stepping forward. 'If you will accept -my services'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Who are you?' the king asked, turning to him -wonderingly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra explained, and Ivanta frowned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Fumenta! The one who is in rebellion against -me!' he exclaimed, eying the outlaw chief keenly -and coldly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Not so, oh king!' Fumenta answered, drawing -himself up proudly. 'No rebel against you have -I ever been! No one can say it! But against -your vassal Agrando, yes! I have been his sworn -enemy for many a year, and not without good -reason; but against you I have had no other -complaint to make than that you supported him -against me. Doubtless you were misled by false -and lying misrepresentations, and had you known -the truth—— But there is no time for the -discussion of such matters now. I offer you safe -asylum, not for yourself and your followers only, -but for your airships. You will find that I and -all my people are loyal to you, and will fight to -the death against Agrando and his allies.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'But how can you hide my airships away?' -asked the king doubtfully.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You shall soon see, oh king! Do not delay, I -pray you. The mist is already getting thinner. A -little longer, and our chance will be gone.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ivanta looked at Alondra, and the two conferred -apart for a brief space. Then Ivanta returned to -Fumenta, and, holding out his hand, said, 'I hear -you have been a good friend to my son and his -companions in the time of their need. That is -enough for me! Henceforth you are my friends—you -and all your followers.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fumenta thereupon took charge of the craft as -a pilot might, issuing instructions in low tones to -the officers. Under his guidance, the </span><em class="italics">Nelda</em><span> glided -slowly through the mist, closely followed by the -</span><em class="italics">Lokris</em><span>, which had been resting a few yards away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then, as they went along, Alondra asked for -tidings of their friends, and heard bad news -indeed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Many of the party who had accompanied -Alondra to Agrando's court had been treacherously -seized.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Monck, it seemed, had got away in the </span><em class="italics">Lokris</em><span>, -bringing with him the two sailors and—somewhat -curiously—Zuanstroom's nephew Freddy, who had -sought shelter with him and begged piteously not -to be left behind. These were all safe on board -the other yacht.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'But of others,' said the king, 'I am sorry -to say that they are now held as prisoners by -Agrando. Aveena and several of your friends, -Alondra, are amongst them, and,' he went on, -slowly and bitterly, 'most humiliating of all, for -me to have to confess it—for it seems as though -I had failed in a host's first duty—so, I am deeply -pained to tell you, is our friend Armeath.'</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-night-expedition"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXXIV.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">A NIGHT EXPEDITION.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>It was getting near dawn, and the mist was -perceptibly clearing away, when the two -air-yachts approached the great funnel-shaped -opening leading down to the ancient volcano.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ivanta, who had been wondering how Fumenta -was going to keep the promise he had made that -he would hide the airships away, looked with -great curiosity at the dark, uninviting cavity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Are we to try to squeeze in there, friend -Fumenta?' he asked. 'Is that your idea?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For answer the outlaw asked what was the -length of the larger of the two vessels, and Ivanta -gave him the measurement upon the Martian scale.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I thought so. Then there is room,' he declared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And so it turned out. By means of a little -manoeuvring, the two vessels were induced to sink -slowly through the opening, without touching the -sides. And when once through the funnel there -was plenty of room for them in the great dome-like -space below to rest, all upstanding, on the -ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then, upon some metal staging round the base -of the funnel, high up in the domed roof, fires -were lighted, and upon them, after a time, when -they had started a sufficient draught, quantities of -sulphur were thrown.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The draught was so great from the maze of -underground galleries that all the fumes were -carried up into the sky, while below the air was -fresh and pure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'There!' said Fumenta, in well-satisfied tones, -when all was in working order, 'those sulphur -fumes are carried thousands of feet up into the -air. That I know to be the fact, because I have -been up to make sure. No airships will come -near us—they cannot do so without running the -risk of asphyxiating every soul on board!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>King Ivanta laughed good-humouredly. His was -just the nature to appreciate a clever scientific -stratagem such as he saw this was.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Fumenta, you are a man after my own heart!' -he cried. 'I love a man who can use his brains -and bend adverse circumstances to his will! You -and I ought to have been acquainted before. I -can see you have the capacity for ruling, by the -way you have drilled and disciplined those ragged -followers of yours. By the stars, I would have -made you a king!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Perhaps I have been nearer to that than you -think, King Ivanta,' was the unexpected answer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ivanta started and eyed him searchingly. He -frowned and puckered his lips, and seemed to be -thinking deeply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It almost seems to me that we have met -before, and that I ought to know who you are,' -he mused. 'Yet I don't see how such a thing -could be.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Let us speak of the present and the future, -oh king!' returned Fumenta, evidently desirous of -changing the subject. 'What are your plans, sir?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'My friend, I have not yet formed any. Until -I know where my great airship is I am tied -down, I fear me, to playing a waiting game. It -is a strange experience for one like myself, -Fumenta,' he went on philosophically, 'to find -one's self a fugitive. I, who have solved the -great problem of navigating space itself, who -have visited distant planets, have been outwitted -by men of grovelling instincts like Agrando and -Zuanstroom; tricked, deceived, betrayed, and driven -to welcome the protection and hospitality of outlaws!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Of outlaws, truly, but not of criminals, King -Ivanta,' Fumenta answered firmly. 'All my -followers are honest men, patriots, honourable -fighters for their own and their country's rights, -though their manner of life has made them -rough and perhaps somewhat soured. Now, sir, -let me make a suggestion. In Iraynia I have -a much larger following than I have here. Let -us go and show ourselves together there, and I -warrant you the whole land will rise in your -favour, and you will find you have at least one -country loyal to you.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ivanta looked curiously at the old man, and -hesitated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'But we have need of airships,' he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'They have them.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'And—the sinews of war—money—gold, my -friend, gold! My treasure-house is by this time -in the hands of my foes. Not only that, but they -have in their control the fascination of diamonds -too. But that would not matter so much if I had -my own treasury. Without gold, even a king is -helpless, my friend. We can do nothing without -gold.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'That I can supply also,' was the startling reply, -made quite quietly, and without the least -resemblance of boastfulness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again Ivanta started, and this time his keen -eyes scrutinised the other's face as if doubtful -whether he were a madman or a magician. Suddenly -he inclined his head and said, 'That your statement -astonished me I need scarcely say. As, however, -you have performed all that you promised thus -far, I will not pay you so poor a compliment as -to doubt you in this. Well, now then, since you -say you have plenty of gold, there is only one -other thing necessary—machinery. Airships are of -no use without a supply-station.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'We will seize one,' answered the outlaw chief, -with unexpected decision. 'Lend me your yacht -and your outfit, and I will undertake to seize one -of Agrando's chief power-stations. It is, as I -happen to know, weakly held just now. But when -we have captured it I will show you how you can -defend it against the whole strength of your -enemies. It is now daylight. The airships prowling -around above us will draw off during the day -when they find you have disappeared; and at -night I will guide you to the place I have told -you of, and we will seize it and hold it for you.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'If you do that, Fumenta, you shall be made'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the old chief held up his hand. 'I am -asking for no reward, oh king—or, at least, none of -the kind you have in your mind. I have lived a -hard, adventurous life, and am now getting old. -Those I loved are dead, and I have none to care -for, and no ambition for myself. I may, however, -ask for some recognition in another form; one -which, when the time comes, it will give you no -trouble, cost you nothing, to grant. I crave your -permission to keep my own counsel, and say no -more in the meanwhile.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'So be it, my friend,' said the king, simply and -kindly. 'I have no desire to inquire into your -secrets before you are ready to reveal them to me -freely and of your own accord.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus was the compact made between these two, -who, but a few days before had seemed so far -apart—the great and powerful king, who had then -been a ruler over more than half the planet, and -the outlaw leader, who led the life of the hunted, -and lived in burrows 'like a fox.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While this talk was taking place the chums and -Alondra were comparing notes with Monck and the -two sailors.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'We've seen some queer sort o' fightin', Mr -Gerald, since we lost sight o' you,' said Tom Clinch. -'The catamounts played every scurvy trick they -could think of against us! But me and Bob Reid -and Mr Monck, we give 'em as good as they -brought, and we scraped through and got away -somehow.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Yes, but without Mr Armeath,' said Gerald -sadly. 'I am not reproaching you,' he hastened to -add, 'but I am terribly anxious about him. Will -they harm him, do you think, Mr Monck? Why -should they? He has nothing to do with this -upset between King Ivanta and Agrando!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Well,' said Monck thoughtfully, 'Agrando and -Zuanstroom have gone off to Ivenia, taking Kazzaro -with them. They will have their hands pretty full -for the present, at any rate, with organising their -forces and establishing their position, not to -mention the question of seizing and dividing out -the diamonds. They have left Mr Armeath a -prisoner behind them, and I do not suppose he is -in any personal danger so long as they are absent.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'That is some little comfort, though not much,' -muttered Jack. 'If we could but find some way to -get at him and rescue him from those brutes while -they are away!