The Dark Planet

Hunt, Charles H.

The Dark Planet

Item

Title of Story: The Dark Planet
Critical Introduction: While the general narrative of an inventor finding a sphere that travels a corridor of air between Earth and an invisible planet 12 days away, introducing inventions to the natives and unwittingly bringing forward a long awaited revolution, much of the conversations between characters are philosophical in nature, discussing governments, social inequality, kingdoms, relationships and more besides.
Charle’s C. Hunt worked at the Punch newspaper in Queensland and The Dark Planet begins with a detailed description of a homestead in the North of Queensland. Similar to the self-published novel Thro’ Space (Rock 1909) which features Canadian and European travels transposed to Venus, The Dark Planet’s extensive descriptions allude to the possibility that Hunt might have travelled extensively through Asia. Further support to that is the interest with which the main character of Donald wanted to try the food and drink, without considering possible ramifications of bacteria, parasite, or simple reactions to chemical content, even though all the plants and animals were alien looking to him, and even the rabbit-sized toad-lizard pet that the elites owned and bejeweled were disgusting to him. This adventurous streak of the characters not worrying to much about dying permeates throughout.
The first third is predominantly world-building and describing characters. The second third, with the introduction of Pyrus who teaches Donald the language, engages in extensive philosophical discussions including debates on art and culture. The third reflects a rapidly appearing style of an adventurer on another world going through various trials and escaping death multiple times, each one crazier than the next, putting this story in a similar frame to Edgar Rice Burrows A Princess of Mars (1912) However, Burrow’s book isn’t mentioned in Trove’s repository of newspapers until 1918, which suggests Hunt might have had other influences.
Science influences abound, with a chemical oxygen system, discussions of gravity, planetary bodies, space, non-twinkling stars, risk meteorites, weightlessness, projectiles, engineering, burning up in the atmosphere, and more. He describes gravity equalisation between bodies in space, fearing he won’t be able to pass further than the centre of the air corridor “causing a counter attraction.” When trying to explain the differences in knowledge between Earth, the Dark Planet and the sphere, he surmises there must have been a third planet that broke up, and points to a misshapen moon orbiting the Dark Planet as likely evidence.
However, Hunt’s knowledge of the force of air equalisation in a vacuum is lacking as even though the air corridor between planets is thin, there doesn’t seem to be much consequence to leaving the spaceship door slightly ajar besides a drop in oxygen. Also, when a meteorite punctures through the sphere, he just blocks the holes materoffactly without fearing a sudden lack of air.
There is not consideration for the pressure of acceleration. “The machine left the ground with such velocity that it must have reached a height of nearly half a mile before I could check the speed.” But Hunt must have taken many balloon trips as he described how to navigate the lighter than air invention using the cloud directions, so perhaps he didn’t think the sudden acceleration was worth mentioning. As the story also mentions elevators perhaps he equated this acceleration to that.
What is notable is the shift to consideration of an alien device. ““That the thing was not of this earth had been my impression all along.” This was not a common thing in stories of the time. Most inventions were human made and those that were alien, such as in The World’s Last Wonder’ were not encountered until much later in the narrative and not described as alien but an invention that humans could have made.
In newspapers in Australia there weren’t that many stories that encountered extraterrestrials, which makes The Dark Planet a rariety, with only “The World’s Last Wonder,” and “An Aerial Adventure” featuring alien life around this time. It wasn’t until the 1920s, that more stories with alien life began appearing, such as The Space Germs, Space, Venus Calling and others. In The Dark Planet, the inhabitants are human-like near the top of their bodies and slightly more birdlike from the neck down, with tiny brown and grey feathers, and children described as fluffy.
Dominant technology in The Dark Planet seemed a cross between Star Wars and Star Trek, with floating barges and carboats that could remain three feet above the ground, and doors that slid up on approach. In fact, with so many floating barges, it is a wonder anyone had any security at all.
No doubt at this time toilets could not be mentioned but the narrative didn’t seem to allow Donald a chance to even disappear for a moment. While extensive talk about food, drink and sleep, and even the need for a shower, one wonders how he survived 12 days in a cramped spaceship with no toilet.
“Strange negative force was only utilised for lifting weights and transporting goods from one place to another.” The “antigravity medium” is never properly explained, except for one reminiscense describing a soldier removing the system from the base of a barge. But, the entire community relies on it. No heavy lifting.