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Just what I was thinking of,' said Alondra. -'If my father would allow me to take out my -yacht, we might make a dash in the night, you -know, eh? She and the </span><em class="italics">Nelda</em><span> are the two fastest -fliers in the whole world, except the </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span>. What -think you, Monck Affelda? There are others of -our friends, too, you know—Aveena, and nearly a -dozen besides, I hear.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'We will see, Prince. I will speak to the king -about it, and if his consent can be gained I am -quite ready to join in a forlorn hope of the sort -on the chance of rescuing our friends.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When, however, Ivanta was asked to sanction the -'forlorn hope,' he said they must wait first to see -the result of the expedition Fumenta had planned, -for which the services of both yachts would be -required. So, for the moment, the one enterprise -had to give place to the other.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The day was passed in telling one another their -adventures on both sides. Scouts came in at -intervals and reported the movement of the hostile -airships. Some of the latter hovered about for -some hours after daylight had come and the mist -had cleared, as though half-suspicious that some -trick had been played upon them. They even made -a half-hearted attempt to approach the column of -smoke which ascended steadily from the mouth of -the 'volcano.' But the smell of suffocating sulphur -fumes was so strong that they came to the conclusion -it would be safer to give the place a wide berth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Soon afterwards they divided into two parties, -one returning by the way they had come, while -the other went off in the direction of the waterless -desert, to which they finally concluded the fugitives -must somehow have managed to flee.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Towards evening the fires were extinguished in -readiness for the departure of the yachts, and the -interior of the old crater was filled with Fumenta's -followers, who were paraded in honour of Ivanta.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I need not call for volunteers, King Ivanta,' -said their chief. 'Every man is ready and willing -to serve you! Select what men you have room -for, and the rest will remain here awaiting your -commands. All are ready to fight for you to the -death.—Say, my men, is it not so?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The great vaulted roof rang with the cheers and -shouts which went up in response to this appeal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Long live King Ivanta!' 'Long live Prince -Alondra!' was heard on all sides.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>King Ivanta could not listen to their greetings -given so heartily in his present circumstances -without emotion. 'My children,' he said, 'your -proffered devotion has touched my heart! That -you are trustworthy and brave I feel assured; and -I cannot quarrel with Destiny when, in my greatest -need, it sends me such sturdy supporters.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as it was quite dark the party of hardy -adventurers set out in the two yachts, Fumenta -acting again as pilot on board the </span><em class="italics">Nelda</em><span>. Alondra -was in charge of his own craft; and he had with -him Gerald and Jack, Monck, the two sailors, and -Malto and Malandris. Their young charge Freddy -was left behind, with a couple of attendants to -look after him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During the day Alondra had presented Malto to -Ivanta, and explained that he had some request -to prefer; but Malto discreetly asked permission to -defer it to a more suitable season, and so the -matter had dropped.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The two craft glided swiftly onwards for some -hours over a country which showed no signs of -being inhabited. Then a few lights were seen here -and there, telling of scattered villages, and at -last a cluster of lights indicated that they were -approaching a large town.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While yet some distance away, Fumenta called -a halt, and at his request the king ordered a small -airship to be got out which acted the part which -a steam pinnace fulfils in regard to one of our -men-of-war.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ivanta, with Arelda and Abralda, two of his -officers, entered this with Fumenta, and they -dropped gently and silently down through the air, -and landed on the ground near a large building -which stood alone on the outskirts of the town.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From the town itself came the hum and low -murmur of many people.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fumenta gave a curious signal, which sounded -like the cry of some bird of the night. At first -there was no response, but after it had been twice -repeated, a door in the building opened, and a -figure came out, closed it, and advanced cautiously -towards them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were further signs and countersigns given -and received on both sides, and then the stranger -spoke. 'Is it the Chief?' he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It is the Chief,' Fumenta replied. 'You have -heard the news, and know that the hour has come? -Is all prepared?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'All is prepared, Chief,' answered the man, -saluting. 'We have had everything ready and -waiting for you since the news came; for we -thought that you might be here to-night. Do you -wish to speak to the men before we start?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Yes. I have with me some one they will be -very surprised to see. Lead the way.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With another salute, the man turned and led the -way towards the door from which he had just -emerged.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="how-ivanta-gained-a-fleet"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXXV.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">HOW IVANTA GAINED A FLEET.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Fumenta and those with him passed through -the doorway into a spacious, well-lighted -vestibule, in which other doors could be -seen leading to the interior of the building. In -particular, there were two large ones in the centre -immediately opposite to that by which they had -entered. These were evidently very jealously -guarded, for at the entrance of the strangers some -armed men, who had been standing in front of -them, advanced in a rather threatening manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The one who had gone out to meet Fumenta -and had brought him in, spoke to the officer in -charge of these guards.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Throw open the doors, friend Medro. It is the -Chief.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'The Chief! And who besides, good Lymento?' -asked the officer cautiously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'One for whom I will be answerable,' answered -Fumenta brusquely. 'Waste not time in idle talk. -This will be a critical night for us; and we have -no time to lose.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Without other reply than a salute, the officer turned -on his heel and ordered his men to throw open the -doors. And as they fell back he advanced and cried -in sonorous tones, 'Friends all, the Chief!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fumenta stepped past him, conducting Ivanta, -and called out in ringing accents, 'And with him -the King! Friends, I bring into your midst King -Ivanta. He has been deserted by those he trusted. -He is, indeed, actually now being hunted by those -upon whom he has conferred benefits, and stands -at the present moment in sore need of trustworthy -friends. I assured him he would find them here. -Tell me, have I promised aright?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Before them was a great hall filled with people -in varied dresses, as though they had been brought -together from many different parts. There were -ragged, rough, but stalwart men, very much of -the style of Fumenta's followers; and there were -others, both soldiers and civilians, of different -grades, some plainly, some richly dressed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was, in fact, a meeting gathered from far and -near of those of the inhabitants of Iraynia who -had secretly sympathised with Fumenta and his -outlaws, and who had been hoping for, almost -expecting, some such 'burst up' as had now taken -place between Agrando and Ivanta. And they had -been secretly planning to rise, when that time -arrived, against Agrando themselves, and endeavour -to throw off his yoke once and for all.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But they had not exactly expected what had -actually happened. King Ivanta had always wielded -such power, and had shown himself so strong, that -the possibility of his ever being in his present -position had never entered into their calculations. -Consequently, Fumenta's words fell upon the -assembly almost as a bombshell might have done—that -is to say, with a temporarily stunning effect.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a space there was silence—a dead silence, -which seemed at first to be chilling, irresponsive. -Then suddenly some one in the body of the hall -jumped up and shouted, 'We have no quarrel with -King Ivanta. We are ready to help him against -Agrando! Fumenta, you have done well to tell -the king that in his present difficulty he will find -friends here.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At once others seized the cue, and hastened to -declare their approval of the words spoken. A -few moments more, and the scene at Fumenta's -stronghold was being repeated here.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Long live King Ivanta!' was the cry which was -taken up on all sides, and repeated till the roof -shook.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fumenta turned to Ivanta with a slight smile -upon his usually hard-grained visage. 'You hear, -oh king! These are the men of Iraynia! You see -that I did not act without reason in bringing you -here. All these will be henceforth your followers, -and they, again, have more—a thousand times -more—at their backs, who will flock to us as soon -as the news spreads.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ivanta was visibly affected. Never in his life -till this day had he known what it meant to -stand in need of a few true friends. He who -had led conquering armies, and had listened to the -acclamations of vast multitudes representing nearly -half the nations of the planet, and received the -homage of their rulers as his vassals—he was now -listening with gladness and gratitude to the kindly -welcome of those whom he had—unknowingly, it -is true—treated with injustice, and allowed Agrando -to tyrannise over!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He now addressed them, telling them in -simple but dignified language how he thanked them -all for their welcome; and after a brief conference -with their chiefs he gladly agreed to their request -that he should become their leader himself, and -for the future take the direction of the operations -they had planned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then they conducted him to a large enclosure -where a number of airships were lying.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'These we seized immediately we heard the news -of Agrando's revolt,' Lymento explained. 'Their -crews we made prisoners, and they are under lock -and key. What we now need is a storage station -to keep these craft supplied with electricity. They -have enough reserve power to last a day or two, -but not longer.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'That station we can seize this very night,' -Fumenta again declared. 'It is at a place called -Crudia, some two hours' journey from here, and, as -I have already said, I happen to know that it is -at the present moment weakly held. But we have -no time to lose, for one of the first things Agrando -will do will doubtless be to reinforce the garrison -as a precaution. Extra men and airships may -even now be on their way there, so if we -desire to get there first we must hasten. Which -of these airships will you choose, sir, to sail in -yourself?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Rapidly Fumenta ran over the list of their sizes -and special characteristics. At the end of it, Ivanta -decided that he would keep to his own yacht.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'My two yachts,' he reminded his new friends, -'are, with the exception of my great vessel, the -</span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span>, the fastest craft in the world. When they -cannot fight they can always run away,' he went -on meaningly. 'It may sound strange, perhaps, -to some of you to hear me talk thus of running -away; but there are others doubtless among you -who will understand my meaning. Of late years -you have not seen much fighting in the air, but -you may nevertheless be aware that in such -warfare swiftness and quick manoeuvring often count -for as much as size and numbers.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The cheers which greeted this speech showed -that his words were understood and their meaning -appreciated; and the few remaining preparations -were quickly completed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Half an hour later Ivanta and Alondra, in their -respective yachts, sailed off at the head of a strong -squadron of airships, all filled with crews of -enthusiastic followers.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-old-well"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXXVI.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE OLD WELL.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Like weird, gigantic night-birds the fleet of -flying craft sailed onwards through the -night. The two moons of Mars—to which -our astronomers have given the names of Deimos -and Phobos—were just then in sight at the same -time. The former was near to setting, while the -latter had but just risen. Together they were -throwing a faint, mellow light over the landscape, -dimly illuminating hill and dale, rocky height and -sombre valley, slumbering villages and isolated -dwellings, as they seemed to slip away beneath -the swift, silent airships.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra was busy on board his yacht serving out -tridents and shields and other necessary articles.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You are forgetting me, Prince,' Jack presently -observed, after patiently waiting some time, and -finding that he had been left out in the -distribution.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'And me,' Gerald put in. 'What have we done, -friend Alondra, that we should be left out?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra looked perplexed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Well, you see,' he said hesitatingly, 'you are -our guests. It is not fair to you to call upon you -to take part in our quarrels, or help in fighting -our battles.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Pooh, what nonsense!' exclaimed Jack. 'Why, -what new idea is this? You did not talk like it -in the pavilion, when we had to defend ourselves.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Because there was no help for it. My followers -were far away, and we had to do the best we -could. Here it is we who are going out to make -an attack, and'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'And we are going to join and help all we -can,' Jack declared stoutly. 'Your quarrel is ours. -Please say no more, but give us our share of your -arms—or would you prefer that we should trust to -our pistols?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Better have our usual weapons, if you are -determined, and keep your own as a reserve,' -Alondra decided.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And so it was settled; and not only the two -chums, but Clinch and Reid—who had, during their -visit, learned the use of the Martian weapons—were -duly fitted out after the fashion of the rest -of Ivanta's following.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As they proceeded, the exact direction and other -necessary instructions were signalled from the -leading yacht by means of curious devices in -coloured points of light, which appeared from time -to time like tiny coloured fireworks upon the masts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a run of a couple of hours, a halt was -called, and Alondra was signalled to come alongside -the king's yacht.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One moon had set, and the other had become -obscured by clouds. The landscape was now in -shadow, and the squadron was almost invisible -from below; for, save the occasional twinkling of -the signals, the flying craft showed no lights.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'The place we are going to attack,' Ivanta -explained, when the leaders had been assembled in -his cabin, 'may be, as our friend Fumenta declares, -weakly held so far as the number of the garrison -is concerned, but in other respects it is a most -difficult place to assail. No one should know this -better than I,' he continued, a little bitterly, 'because -I myself designed the fortress and its defences. I -knew that it lay in a very exposed region, where -it would be difficult to keep a large garrison, and -where a surprise might at any time be attempted. -So I did everything that my ingenuity could devise -to render it practically impregnable.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I know all that to be true, sir,' observed -Fumenta quietly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It is neither more nor less than a great cavern—or, -rather, series of caverns—in the side of a -precipitous mountain,' Ivanta went on. 'One can -neither approach it nor leave it except by -flying-machine. There is no path, no ledge, which -anything but a fly could cling to. There is only one -defensive wall—that which closes the outer side -of the caverns—and this has been so built in as -to resemble a continuation of the precipice. One -cannot tell by looking which is the natural rock -and which is the artificial stone wall. There are -gates, or rather iron doors, and these are specially -defended by being connected with the electric -storage batteries. When the current is turned -on—as is supposed always to be the case at night, -or when the doors are not in actual use—it is -death to any one who touches them.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'All that I know, oh king!' said Fumenta. 'There -is also an underground waterfall—an immense body -of water ever tumbling through the great caverns.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Yes. It works the engines which collect and -store the electric power.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Exactly; and it cannot be used for any other -purpose. It is of no use, for instance, for drinking -purposes, because the water has a disagreeable, -brackish taste. Therefore, there is a well of fresh -water. Is it not so, sir?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'True,' returned Ivanta, eying him keenly. 'But -what of that?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'That well was made by boring downwards till -a stream of pure water was found. When this -was met with it rushed into the bottom of the well -and found its own way out, thus affording an ample -supply for the garrison without further trouble. -So no one bothered himself further about it as to -whence the stream came or whither it went. But all -that was many years ago. Since then, however, this -fresh-water stream has been gradually drying up; -and now there is not enough to supply the people -on guard there. That is one reason why the garrison -is now so small. Then another well was bored in -another part, which gave a sufficient supply for -the reduced garrison, and the very existence of -the first well was almost forgotten. But where -the stream once ran there is now an underground -passage or tunnel, which starts from a grotto high -up in another part of the mountain.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ivanto started.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Say you so? Are you sure?' he exclaimed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Certain am I of what I say, oh king! No one -seems to have noted that the drying up of this -stream has opened a back way, so to speak, into -the stronghold, which renders it possible to attack -it by a surprise visit. No one seems to have -troubled about it, or to have made it his business -to report that so simple a fact has rendered useless -all the work and time and trouble expended upon -your elaborate defences.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this Ivanta frowned a little; then a smile -passed over his countenance, and he cried, 'Said -I not that you were a man after my own heart, -friend Fumenta? Of a truth, the next time I -design a fortress I shall ask you to look at my -plan, and tell me of all its weak points before I -carry it out. But this seems to happen most -fortunately for us. Do you mean to say we can -make our way in by the channel of that dried-up -watercourse? Can you guide us to it?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'That is my plan. It is a very simple one, -after all,' returned the outlaw chief modestly; 'but -I think you will find that it will suffice for our -purpose. I suggest that you send out two parties, -one to attack the place in front, while I will -guide the rest, so that they can creep in by the -route I have indicated. The other party must -show no sign till we have gained the interior and -manipulated the levers which cut off the electric -current from the doorways. Then they can make -a dash and help us to overpower the garrison.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'And thus easily,' murmured Ivanta, with, a sigh—'thus -simply are all my elaborate and complicated -defences to be set at nought and overcome—laughed -at, in fact! However, so be it! 'Tis a -good plan; and if it succeeds, the possession of such -a stronghold, with its machinery and underground -waterfall, will be a piece of good fortune indeed.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'And we will take good care,' said Alondra, -laughing, 'to have that back entrance well guarded -in future. Now, I want to be one of your party, -friend Fumenta. That will suit me better than -waiting about with the rest till some one else, -having done all the fighting, opens the door to us.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this Gerald and Jack and their party asked -to be allowed to go with Alondra, and pressed -their claims so eagerly that at last Ivanta acceded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I shall myself make one,' he said. 'And since -you so much desire it, you shall all join.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Later on, the fleet of airships divided into two -bodies, and one, the smaller portion, made direct -for the heights of the mountain in which the -stronghold was situated. The rest were to wait -about till the time should come for making their -presence known by a direct frontal attack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fumenta led his section into a small cave, -which opened out, first into a gallery, and then -into a spacious grotto. All were provided with -small glow-lamps, ropes, metal staples for -climbing, and other requisites, in addition to their arms, -which consisted of tridents, shields, and the usual -swords or spears.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The grotto had several galleries running out of -it, and selecting one of these, Fumenta followed -its windings for some distance, till he came to a -small stream running into a deep cutting. A little -farther on, this little watercourse took a sudden -turn and disappeared into a hole on the left.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'That,' said the outlaw chief, 'is all that is left -of the stream which formerly completely filled the -tunnel it here plunges into. Nowadays you can -walk along its bed and the water will not in any -place reach to your knees.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'How do you know?' Ivanta asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I have traversed the whole distance,' was the -answer. 'I even climbed up the sides of the well -to see whether it was fenced off in any way, and -I found it quite open. Moreover, the place where -I emerged was empty and deserted. One could -see it is never used now.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fumenta then directed that some of the tridents -and shields should be tied into bundles, and these -were given to bearers to carry on their shoulders -clear of the water. By this means the leading -adventurers were left free to climb the sides of -the well and attach ropes, which could then be -utilised, first to pull up the bundles, and -afterwards to assist the ascent of the rest of the -party.