Actually, I write many more pages but I’ll leave it to you to enjoy the story below.
Story Summary: The narrator finds an otherworldly orb. He climbs aboard and is suddenly taken to another planet where he begins to educate the medieval feathered men on science, falls in love, but has to escape in one of the craft back to Earth (and tell his story) Roughly! Summary to be updated when all sections can be read.
Science Fiction Subgenres: space opera; space fiction; sword and planet; Colonial; Exploration; Alien First Contact
Future Year Set: 1913
Inventions: Floating barges (Star Wars); Interplanetary space ship; Autopilot; Doors slide up on approach (Star Trek); Antigravity
Science: Interplanetary travel; Laws of Gravity
Science Extrapolations: anti-gravity
Similar Science Fiction: Any Carter / Basoom stories of the early 1900s.
Related Newspaper Fiction: The World's Last Wonder; An Aerial Adventure, or The Secret of a Scientist; Venus Calling
How this Story was Identified: Searching the To Be Continued Australian Newspaper Fiction Database export results with a KeyCloud
KeyClouds: electric scientific science engine earth world telescope current planet signal instrument
Running this again against the entire database (February 2024) finds 36 stories of which 8 are science fiction.
Date Details Added to IA: February 2023
Additional Information: "The Original Conception of an Australian Author"
"In this Serial, which calls upon science in a most entertaining fashion, Mr. C. H. Hunt displays a partiality for humorous satire which serves as a background for the wealth of incident. The characterisation is carried out with a regard for human possibilities seldom met with in novels' of a similar character. Once the initial demand on thtf reader's credulity is granted, tha whole plot becomes as reasonable and as logical as it is most certainly exciting and interesting. To get a new angle of view upon this world and its doings, is a paramount aim of every novelist. This, Mr. Hunt has most signally suceeded in achieving. "
"Readers are informed that the characters and inol* dents In this serial are all imaginary, the narrative beinjj. of course, pure fiction, and there cantherefore' be no question of any reference beinO made or reflection conveyed concerning any Hvir|3 person or any public body or company."
Attributed Author: Hunt, Charles H.
Nationality: Australian (From the newspaper introduction)
Biographical and Other Sources: Charles H. Hunt's Art and Newspaper Work; Text from the State Library of NSW online catalogue: "The artist, Charles H. Hunt was a foundation member of the Art Society of New South Wales and worked for the Centennial Magazine, The Illustrated Sydney News, The Queensland Punch and The Bulletin"
Mentioned Elsewhere: The poor OCR was discussed on Neil Hogan's blog in April 2023.; The Dark Planet
Single or Serialised: Serialised
First Published Date of Last Installment: 1913-09-27
Year For Sorting: 1913
Date Range: 1913-07-20-1913-09-21
Number of Installments: 12 Chapters
Complete or Supplemented: Complete
Estimated Word Count: 70,000
Length: Novel
Links in To Be Continued: https://readallaboutit.com.au/#/title/55093
Newspaper Name Location Years: Sunday Times Sydney, NSW, 1895-1930
Location Town City: Sydney
Location State Territory: New South Wales
Provincial or Metro: Metropolitan
Also Published in: The Globe (Sydney) 1911-1914
Language: English
OCR from TBC and Trove: The Dark Planet by Charles H. Hunt
Sunday Times (Sydney) 20 July 1913-21 September 1913.
(Also in The Globe (Sydney) each instalment one week later)
THE ORIGINAL CONCEPTION OF AN AUSTRALIAN AUTHOR.
In this Serial, which calls upon science in a most entertaining fashion, Mr. C. H. Hunt displays a partiality for humorous satire which serves as a background for the wealth of incident. The characterisation is carried out with a regard for human possibilities seldom met with in novels' of a similar character. Once the initial demand on thtf reader's credulity is granted, tha whole plot becomes as reasonable and as logical as it is most certainly exciting and interesting. To get a new angle of view upon this world and its doings, is a paramount aim of every novelist. This, Mr. Hunt has most signally sue* ceeded in achieving. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
'IT FELL LII£E SOME DEAD THING'— A BATTLE IN MID-AIR.
'HE CAME AT ME 'WITH HIS SFEAR POIS ED FOR A DEADLY THRUST' —A HAIRBREADTH ESCAPE.