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These details having been duly arranged, they -entered the waterway in twos and threes, wading -in the water, which at first reached nearly to -their knees, but became much more shallow as -they proceeded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently those in front arrived at the well -and halted, the others crowding up as closely as -they could get, some passing into the waterway -on the farther side, where they stood awaiting -orders.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fumenta and his lieutenants, Duralda and Landris, -began the ascent, pushing iron staples into the -chalk sides to assist those who came after them. -Behind them followed Malto, Malandris, and others. -Upon another side of the well Ivanta and Alondra, -with the two chums and the sailors, imitated this -operation. All worked in perfect silence, and -almost in darkness, only the carefully screened -gleams from their glow-lamps being visible.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The leaders reached the top in safety, and found -themselves in a roomy cavern, which was in complete -darkness. No sound was to be heard; and, satisfied -that their presence was unsuspected, they secured -one of the ropes they had brought with them and -threw the end down, that the bearers below might -attach their bundles to it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Not until they had hauled up these indispensable -weapons, and had them in their hands, could -they hope, should they be discovered and attacked, -to hold the mouth of the well long enough for the -body of followers behind to climb up to their -assistance. Every one lent a hand, for it was -necessary that their plan should be carried out as -expeditiously as possible.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Tom Clinch and Bob Reid were hauling up the -first bundles, when the former, in his zeal, leaned -over too far, lost his balance, and fell headlong -into the well. About half-way down, coming into -collision with one of the bundles, he managed to -grip the rope, and thus saved himself from going -farther. His weight, however, broke away the -cord by which it was fastened, and sent the whole -lot of tridents clattering to the bottom, where they -created a panic by falling upon the heads of the -crowd waiting there. A chorus of cries and -shouts, mingled with groans and shrieks of pain, -followed, which sounds were magnified as they -came up the well as though it had been an -immense speaking-trumpet, and were echoed back -from the rocky roof of the cavern.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There followed a brief silence—deep, tense, and -anxious. Then a high, wide door swung open, the -place was flooded with light, and a number of -armed men burst in and made a rush at the -group gathered round the mouth of the well.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-fight-for-the-stronghold"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXXVII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE FIGHT FOR THE STRONGHOLD.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>It was a critical moment for those of the -adventurers who had gained the top of the -well. Being without tridents and shields, -they were absolutely at the mercy of any enemy -who carried them. They were armed only with -swords, spears, or daggers, which were useless -against the other weapons. It seemed as though -they must all inevitably, within a few minutes, be -lying at the mercy of their foes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A second glance, however, revealed an unexpected -piece of good fortune. Their enemies were no -better armed than themselves! The members of -the garrison had dwelt in the place so long in -peace and security that it had become their habit -to stack away their tridents in their stores, as -articles for which they had no use from day to -day. Moreover, they knew that their stronghold -was reputed to be impregnable, and they never -dreamed of its being thus suddenly attacked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hence, when the outcry arose in the cavern in -which was the old disused well, they had rushed -in on the spur of the moment, wondering what the -noise could be, and armed only with those weapons -which formed part of their everyday equipment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Swords flashed from their scabbards on both -sides, and a moment later the two parties were -engaged in a fierce hand-to-hand fight. A number -of Fumenta's people had followed him up his side -of the well, while those on the other side were -hauling at their rope. Thus, for the time being, -the adversaries were about equally matched in -point of numbers as well as weapons. It was -pretty certain, however, that the defenders would -be reinforced at a much greater rate than the -assailants could be, to say nothing of the fact -that at any moment some of the former might -arrive on the scene bringing with them the dreaded -tridents.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ivanta turned to Jack and Gerald, and whispered -a few words at the moment of drawing his sword.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You have your pistols! Try to close the door -and hold it fast. That will give us time!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The hint was sufficient. The two acted upon it -at once, and calling to Bob Reid to follow, they -made a circuit, and avoiding the rush of the -defenders, got round to their rear. The first group -passed without noticing them, and there was no -one else inside the door. But upon the other side -of it they could see another group, who were -running to the support of their friends, and two -of them, who were in advance, were carrying -tridents.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was doubtful which would reach the door -first; but two shots rang out, and the -trident-bearers dropped their weapons. They had each -been wounded in the arm. Their comrades, -wondering what was wrong, and, startled by the -reports of the firearms—added to by a hundred -echoes from the rocky vault overhead—paused in -their advance, and crowded round the wounded men.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The three near the door on the inside took -advantage of their halt to bang it to, and hastily -shoot some bolts which they found upon it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then they turned to ascertain how it fared with -their friends, and see what they could do to help -them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ivanta and Fumenta had apparently been singled -out for special attack, and each was defending -himself against two or three adversaries. Both -were fighting like heroes of old, and for a brief -space the two chums paused to watch them, -spellbound by the fascination of the combat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fumenta was fighting as such an old war-dog -might be expected to fight. Grim, hard-visaged, -and stalwart, his grizzled locks shaking at every -turn of his head, he rained blows so quickly upon -his foes that two had already fallen under them; -and the others now seemed more anxious to keep -at arm's length than to trust themselves near -enough to strike.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ivanta, on his side, was fighting not less valiantly, -but in somewhat different fashion. As Gerald -subsequently expressed it, he fought 'like the king -that he was.' In his flashing glance there was -nothing of the cold gleam of hatred, bred of long -experience as a hunted outcast, which showed in -the eyes of the outlaw chief. Rather was there -dignified disdain, and even something of pity for -those with whom circumstances forced him into -conflict. In his whole appearance there was that -which reminded the spectators of a lion defending -himself in contemptuous fashion against the attacks -of a number of curs; while Fumenta might be -likened rather to an old wolf driven to bay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly one of those opposed to Ivanta lowered -his sword, and stepped backward, as if in surprise, -crying out loudly, 'It is the king! Down with -your swords! It is the king!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this there was a general pause. The man's -comrades imitated his action, and the rest of the -defending force desisted also in surprise. Thus, -for a space, there was a cessation of hostilities -all round.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What said you, Sedla?' cried one near the -speaker. 'The king! What king? We serve -Agrando! He is not here!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'This is Agrando's overlord, King Ivanta,' the -first one answered. 'We must not fight against -him.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'How do you know?' 'What does it mean?' -'How can we tell?' 'How can such a thing have -come about?' such were the questions which were -called out, first from one and then from another.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Evidently the garrison of this isolated post knew -nothing as yet of Agrando's revolt. No news of -it had reached them, nor had any messengers come -from Agrando instructing them that he was now -at war with his overlord, and expected them to -espouse his cause. Neither, as it seemed, were -they—with one or two exceptions—acquainted with -Ivanta's person. Of those then present, only the -one who had first spoken knew him by sight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ivanta was quick to take advantage of this -favourable turn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It is well that you spoke,' he haughtily said. -'It explains, I suppose, why you and your -friends have attacked me. Otherwise, you would -be guilty of treason! Down with your weapons, -all of you!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'But,' objected one who was evidently an officer, -'if you are King Ivanta—I ask, sir, with all -respect—why have you forced an entrance in this -strange fashion?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'And,' said another dubiously, 'how comes it -that the great King Ivanta is here attacking us -hand and glove with the outlaw Fumenta and his -band—the sworn enemies of our master Agrando?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ivanta smiled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I can understand your perplexity, my friends. -Strange things have happened outside these walls -of which I see you have as yet heard nothing. -Let your chief officers confer with me, and I will -give them the information which I see you are in -need of.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There ensued some discussion, carried on in a -low tone amongst three or four who were the -leaders of the garrison. Evidently there were -differences of opinion among them. Some were for -submitting to Ivanta; while the others, doubtful -of his identity, and fearing some trick, were for -continuing the combat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly one of the little council broke away -from the others and looked angrily at Fumenta.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You may do as you please with those others!' -he cried. 'That gentleman may be King Ivanta -or he may not! What is certain is that yonder -old villain is Fumenta, the leader of the outlaw -bands, and I for one have an old-standing grudge -against him, which I mean to take this chance of -paying off!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With sudden fury and upraised hand, in which -gleamed a naked dagger, he made a rush at the -one he had denounced. Fumenta had been quietly -talking to some of his people, and just then had -his back to his assailant.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another moment and the weapon would have -been buried in his breast, when Malto, who had -been standing near, threw himself between the -two. There was a smothered exclamation, a blow, -then Malto reeled back and was caught by -Malandris; while, with a cry like an enraged tiger, -Fumenta darted upon the would-be assassin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One hand closed upon the man's throat, and the -other upon his wrist. There was a brief, fierce -struggle; then the assailant was lifted high in the -air and flung down with terrible force upon the -rocky floor, where he lay prone without a sign -of life.</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 76%" id="figure-55"> -<span id="the-assailant-was-lifted-high-in-the-air-and-flung-down-with-terrible-force"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="The assailant was lifted high in the air and flung down with terrible force." src="images/img-288.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">The assailant was lifted high in the air and flung down with terrible force.</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fumenta glanced round as though to challenge -the man's friends to try conclusions with him; but -as no one seemed inclined to take the quarrel upon -himself, he turned to where he now saw Malto -lying, supported by a group of anxious friends.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young fellow was evidently badly wounded, -for he had fainted, and Malandris was engaged in -trying to stanch the blood which flowed from a -wound in the breast.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Let me come to him! Leave him to me!' cried -Fumenta. 'He offered his life to save mine; it is -my place to care for him!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They made way for him, and formed a circle -around to guard the two from any more treacherous -attacks; while Ivanta, seeing that these events had -roused bad blood on both sides, applied himself to -preventing the threatened renewal of the fighting.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sedla, however, the one who had recognised -Ivanta, was, fortunately, firm in his refusal to -take sides against him; and his particular friends -were content to follow his lead. Those who were -for continuing the strife thus found themselves in -a minority; and, recognising this, they sullenly -submitted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All this time there had been much knocking -and banging at the closed door on the one side; -while, on the other, men had come scrambling up -the well, adding, every moment, to the numbers -of Ivanta's supporters, and bringing with them -this time the tridents which had been left below.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Very soon Ivanta was in a position to dictate -his own terms to those present; but there was -still the rest of the garrison to be considered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After some talk, Sedla undertook to act as -negotiator with these, and presently the door was -thrown open, and he and his friends stood in the -entrance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a curious scene, that which followed. -Behind Sedla, at a little distance, was Ivanta, at -the head of rank after rank of men, all armed -with their tridents and shields. On the other -side of the doorway there were again to be seen -rank upon rank of the garrison, similarly armed, -and evidently ready for the fray, yet wondering -what had been going on behind the closed door, -and doubtless curious to know, before they began, -who it was they were to fight, and what it was -all about.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sedla cleverly took advantage of this natural -curiosity to gain a hearing for what he had to -say, and followed it up so tactfully that he -eventually gained over the whole garrison.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus was the place captured with but little -actual fighting; and Ivanta gained thereby a -valuable base for the supply of his aerial fleet, as -well as a stronghold in which he and his following -could find secure refuge in case of necessity.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-great-aerial-battle"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXXVIII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">A GREAT AERIAL BATTLE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Having made his dispositions within and -without—taking note of the resources now -at his disposal, sending out airships as -scouts, &c.—Ivanta turned his attention to the -wounded. He found Fumenta in close attendance -upon Malto, who was still lying in an almost -unconscious state; and Ivanta, who was himself well -skilled in such matters, made an examination of -his wound.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I think he will pull round,' was his verdict. 'I -shall hope yet to see him, with you, and others of -my new friends, around me at my Court at -Karendia—my "palace in the clouds."'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fumenta shook his head. 'I am too old—ay, -and too rough and rugged now—for Court life, -sir,' he answered. 'Time was—but we must wait -and see what happens. I shall help you with -might and main so long as you need a trusty -ally; after that, when you have succeeded in -getting back your own, I shall make the request -which I have already prepared you for. Then I -shall ask but one favour more—the permission to -withdraw into obscurity, and pass the rest of my -days in peace. But I am meanwhile sorely -concerned about this brave young fellow. I was -strangely taken with him when I first saw him, -and I need not say how that feeling has been -intensified by his heroic act of bravery and -self-sacrifice. But for his devoted action I should now -be lying in his place, or more likely I should be -already dead.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It was truly, as you say, an act of heroism,' -Ivanta declared with emotion. 'It is passing -strange that you two should be joined, as it were, -by such a link; the more so that I have -understood that you each had some special request to -make to me. I shall be curious to see, when the -time comes, whether the two requests have any -connection.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I do not see how that could possibly be,' -returned Fumenta, with another shake of his head. -'I have never heard of him before, and he knows -no more about me. But his future, if he lives, -shall be my care. I can make him rich, wealthy—ay, -I can make him one of the wealthiest men -on our globe—and I will do so out of gratitude -for what he did. For know, oh king, that I -made but recently a great discovery! In one of -the passages beneath the ancient volcano I came -across a gold-mine—a veritable cave of gold! It -was to that I referred when I said I could supply -you with gold to carry on your warfare with -Agrando. What you do not require I shall divide -between this young man and those who have been -my faithful followers.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'You shall tell me more about it at another -time,' rejoined Ivanta kindly. 'As to what I shall -myself require, it will, all being well, be paid back -later on; for I have no wish to make your friends' -share less than it would otherwise have been. -Send me word if you notice any change in the -young man's condition,' he added, as he left to -continue his round of inspection.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile, the two chums and Alondra were -constantly in and out asking for news of Malto. -To them the unexpected success, thus far, of their -expedition was cruelly saddened and overshadowed -so long as his life was in danger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'We owe him much,' Alondra declared. 'But -for him we should now be Agrando's prisoners, to -a certainty.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'There is no doubt as to that,' Gerald agreed. -'But apart from any such consideration, I like him -immensely on his own account. I wonder who he -is? There is some mystery about him, I feel sure. -Some sad event, I fancy, must have happened to -him which has thrown a blight over his whole life.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'For the matter of that, to be a sort of slave -to Agrando is enough to blight anybody's life!' -cried Jack warmly. 'Anyway, whoever he is, I -feel sure he is well-born. His whole manner and -bearing—ay, and his instincts, so to speak—tell -you that much.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus, in low and sorrowful tones, did they -speak of their wounded friend while they waited -about, anxious for bulletins. It was curious to -see what a good impression the young fellow had -made upon all those who had been his companions, -even for so short a time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But their talk was suddenly ended, and their -thoughts turned into other channels, by news that -was just then brought in that a large fleet of -airships had been descried by their aerial scouts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Those who think they know,' Monck announced -to Ivanta, 'declare that Agrando himself is probably -with them. They recognised the </span><em class="italics">Alsperro</em><span>, which, -as you know, sir, is the former warship which he -has been using as a yacht. She is now, I suppose, -to act the part of a war-vessel once more.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fumenta, on hearing the news, hurried from the -couch of the wounded youth to confer with Ivanta.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'The fleet which is approaching is far stronger -than yours,' Ivanta explained to him. 'You -cannot hide your vessels here in the fortress, so they -must either fight or make their escape—if they -can, which, as you know, is doubtful. As they are -manned by and belong to your friends, it is fitting -that I should ask you which course they will -prefer to adopt.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I am for fighting at all hazards; and so will -they be, I know,' returned Fumenta, with grim -determination. 'You need not put the question to -them.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I am glad to hear that, since it accords with -my own wishes,' was Ivanta's answer. 'I shall -take my measures at once in accordance with your -decision. But you must take charge of your fleet, -and, for the time being, do the best you can at -first, as though my yachts were out of it. They -are not fitted to bear the brunt of the first attack -from heavier craft, but you will find we shall be -able to render you help in another way. We can -rise higher and manoeuvre better than any airship -belonging either to you or to Agrando.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'So be it,' said Fumenta simply. 'We will do -our best, sir, rest assured, apart from your yachts; -and if you can help us so much the better.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was the </span><em class="italics">Nelda</em><span>, the king's yacht, from which -Monck had observed the approach of the hostile -squadron. She could soar so high that, by the -aid of powerful glasses, the strangers had been -sighted at an immense distance. Then, thanks to -her swiftness of flight, she had carried the news -to the fortress before the foe had appeared above -the horizon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When, an hour later, therefore, those in charge -of Agrando's powerful fleet drew near, they found -a smaller squadron waiting to give them battle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The oncoming fleet halted, and for a while the -hostile forces remained watching each other. Then -amongst Agrando's airships there was seen the -flutter of a white flag, which on Mars, as on our -own globe, is the generally recognised sign of a -desire for a parley.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently a small pinnace, bearing the white -emblem, came flying towards the vessel which -Fumenta had made what we should term his -'flagship'—a large-sized craft called by the Martian -equivalent for Crescent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the pinnace approached, it was seen that the -officer in charge of her was Gorondo, Agrando's -generalissimo. A little later he was within -speaking distance, and delivered his message, which -conveyed to Fumenta two or three pieces of -information. The first was that Agrando himself -was in command of his fleet; the second, that he -had somehow heard of the outlaw's chief feat—the -seizure of the Iraynian squadron; the third, -that he was still ignorant of the capture of the -fortress.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The message itself was a haughty and peremptory -demand for immediate and unconditional -surrender, the bearer taking the trouble to point -out that resistance would be useless, as not only -were Agrando's ships larger and far more numerous -than those opposed to him, but another fleet was -on its way to join him. Between the two, Fumenta's -position would be hopeless, more especially as he -had no power-station to look to to renew his -supply of electricity. This last assertion it was -which showed that Agrando was unaware of the -capture of the fortress.