'THE LIGHT FELL UPON SOMETHING WHITE IN THE OUTER DARKNESS'— THE THRILLING FALL THROUGH SPAC3.
CHAPTER I. I
'Is it. an experiment in chemistry, or is it a 7om;i)s J;-.ck I Ian ley addressed this dual question apparently t-- Uie cigar he held between his fingers. for lie tf.ii frowning at it as though expecting a reply. After regarding it solemnly f' i- nearly a minute he flicked away the ash, ;uh:, placing the aromatic weed between his tfctii, sank lazily back in the canvas chair v ai' i'.ins the smoke as it ascended and lost itself among the network of jointed shoots aud gi eeii tapering ribbons of a great clump of bamboo, beneath which he had found a cool retreat i!o:n the tropic sun.
?'ihm; name;,- was talcing a noiiciay. At tne iiiviiatiori of his friend, Donald Astor.. he had c.iine up from Sydney to spend a week or two ,v. the latter's place, a comfortable homestead \ v in the North of Queensland, which Astor li:- ?: become possessed of some -two years ago. \\'h--n the property came into his Jiands on the ('.i :i : It of his father it comprised, besides the b-.r.i'iings. a large cattle station, which Astor had worked successfully for some years. 1 however, whose pursuits were d'iametrtcnliy opposite to the business of cattle-raising, foun:! a purchaser for the land and stock in Dunlon, a retired Indian Officer, reservi::-: '.he homestead and a few acres surrounding ii for his own- residence. The k'.rge, airy -cottage, with its wide verandahs, stood in' the mid'st of a uicturesque gar(V:;, where roses vied with the brilliant hibis-?:!?. and the homely geranium was sheltered by tree-ferns aud waving palms. Situated, as it was, on the high tablelands, thne was usually a freshness in the air even during the tropical heat of the Summer months, an 1 for the remainder of the year an ideal i limine prevailed. Altogether, it was a delightf't! spot, dull, perhaps, to those fond of amusement and social pleasures, but to anyone of a Fiwilious turn of mind it was all that could be i oh red. I ?Tack's holiday had extended itself into six v. eeks, and still he lingered. His host's exri'.ssed wish and his own inclination both prompted him to stay. As an accepted writer n' ~ l-r.™ ,1,, fro o in:; on some of the London magazines, and conF'iuently his work did not demand his presence ii- any particular place. Furthermore, he was or- of those fortunate individuals who are not hampered by pecuniary considerations. Not that h - was wealthy, by any means, but he had inherited a fair competence, Which left him free to do as he pleased. ? ? ? ? These, in themselves, were good and sufficient rmsons for not hastening his departure. But th'-re was another cause which he did not admit fvon to himself. . . Since his introduction to Major Dunlop and hi:; daughter, Stella, who were near neighbors, if was surprising how frequently Jack found it necessary to. consult .the .Major on various matters which a retired military officer could hardly be expected to have much' knowledge of. I: ii happened to be a question o'f a (Teal in r.-.ttle, or the. extermination of_rabbits, or even fc:; opinion on the stability of the House of Lords, the Major was always ready to give his i vi- ws: but when it came to budding rose trees or the best method of growing carnations from stings, he would smile to- himself, and, being ; a' old soldier, and a strategist, would reply : 'F- iter ask Stelfa, my. boy; she knows all about litany. I can hardly tell a sweet pea from a b---root.' ? . ''he outcome was usually a walk in the gar-?'?' with Stella, a discussion on horticulture ?'-.till oilier things, and very often a practical 1 -son on the propagation of young plants, in all ?-: which the mendacious Jack appeared to take absorbing interest, while the fair gardener ?'? '. Id glance at him' out of her soft brown eye3 3r.d pretend to be quite oblivious of lu's illteiKTaled admiration, all of which v'oes to show that the gentle art of gardening is not without u.-; dangers. I-i-'.ng a willing captive of the little blind god l.huself, it was not surprising that Jack should li.'ivr- nursed the idea that his friend, Donald ?A? tor, might have caught the infection, for ic-r.duct during the past month' or more had 1 tainly been strange. As a matter of fact, | Jack had seen yery little of his friend since his | u;rival. i;ut Donald had always . been more or less j ( Mierent from other people. Even as a boy he! j v.-.