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fumenta did not enlighten him as to this, but -contented himself with a refusal to surrender, -couched in terms as curt and peremptory as those -of the summons.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With a shrug of the shoulders and a sarcastic -expression of pity for the forthcoming fate of the -'rebels,' the ambassador returned to his master.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both fleets then began their aerial war manoeuvres. -Agrando formed his force into two divisions—not -lines, but two planes or tiers, one above the other. -Fumenta replied by forming his vessels into three -similar divisions; whereupon Agrando altered his -formation to four tiers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Each side sent out a number of smaller craft—a -kind of mosquito fleet, consisting of different -kinds of 'fliers.' Many of these were parties of -boarders, whose duty it would be to watch their -opportunities and then swarm round any of the -opposing vessels which met with a mishap or got -into difficulties.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Upon both sides the men had been already -provided with 'parachute costumes,' which would -enable them to float in the air for a while in case -of disaster to their vessel, and aid them in -making a safe descent to the ground. Then a -certain number were fitted out with motor-wings, -while others again had wings without motors, and -all these different classes were organised into -separate groupings, just as we divide fighting-men -into various classes—such as infantry, cavalry, &c., on -land, and sailors, marines, and so on, upon the sea.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Agrando sent up first one, then others of his -craft, soaring high into the air, with the object -of getting above the enemy and dropping down -missiles upon them. But even as they mounted -above their companion vessels, similar craft were -seen rising from the other side to oppose them, -and it was between these 'soarers' that the actual -conflict commenced.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All the larger vessels on each side were provided -with movable turtle-decks or shields as a protection -against missiles hurled from above. The real -danger from these, however, lay in the injury -which might be done to the upright spirals or -the extended wings, thereby crippling the manoeuvring -power of the craft, or causing her to fall -headlong to the ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On this account war-vessels did not depend upon -one pair of wings alone, but all were fitted with -at least two pairs, and some—the biggest—with -even three or four pairs. Spare wings were also -held in readiness to be run out at any moment -to take the place of those which might suffer. -The soarers, as stated, began the actual fighting -with the efforts of those on one side to get above -the vessels opposed to them, and of the other to -prevent them from doing so.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While these craft were darting to and fro, -chasing each other round, now shooting upwards, -now diving to avoid a threatened collision, suddenly -a shock was heard, as two of them met in -mid-air, with consequences mutually disastrous.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A moment or two later both vessels were falling -towards the ground, though the course followed -was in each case most erratic. Just previously -they had met and remained for a brief space as -though glued together; then they flew apart, and -began whirling and whizzing round in seemingly -mad fashion, like gigantic bluebottles which have -singed their wings.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As they pursued their eccentric, irresponsible -flight, darting this way and that, now spinning -round like humming-tops, now rushing through the -air like stray rockets, dangerous alike to friends -and foes, each left behind it a sort of 'trail,' -which wound round and about, marking its exact -course.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This 'trail' consisted of the members of the -crews who had jumped or been thrown off, and -were now floating downwards in their parachute -dresses.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Occasionally there were conflicts in mid-air, as -individual castaways from the two airships -happened to be thrown one against another in their -descent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But such incidents as these were but trifles in an -aerial battle; and, since they exercised practically -no effect in deciding its ultimate issue, attracted -little general notice. The main struggle would -have to be fought out between the larger craft -when they came to close quarters—a state of -things which Agrando was manoeuvring to bring -about.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fumenta, however, by previous arrangement with -Ivanta, was equally anxious to avoid close fighting -just then. Accordingly, he was exercising every -stratagem his lengthened experience could devise -which might tempt his enemies to alter their close -formation and draw them on to attack him in -loose order.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Agrando, moving slowly forward, sent out yet -more boarders, armed with tridents and shields, in -readiness for the attack, and these formed another -curious feature in this strange battle-scene.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were towed through the air in long -strings, holding on to ropes made fast to their -respective vessels, their parachute dress serving for -the most part to maintain their position, with the -aid of the ropes, and small motor-machines here -and there.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the great array advanced, Fumenta retired—at -first as though with reluctance, then more -hurriedly, till at last the retreat began to look -like the beginning of a panic-stricken flight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Agrando sent his swiftest vessels ahead, -towing with them their strings of boarders. In -the excitement of pursuit some went faster than -the rest, whilst others swerved off to right or to -left to outflank the fugitives and head them back, -thus creating gaps and spaces in their own ranks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meantime, where were Ivanta and his two -yachts? That was the question that was being -asked by Fumenta and his trusted lieutenants, and -they asked it more anxiously as the minutes went by.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The outlaw chief had—sorely, it must be confessed, -against his own feelings—consented to carry -out a plan which involved the appearance of -ignominious flight. The old fighter did not like -the role he was thus playing; but he had promised, -and he was carrying out his part. The question -was, would Ivanta arrive soon enough to carry out -his part? If he was to do so it was time he put -in an appearance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fumenta looked upwards and scanned the sky -anxiously. Nothing was to be seen but some -rather heavy-looking clouds, which were floating -with the wind, and would shortly be overhead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly, in the midst of one of these clouds, -two dark shadows showed. A moment later they -had taken form and burst out into the open, and -then the two yachts came swooping wildly down, -with closed wings, like huge birds stooping to -strike their prey.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-end-of-the-struggle"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXXIX.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE END OF THE STRUGGLE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>When Ivanta, with the two yachts, had -gone off, leaving Fumenta with his fleet -to face Agrando's powerful force, he had -not, in reality, gone very far.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At first he had travelled swiftly to windward, -till he met with a bank of cloud drifting with the -breeze. Then he had been content to penetrate -into it just far enough to conceal his two vessels -and remain there, floating slowly back with the -cloud in the direction from which he had come.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Well versed in the movements of the varying -currents of air and the clouds they bore with -them, he calculated that by remaining thus inactive -he would be carried back to the scene of the coming -conflict without any one suspecting his whereabouts, -and that he would arrive just about the time when -he would be able to act with the best effect.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gerald and Jack, on board Alondra's yacht, -watched from afar the beginning of the battle. -The yachts took up a station near the edge of the -cloud, just far enough from its fringe for -concealment, yet not so deep in the mist as to prevent -them from watching, through powerful glasses, all -that was taking place.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both yachts were supplied with turtle deck-shields, -and these had been duly fitted in their -places. The framework of the vessels was -constructed of ivantium, the light but marvellously -hard metal which formed the outer shell of the -great aerostat, the </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span>. Moreover, the ornamental -prows were solid pieces of the same metal, and -thus formed formidable rams of enormous strength. -These constituted advantages which Ivanta's fertile -brain had planned to turn to good account.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'The practice you have had when preparing for -our racing competitions,' he pointed out to his son -and the two chums, when unfolding his scheme, -'will now come in useful. What we have to do is -to take the enemy by surprise as soon as they -are sufficiently scattered. You must be ready to -execute some of those daring aerial dives with -which you have many times excited the wonder -and admiration of the crowds of spectators assembled -at our aerial regattas. Then they were executed -merely as feats of manoeuvring and aerial -craftsmanship; now they may decide the fate of the -battle. I am going to show you youngsters my -reliance upon your nerve and steadiness by trusting -you to follow my lead. It will be a risky card to -play, but if we keep our heads, and carry it -through successfully, it may mean the defeat of -the whole hostile fleet and the capture of Agrando -himself—if he is there, as I believe he is!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'We 're ready, father!' cried Alondra. 'And you -can trust Gerald and Jack. They know how to -manage the </span><em class="italics">Lokris</em><span> now as well as I do.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'We'll do our best, sir!' said Gerald modestly. -'And thank you for giving us the chance! If we -can do anything towards defeating Agrando we -shall feel we are aiding in the deliverance of Mr -Armeath—especially if, as you suggest may be the -case, we can capture the tyrant himself.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Preliminaries having been thus settled, the yachts -drew apart and took up positions in readiness for -the work before them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meantime, they were as yet far from the -contending forces, and there was nothing to be done, -while they were drifting slowly towards them, but -observe what went on through their glasses with -such patience as they could muster.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The two sailors were watching, too, not less -eagerly than their leaders, and their remarks and -comments upon what they saw were both quaint -and original.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'What a queer way o' fightin'!' sniffed Tom -Clinch scornfully. 'No smell o' powder, no noise -o' big guns! An' look at their formation—one lot -above another, an' another above them agen an' -agen! A reg'lar four-decker business!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Ay, it do seem stoopid like,' Bob Reid agreed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'S'pose some o' the top uns dropped, they 'd go -bang on top o' them below! Did ye ever 'ear o' -sich a way o' settin' out in battle array?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'By Jingo, Bob, look at them there strings o' -chaps bein' towed inter battle hangin' on ter -hawsers, an' swingin' an' swayin' about in the air! -Did ye ever 'ear o' the likes o' that, now?