-it: quiet and studious, and was more 'often seen with a book than a cricket bat. His preference for abstruse subjects and love for experimenting had earned him the -nickname of 'Pro-I fessor' among his schoolfellows, and it had stuck to him ever since. E The big laboratory, or workshop, which had | t-ccn recently built, in a corner of the garden, ! and which had always been open to any of his | friends, was now closed to everyone but the I ov-T.er. Even Giles, his gardener and hand'y§ man, whose duty it had been to sweep the place out every week,, had been relieved of his task, 'with instructions that no one was to be permitt'1 ! ; o enter on any pretext whatever. It was in this sanctum that Donald had been sr end ing tb.e 'greater part of 'his time, only varying the confinement by taking walks alone, lj a.M frequently- not . returning till late at night. I £r:,all wonder, then, that Jack was feeling unwsy about his friend, and trying to assign a cause for his exclusiveness. 'He wants someone to take him' out of himEi'Tf,' he said, half aloud, 'if the begjgar would get a wife.' '?Huilo.' Jack, what are you muttering about ?' .! ,.ek turned quickly, 'I didn't hear you coruHon.. this lawn is soft as a carpet.' ' I 'Vou must blame Gfcles for that; anyway, I'll si r ''.own in the shade, for TnTitfost infernally ?;'i saying, he stretched himself on the grass n drew a deep breath. He bore traces of fiiLi^ue and insufficient sleep, the dark hair and eyes seeming to accentuate the paleness of his face. He was Jack's senior by about nine years, a tall, well-set-up man of thirty-five, but, like most men of studious habits, looked somewhat older. Under normal conditions he was physically robust, and could hold his own both at tennis and golf against most of the younger players in the neighborhood. Apparently something unusual ha-T occurred recently which seemed to have claimed him, body and mind. Jack had cudgelled his brains for a solution of the mystery, .and rather than adroit his failure, had conjured 'up a mythical woman as a possible cause. 'You certainly look as though a rest would do you good,' he said. 'It would, Jack, and I'm going to have a day or so of idleness. I've had so much to think of ,la1;e-ly that a whole lifetime seems to have crowded itself into the last few weeks, and I'm still a long way off the goal.'' 'Is it worth while ?' 'I sometimes ask myself the same question. Is anything worth while ? Think of the smallness of it all. Here wc arc, a number of atoms born into this world, which in itself is only an atom among millions of others, and for an infinitesimal span out of the eternity of years we are endowed with what we call life — some to gain the prizes which most/ of -us strive for, fame, leadership, titles/gold ; while' others find nothing but pover.ty,' degradation, and crime; and the end of all is the same.'. ' 'Eggs to-day, and feather dusters tomorrow,' as the philosophic rooster remarked.'' 'Exactly. We all scratch and crow and light for supremacy, be it to gain a throne or a dunghill — and for what? It .is only, fear cf dea'-h which causes us to cling to an existence, which, after all, end in the very thing we have been striving to avoid.' ' . 'And yet many peopie^jsvill risk'' their lives, aud frequently sacrifice. them, to gain some end which cannot benefit them or anyone else.' 'Mostly vanity and dramatic display ; egotism and a craving for ' notoriety will prompt some of us to climb slippery mountain peaks, risk being killed by niggers -or fever, in order to slaughter wild beasts, . or join suicide clubs. It probably serves, some purpose, if it is only to supply the newspapers with sensational copy.' : 'You are growing cynical, Don, and cynicism is said to be one of the attributes, of bachelorhood. Have you even contemplated getting married ?'« 'I have thought on the subject, of course, hut there is not enough of the sporting instinct in me to take the risk myself. With our present-day laws and .conventions and social decrees, marriage is the only possible solution of the sex prcrblem. After ' all, it is merely a substitute which hitherto has answered its purpose indifferently well, but, according to the present rate of. retrogression, in some countries, it will require considerable amendment before many generations have passed. I nold with the old saying that a man cannot serve two masters faithfully. To attain the heights in .almost everything — Art, Literature, Mechanics —requires the concentration of one's faculties and the greater part of one's time, on the task to be mastered ; consequently, domestic life, children, social duties, would be outside the mental horizon, and would suffer accordingly. Life is too short, and one's capacity too. small to hold both.' It must be one or the other Which to choosc is a debatable point and a matter of temperament.' 'And what about exceptions. Is it possible that a great idea may never materialise without the incentive which a wife sometimes supplies ?''It 'It is rare to find two natures of opposite sexes attuned to produce perfect harmony. A man with domestic ties' might realise a great achievement, not through any active assistance oii the part of his wife, but simply through her self-sacrifice in relieving him of many of the home worries which would otherwise handicap him in the struggle -for success. Even I when he has gained his ends it is questionable | whether he has not lost mere than the prize is worth, and the woman only has the doubtful compensation of being known as the wife of the eminent So-and-so. Deep down in her heart there must be a craving for something more than that. When you marry, Jack, as you undoubtedly ? will, ? don't aspire to 'anything abnormal. Love, work, recreation, rest, -in fair, proportions, to lie taken' daily. I believe true happiness is to be found in mediocrity, and lew of us- can' realise it. For myself, I am about to act diametrically opposite to my own convictions, . and since I cannot take my own advice; I am offering it to yon:' 'D.on,, old. chap, . what's wrong ? I don't re-, cognise you in this mood. -If I can be of any use to' you ? 'I -know, Jack ; you are JboTe' kind than I deserve, for: I've been -a -poor sort of a companion to you and. neglected my duties as host shamefully. And now rT want to ask a favor of you. i am. obsessed .with 'a-theory which I must try to prove alone, and to -do so Will necessitate my going away for a time— it may be for a few weeks, or even months, - perhaps for ever.' ?' - ..' - Jack looked -at his 'friend keenly. 'What do you mean, Don ? For Heaven's' sake, don't talk like that.'- ? - . / 'Forgive me, Jack .; I do not wish to upset you, but I cannot explain more fully now. I shall be leaving 'here' in the. course' of , a day or so. Possibly, my' d-epartur(K wiil be. sudden ; but, before i go, I want you' to promise me something.' . .-? The younger man 'said nothing, hut gravely nodded.' 'You have no call to live in a city,' continued Donald, 'so 'I Want, to ask you'' to stay here permanently during my absence. I Will give instructions that yrfu are to be considered the master of the house, and my income will be placed at your disposa}'' to do .with exactly. As you think lit. 1 have already arranged it with ffij hankers.' 'But, my dear fellow, this is quixotic ; 'I have my own income, and you will wanfmoney yourself. You arc surely not going to turn monk and live on dried peas ?' 'Do not fear. I shall take sufficient for my needs. Say no more about it, but give me your promise, and you will be doing me a real service.' Jack grasped the hand held out to him. 'I'm quite in the dark, Don, but I'll do anything you wish, and ask no questions. If I could only persuade you to stay, to give up this idea, whatever it is ? But there, I know you of old ; once your mind is made up to do a thing, nothing on this earth wilV stop you.' 'You are a true friend, Jack, and I thank you. With that off my mind, I am going to be ab'-' solutely lazy for a time — to eat, sleep, play, and loaf, to listen to the singing of birds, to inhale the scent of flowers, and to enjoy God's pure air and sunshine. Why don't these things content us ? Why are we always cravipg for others we have not got, some knowledge which has been denied us ?' 'I suppose it is all in life's scheme,' observed Jack ; 'I have just been bitten by a mosquito. \\-hy should I be made to suffer because an insect happens to be hungry ?' 'Life is one eternal question from babyhood to old age, and. the little we learn only excites our curiosity to know more. Possibly the juue-viuii.u is just now grieving over his interrupted meal, and wondering why he should be subjected to such annoyance.' 'He might, if I had not killed him.' 'Then it is quite likely you have done- him a service, and saved him from the horrors of indigestion. Ah ! here come the Major and Miss Dunlop. I sent Giles over with an informal invitation to dinner this evening. I hai nearly forgotten it. I hope you don't mind ?' But Jack was half-way across the lawn to meet -them almost 'before Don had risen to his feet. Although it was not an evenly-balanced quartette at dinner that evening no one appeared to wish it otherwise. And when the meal was over it seemed quite natural for Jack and Stella to wander out into the garden, while Donald and the Major smoked and discussed the probabilities of a German invasion. It was the hour- of twilight and of love. The stars, those mysterious glimmerings of other worlds, were beginning to show faintly in the deepening shade. A gentle rose-scented breeze now arid' again sighed among the' feathery tops ?f the bamboo, and, having whispered its secret :here,'- came softly down and caressed the loose tendrils of Stella's hair as she walked demurely y Jack's side. A tall sunflower bowed its golden head as they passed and a full-blown rose scattered its white petals unnoticed at .heir feet; 'land in hand they wandered across the lawn, oblivious of the flowers' homage or of the bellbird's silver note in yonder mimosa bush, for a tory^old as the world, yet so new, was being told again; a story that has been repeated every day and every hour through all the ages. As they were driving home Major Dunlop remarked to his daughter that it was on'e of tho pleasantest evenings he had ever spent, and Stella acquiesced. The next moment she flung her arms round his neck and kissed him. The Major laughed, and patted her cheek, and then blew his nose violently. 