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently a signal came from the king to be in -readiness, and all talk ceased. For a while there -was tense expectation, and those on board Alondra's -yacht kept their eyes upon the </span><em class="italics">Nelda</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly the king's yacht lurched forward with -poised wings, and then dived headlong, the wings -closing as it descended.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The spirals, working at high pressure, the flat -bottom, which in itself formed an aeroplane, aided -by the fanlike stern or tail, were sufficient, at the -tremendous speed, to hold her up long enough to -effect the intended purpose, which was to force -her way through the outstretched wings of a line -of the enemy's ships.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the line or row selected there were six vessels, -one behind the other, and the </span><em class="italics">Nelda</em><span> passed along -close to them like a whirlwind, crashing through -the wings, snapping them off like twigs, and -effectually disabling the whole line.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alondra followed suit, selecting for his attack -other six craft in line, and managing the operation -not less adroitly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both evolutions were effected with lightning-like -rapidity. It seemed but an instant before they -had passed, their wings had opened, and they had -shot upwards upon the other side so quickly that -they appeared only as specks in the upper air.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then they turned in long, graceful curves, and -came down in another deadly plunge, selecting this -time other vessels, which they served as they had -the first.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They left behind them a trail of wrecked craft, -some of which fell at once headlong to the ground, -while others spun helplessly round and round, their -remaining wings assisting to break their fall, -though unable to prevent it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Vainly those on board made desperate efforts to -replace the broken wings by the spare ones held -in readiness. One they could have quickly -replaced; but where all on the same side had gone -the task was difficult, almost hopeless. But they -were not allowed the time even to attempt it, for -Fumenta's flying airships had turned, and were -now rushing back, heading straight for their -crippled enemies. They crashed in amongst them, -effectually finishing what the swifter-flying yachts -had begun.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With Fumenta's larger craft came smaller ones, -which dashed about amongst the strings of 'boarders,' -breaking them up, and hurling whole batches to -the ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And still the yachts continued their deadly -raids, flying to and fro like thunderbolts, leaving -everywhere in their track scenes of indescribable -confusion and panic.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It is but fair to Agrando to say that throughout -he kept his head, and struggled hard to avert the -complete defeat which threatened him. As far as -he could he huddled his vessels together for -mutual support, thus reducing the yachts' power -for mischief, since they could only work on the -outside lines.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Finally, Agrando retreated in the direction of -the fortress, which he imagined was still held by -his own people. There, close to the towering -precipice, his remaining warships would be safer -from the yachts' mad rushes; and he and his chief -officers, he reckoned, could in the last resort, take -refuge within and await the arrival of his second -fleet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Great was his dismay when, on his approach -to the place, he met with a hostile reception, and -realised that it had been already captured by his -foes!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On all sides there was for him, now, nothing -but disaster and defeat. Fumenta's vessels were -cruising up and down almost unopposed, capturing -here, destroying there, triumphant everywhere, -save as regards the few remaining ships with -which Agrando had surrounded himself. He had -formed these into a circle, each one facing -outwards, and in this way managed for a while to -keep their assailants at bay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then a great shout went up from them—a -loud chorus of exultation and defiance. In the -distance they had sighted the expected second -fleet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But their rejoicings were short-lived! Far away, -behind the oncoming ships, there was visible a -great mass, which it required but a second glance -to tell them was the </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span>. It was evident that -she was in chase of the longed-for reinforcements, -which, in fact, were in headlong flight. They were -making for the fortress, where they hoped they -might find a refuge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Agrando next saw the two yachts signalling to -the </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span>, and watched them sail off to meet -her. Then, somewhat to his surprise, the whole of -Fumenta's forces followed. But this only meant -that Ivanta had called them off in the midst of -their half-finished work, contemptuously giving his -enemy an opportunity to rally his demoralised -followers, if he thought it worth while to do so.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Agrando knew it was not worth while. -He knew that nothing could withstand the </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span>. -He realised too well that he was hopelessly beaten; -that the great coup which he and the Diamond -King had played for had failed, and come to an -ignominious end.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was now evident that, somehow or other, a -few of Ivanta's devoted followers must have -regained possession of the </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span>, after Agrando's -myrmidons had treacherously seized her, and had -hastened to the aid of their liege lord. For the -defeated tyrant and his aiders and abetters there -was therefore nothing now left but to throw -themselves upon the mercy of the conqueror.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This fact was, however, recognised by Agrando's -followers as quickly as by himself. With the -great </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span> looming overhead, they too realised -that further fighting, or escape, would be alike -impossible. They were wise in their generation, -and perceived that their best hope lay in forcing -their leader to make surrender; and this they -promptly did.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They surrounded him in a body, and under their -coercion Agrando sullenly sent out another -messenger bearing the white flag. The result was -that, less than an hour later, he and his principal -officers were prisoners on board the </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then an unpleasant discovery was made. -Kazzaro was not among the captives, and inquiry -elicited the fact that, when he had perceived the -day was lost, he had slipped off in one of the -fastest of Agrando's airships. Further, it appeared -that he had declared his intention of returning -to Agrando's palace.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thereupon, Ivanta decided to leave the completion -of the arrangements on the spot to Fumenta and -his lieutenants, in whose charge he also left the -yachts. Taking Alondra and his companions on -board the </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span>, he started at once in pursuit of -the runaway—the cunning, cruel, crafty old 'Ogre.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fortunately, the airship in which Kazzaro had -gone off broke down before she reached her -destination, and thus the chase did not prove a very -long one. Doubtless, the 'Ogre,' in his fear of -pursuit, and his impatience to wreak a last vengeance -upon the hapless prisoners Agrando had left behind, -had overstrained the machinery.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the chase, if short, was certainly an exciting -one, and afforded the visitors from Earth an -experience they had not had before—that of seeing -the </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span> put to her utmost speed through the -air. Ivanta, in his righteous anger and his -determination to rescue the prisoners, sent her rushing -along almost like a comet. Had it been night, -indeed, she would certainly have seemed to leave -a fiery, comet-like tail behind her, for the -tremendous, almost appalling, rate at which she tore -through the dense air caused an amount of -friction which sent forth showers of electric -sparks. To a structure built of any other metal -than the marvellous ivantium it would have meant -utter destruction.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Before night the prisoners—including Mr Armeath, -Aveena, and others of Alondra's friends—had been -rescued; and the 'Ogre' was safely locked up in -one of his own dungeons.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="conclusion"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XL.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">CONCLUSION.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>With the defeat and capture of Agrando -and his chief confederates, the rebellion -which they had fomented ignominiously -collapsed. None of their allies in other parts of -King Ivanta's empire made any serious attempt -to continue the struggle. The mere appearance -of the great </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span> was sufficient to enforce -submission, as she visited in turn each disaffected -country or district.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With characteristic energy, the victor set to -work to restore complete order, and to efface the -after-effects of the general disturbance. Thanks -to the wonderful tact and discernment he brought -to bear upon this delicate task, affairs settled -down far more quickly than had at first seemed -possible. It was but a few weeks ere King -Ivanta returned in triumph to his 'palace in the -clouds,' again the undisputed ruler of his vast -realm, his supremacy once more unchallenged -throughout his dominions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then commenced the further task of judging -and punishing his vanquished foes. This was a -longer and more tedious business, involving much -journeying to and fro, and the holding of -numerous local inquiries and state trials.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here again King Ivanta surprised even his -own friends, and heaped coals of fire upon the -heads of his enemies, by the nature of the -treatment he meted out. Firm and determined in -arriving at exact facts, discriminating in -apportioning blame, he showed himself generous and -magnanimous almost to a fault in regard to -punishment. Only those who, like Agrando and -Kazzaro, had been guilty of acts of deliberate -cruelty or injustice were severely dealt with; all -others were let off far more lightly than they -had any right to expect.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I feel, my friend,' said Ivanta to Armeath, at -the very beginning of the inquiries, 'that I myself -have been much to blame in ever introducing -among my people the costly toys you call -diamonds and other precious stones. In the future -they shall be unknown here, even as they were -before I first visited your planet. They have -been the means of fostering greed and avarice, -increasing vanity and envy, exciting evil passions, -and creating discord where peace and goodwill -reigned before. Every one—every stone, large or -small—shall be collected. I will compel my -subjects to give up those they have, and I will -return them, including all that Zuanstroom -brought—with Zuanstroom himself—to the world whence -they came. Henceforth I will have none of -them; my subjects—our globe—shall know them -no more!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This reference to the Diamond King is sufficient -to indicate the extreme leniency exhibited towards -even the most blameworthy of those who had -rebelled against the Martian monarch. Zuanstroom -was, indeed, imprisoned for the remainder of his -visit; but no suggestion of any severer -punishment seemed to have entered King Ivanta's -thoughts. And even the imprisonment was more -nominal than real; the captive's son and nephew -were allowed free access to him, and they were -allowed to make occasional excursions together, -under the escort of his jailers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'He's being treated a jolly sight better than -he deserves, and so are many others,' observed -practical-minded Jack. 