'I've seen it coming, Stel,' he said, 'and have been trying'' to make up my mind to the inevit-; able. Jack Hanley is a nice boy, and I'm glad, very glad. I suppose he will be over to see me to-morrow.' 'He is. going to call at eleven, dad.' ' Her father smiled, and then . tried to look fierce. 'I'm going to stand' up for my rights, Stel. It must be a conditional surrender. He can only have you if he agrees to my terms. This stipulation I make is that you- are to live within a reasonable distance of- your old dad. No (North of Scotland or South' of France nonsense. I hate travelling, and I shall want to see my little girl sometimes. But, there, I mustn't be selfish. Make the most of your time while you're young. Travel about and see the world and enjoy yourselves, and if you can put in a few Weeks with the old fossil now and then he will always be ready to welcome you.' Stella hugged him again. 'Of course, wc shall come and see you, you old silly: Do you think we could desert you J altogether? And I'm sure Jack will do anything you wish. 'Anything you wish, you mean, my dear. I know; I was young myself once, and I don't think human nature has changed much since then. Here,. we are home again, and nearly .12 o'clock, time all little girls were in bed. I'll stage the nag, and then go to bye-bye myself.' The following morning Jack was out before breakfast gathering a big bunch of roses and humming a lively air as he selected the choicest blooms he could find. The sound of a door being closed and locked caused him to turn, and he saw Donald coming towards him. 'I'm stealing your roses, Don,' he called out; 'all the best ones.' 'It is as obvious as their destination,' Donald replied, as he drew near. 'A man in love, is an irresponsible being, and must be humored; all. the same I should like to exact a penalty. No doubt you will be staying to lunch with Major Dunlop, and it is more than likely you will be j asked to remain, for dinner and the rest of the f evening, but to-night, Jack, will y°urr5r^lfIiiii whim of mine and dine with me? There will | only be our two selves.' 'Certainly I will,, if you wish it.' 'Even if Miss Dunlop asks you to stay?' 'I'm engaged to dine with my friend, Donald Astor.' ? 'Thank you, Jack. I must seem selfish, but it means a good deal to me.' Jack felt somewhat' puzzled at his friend's request. They had been dining together nearly every day ever since his arrival, and it appeared strange that Donald should single out that day in particular to. solicit his company without offering any cogent reason for doing so. At any other time Jack might have, given it more thought, but an accepted lover, of only twelve fours' standing finds^little time to speculate on 'other people's eccentricities, so ^he. finished- his 'breakfast without alluding to'^he subject, and shortly after was galloping his horse across the paddocks towards Major Dunlop's house. To Donald a day's lazing was a new experience. Occupation, like idleness, becomes a habit, and the man who has been accustomed to fill every minute of his time with work finds it just as difficult to rest from his labors when the opportunity offers, as for the idle one to do a day's work. Left to himself 'lie picked up a newspaper from the weekiy budget, and, sinking into an easy chair, idly scanned the cables and latest news items, but evidently found little to interest him, for ten minutes later he tossed the paper aside and went to the window which overlooked the garden. The housemaid in a clean muslin frock and flower-bedecked hat was walking quickly down the' path leading to the gates. Evidently it was her 'day off,' wliich. accounted foi the holiday attire. She stopped for a moment as though to make certain she was not observed, and then hastily gathering a pink rose, wlucn she fastened to her blouse, tripped gaily off with the prize. Donald, watching the little nefarious act from the window, smiled to himself. 'My roses appear to be in great demand this morning. That blushing queen of flowers is probably destined to decorate the check garment of the young man at the store. 