'They intended to kill -him, and us too, if they had succeeded in their -plans. I doubt if such leniency will turn out to -be altogether the wisest course for King Ivanta's -own security in the future.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'I don't agree with you, Jack. You are taking -a wrong view of it. To my mind, the king is -only acting just as I should have expected him -to do,' cried Gerald enthusiastically. 'What did -I always say of him, from the very first time -I set eyes upon him? I knew—yes, </span><em class="italics">knew</em><span>—something -seemed to tell me—how high-minded, -how truly noble he was! I always declared it! -But at that time it was only a feeling in my -mind, a sort of instinct. Now we have before us -proofs such as every one can see for -himself.— What do you think, sir?' he added, addressing -his guardian.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Truly, my son, your instinct in this case led -you aright,' returned Armeath, nodding his head -and smiling. 'It is a goodly lesson for all of -us; a grand example, one worthy to be -remembered and pondered for the rest of our lives!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a great time for the two chums and -their guardian, that which followed. As the -honoured guests of the king, and the special -friends and companions of the amiable prince -his son, they travelled about continually. -Sometimes in the </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span>, at others in the prince's -splendid air-yacht, they made numerous journeys; -and everywhere they met with cordial receptions -from the rulers and nobles of the various nations, -visited everything that was worth seeing, and -enjoyed to the full all the varied entertainments -provided for their amusement.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One day there was a great assembly of nobles -and dignitaries at the 'palace in the clouds,' the -special occasion being—so it had been given -out—to do honour to some of those whom King -Ivanta wished to reward. Foremost amongst -these he placed the outlaw-chief Fumenta, and -the young stranger Malto, who had now quite -recovered from his wound.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then it was that King Ivanta made an -announcement which came as a surprise indeed. -He began by calling upon Malto to declare the -nature of the request he wished to prefer. 'My -dear son Prince Alondra,' the king said, 'has -never ceased to remind me again and again of -the promise he made to you, Malto. Not, indeed, -that I required any such reminders; I am far -too sensible of the great service you rendered -him and his two companions, our guests, when -you enabled them to escape from Agrando's -power. No, I had not forgotten! So far from -forgetting, I may tell you that I have been -busily making inquiries of my own in anticipation -of what your request was likely to be. At -last my vague guesses have been completely -confirmed by certain confessions made to me by -those two traitors Agrando and his creature -Kazzaro. So, Malto, my friend, speak out, and -ask without fear.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'It concerns my father, sir—my father who -died many years ago in exile, an outcast, driven -from his country at your orders, owing to the -machinations of his enemies, of whom that same -Kazzaro was the chief.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>King Ivanta nodded, and his fine features -lighted up with one of his kindliest smiles as -he looked across at Fumenta. 'And you, the -Fox, as you called yourself, who befriended the -fugitive Eagle, and hid him from his enemies in -your burrow; what is your request?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Mine, oh king, is less unselfish than that of -this persecuted young gentleman, since it concerns -myself alone. Once upon a time'——</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Once upon a time,' interrupted the king, 'you -were known as Lufendis, King of Iraynia.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here Malto started and turned pale. He seemed -to be trembling, and stared first at the king and -then at Fumenta—or Lufendis—with eyes that -were almost starting out of his head. Ivanta -paused and held his hand out towards him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'And you, Malto, are the son of the king -whom I displaced and sent into exile because of -accusations which both Agrando and Kazzaro have -now admitted were false!'—'Lufendis! formerly -King of Iraynia, henceforth you are king not -only of Iraynia but also of Sedenia, for I give -to you the position forfeited by the traitor -Agrando! There, oh king, is your son, Prince -Yumalda, whom you thought to be dead; but who -was really stolen by Kazzaro and brought up to -be the slave of the tyrant he served.—Malto! or -rather, Prince Yumalda! this is your father whom -you have so long mourned as dead!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Who shall describe the scene that followed? -Who can worthily depict the wondering delight -of the father, the amazement of the son, or the -sympathetic emotions of those who stood around? -Congratulations, eager, tumultuous, poured in on -all sides, Prince Alondra, Gerald, and Jack being -among the first to offer them. Then the father -and son, thus strangely reunited, retired together -to talk to one another alone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At a later date the chums accompanied Prince -Alondra and Monck on another visit to Sedenia. -This time they went as the guests of the newly -appointed King Lufendis. And there they visited -again, with Prince Yumalda and Malandris, all -those places where the former, as Malto, had so -adroitly aided them in their fortunate escape -from Agrando's dungeons. There, too, they saw -the wrecked pavilion, and learned for the first -time how narrowly they had avoided being buried -in its ruins.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Of Agrando, or the 'Ogre,' they saw nothing. -They had already gone to their lifelong -doom—exile and imprisonment in that same dismal -wilderness in which their victim, King Lufendis, -had passed so many years as the famous outlaw-chief.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>And so it came to pass that when, in due -time, the wondrous aerostat </span><em class="italics">Ivenia</em><span> set out upon -her return to Earth, she brought back with her -a larger load of treasure even than she had -carried to Mars. What had belonged to the -Diamond King, Ivanta, with royal scrupulousness, -restored to him. The rest of the jewels he -presented to Armeath and his two wards, who in -turn made over a share to their faithful servitors, -all thus becoming rich beyond their wildest -dreams.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the last moment, before leaving Mars, the -chums experienced a great disappointment. They -had quite expected that Prince Alondra would -accompany them; but King Ivanta firmly refused -his permission. For the present, at any rate, he -said, his son must remain to represent him, and -to take his place in looking after his people. -At some future time, perhaps, things might be -different.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'That means,' Alondra whispered to Gerald and -Jack, 'that he has it in his mind to bring me -to see you later on. He is thinking of going -upon a voyage of discovery to another planet, -and I think I may be able to induce him to call -for you to go with us.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>'Then,' said Gerald, 'it is not "Good-bye," but -"</span><em class="italics">Au revoir;</em><span>" which, being freely interpreted, means -"Perhaps Jack and I will see you again before -very long!"'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And perhaps they will. Who can say? The -two chums, at least, firmly believe that it will -come to pass; and that they are destined to take -their part in yet other journeys through space in -the company of the genial King Ivanta and his -vivacious son Alondra.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>THE END.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold large">SCIENCE FICTION</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"><span>About, Edmond. The Man with the Broken Ear. 1872 -<br />Allen, Grant. The British Barbarians: A Hill-Top Novel. 1895 -<br />Arnold, Edwin L. Lieut. Gullivar Jones: His Vacation. 1905 -<br />Ash, Fenton. A Trip to Mars. 1909 -<br />Aubrey, Frank. A Queen of Atlantis. 1899 -<br />Bargone, Charles (Claude Farrere, pseud.). Useless Hands. [1926] -<br />Beale, Charles Willing. The Secret of the Earth. 1899 -<br />Bell, Eric Temple (John Taine, pseud.). Before the Dawn. 1934 -<br />Benson, Robert Hugh. Lord of the World. 1908 -<br />Beresford, J. D. The Hampdenshire Wonder. 1911 -<br />Bradshaw, William R. The Goddess of Atvatabar. 1892 -<br />Capek, Karel. Krakatit. 1925 -<br />Chambers, Robert W. The Gay Rebellion. 1913 -<br />Colomb, P. et al. The Great War of 189-. 1893 -<br />Cook, William Wallace. Adrift in the Unknown, n.d. -<br />Cummings, Ray. The Man Who Mastered Time. 1929 -<br />[DeMille, James]. A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder. 1888 -<br />Dixon, Thomas. The Fall of a Nation: A Sequel to the Birth of a Nation. 1916 -<br />England, George Allan. The Golden Blight. 1916 -<br />Fawcett, E. Douglas. Hartmann the Anarchist. 1893 -<br />Flammarion, Camille. Omega: The Last Days of the World. 1894 -<br />Grant, Robert et al. The King's Men: A Tale of To-Morrow. 1884 -<br />Grautoff, Ferdinand Heinrich (Parabellum, pseud.). Banzai! 1909 -<br />Graves, C. L. and E. V. Lucas. The War of the Wenuses. 1898 -<br />Greer, Tom. A Modern Daedalus. [1887] -<br />Griffith, George. A Honeymoon in Space. 1901 -<br />Grousset, Paschal (A. Laurie, pseud.). The Conquest of the Moon. 1894 -<br />Haggard, H. Rider. When the World Shook. 1919 -<br />Hernaman-Johnson, F. The Polyphemes. 1906 -<br />Hyne, C. J. Cutcliffe. Empire of the World. [1910] -<br />In The Future. [1875] -<br />Jane, Fred T. The Violet Flame. 1899 -<br />Jefferies, Richard. After London; Or, Wild England. 1885 -<br />Le Queux, William. The Great White Queen. [1896] -<br />London, Jack. The Scarlet Plague. 1915 -<br />Mitchell, John Ames. Drowsy. 1917 -<br />Morris, Ralph. The Life and Astonishing Adventures of John Daniel. 1751 -<br />Newcomb, Simon. His Wisdom The Defender: A Story. 1900 -<br />Paine, Albert Bigelow. The Great White Way. 1901 -<br />Pendray, Edward (Gawain Edwards, pseud.). The Earth-Tube. 1929 -<br />Reginald, R. and Douglas Menville. Ancestral Voices: An Anthology of Early Science Fiction. 1974 -<br />Russell, W. Clark. The Frozen Pirate. 2 vols. in 1. 1887 -<br />Shiel, M. P. The Lord of the Sea. 1901 -<br />Symmes, John Cleaves (Captain Adam Seaborn, pseud.). Symzonia. 1820 -<br />Train, Arthur and Robert W. Wood. The Man Who Rocked the Earth. 1915 -<br />Waterloo, Stanley. The Story of Ab: A Tale of the Time of the Cave Man. 1903 -<br />White, Stewart E. and Samuel H. Adams. The Mystery. 1907 -<br />Wicks, Mark. To Mars Via the Moon. 1911 -<br />Wright, Sydney Fowler. Deluge: A Romance and Dawn. 2 vols. in 1. 1928/1929</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 6em"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="backmatter"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst" id="pg-end-line"><span>*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK </span><span>A TRIP TO MARS</span><span> ***</span></p> -<div class="cleardoublepage"> -</div> -<div class="language-en level-2 pgfooter section" id="a-word-from-project-gutenberg" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<span id="pg-footer"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><span>A Word from Project Gutenberg</span></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>We will update this book if we find any errors.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This book can be found under: </span><a class="reference external" href="https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/44534"><span>https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/44534</span></a></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright royalties. -Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this -license, apply to copying and distributing Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works to protect the Project Gutenberg™ concept and -trademark. 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