'Sic transit gloria mundi,' even the brief life of a flower has its vicissitudes.' The advent of lunch enabled him to kill another half-hour, and then, as though some new idea had occurred to him, he took a rug and pillow into the garden, and placing them in a sheltered spot, solved the difficulty of getting through the day without labor by falling sound asleep, and only awoke some hours later- by hearing Jack's voice reiterating the fact that dinner was ready. . Ihat little cetc-a-tete dinner was impressed on Jack's memory for long after, for it was the prelude to a mystery which for many months baffled all his ellorts to penetrate. For once Donald seemed to have thrown off all his late seriousness, and almost boyish in his gaiety. He talked of the merest trifles, nad laughed over reminiscences of school-day pranks and youthful love episodes. It was only when they rose to retire that he bcame suddenly grave. His eyes seemed to shine with unnatural -brightness as he placed, his hand affectionately on Jack's shoulder. 'Good night, old friend, and God bless you. Yvho knows what the future holds for us both ? It is good to have a friend.- in this world of self-interest and counterfeit emotions, friendship is like a rare gem, and should be prized above everything. Good night and good luck.' Jack went to bed feeling depressed and uncomfortable, and dropped' off to sleep only to awake with a start a couple of hours later, possessed with a sensation of apprehension and inexplicable dread. He struck a match and looked at his watch. The hands pointed to a few minutes after midnight. Drawing aside, the window curtain, he peered into the blackness outside. Big drops of rain were beginning to splash against the window panes, and~as fee let the curtain fall back into its place a dazzling sheet of flame shot across the sky, followed by a crash of 'thunder which shook the , house. . 'Rotten night to be out !' he muttered, slipping back into bed- But it was not till the storm had nearly spent ? itself that sleep once more closed his eyes. j In spite of his broken rest, Jack, who was a fairly early riser, was up and . about before seven o'clock, enjoying the freshness which the storm had imparted to the morning air. He saw Giles coming towards him from the direction of the laboratory, with a key in his hand, and looking very solemn. 'Good morning. Giles. Nice rain last night.' 'Mornin*, sir. Yes — a bit too heavy to do much good. There's a letter for you in the hall, sir.' 'All right, Giles— thanks; -b.ut it's surely too early for the post. ' When did it come ?' 'It didn't come by post, , sir. I think the boss must have left it for you.' ... 'Left it ? Why, surely ? ' . ' ; 'Beg pardon, sir, but I don't think he's here. [ found the' workshop door open and the key in the lock.'. ' Jack experienced the same, feeling of dread which had oppressed him when he awoke in the night. ? .''We all know Mr. Astor contemplated taking a'holiday., but ,it is hardly likely that he would go away in the middle of the night — and on i such a night, too. He has probably gone for a |morning walk and will be back shortly; or he, may not be up yet.' Giles shook his head. 'Perhaps you are right, sir, but 1 have my doubts. He is always very particular about' having the gates locked, in case some stray animal might get in among the flowers. 1- saw him last night after he left you. and he told me to lock up as usual and keep the key myself. That seemed a bit strange, and when I came out first thing this morning the gates were fastened just as I left them. Hadn't you better read the letter, sir ?' 'Of course. -It's waste of time speculating.' Jack hastened into the house. On a smalltable in the hall lie found a letter addressed to himself. His hands were not quite steady as he broke tho seal and drew o.ut a sheet of letter paper which was folded round a small . key. The letter read as follows : — My Dear Jack, — Blame me as little as you can for leaving you so unceremoniously, it could not have been otherwise. Our farewells were spoken last night, and I go cheerfully, knowing that, so far as we poor humans can control things, your future happiness is assured. I earnestly ask you not to worry on my account. If I succeed in the enterprise I have embarked on, you may see me again any time within six months from the date on this paper. ] am a fatalist in some things, and have a strong presentiment that 1 shall win through; but should no word come to you within that period you may conclude that J another atom of dust has been blown away into the unknown. I The key which you will find enclosed opens the small safe in the library, in which you will find a packet addressed to yourself. Should I fail to put in an appearance or send you word within the. time specified, you will open it and read the contents. The world is sceptical, and will accept nothing without proof. You, my friend, are the only person to whom I would confide a statement of facts amazing beyond general belief. The document will explain many things which at present must appear to you strange and mysterious. And now, Jack. I think that is all. You will find everything in order, but should anything crop up on which you require advice, my lawyer will serve you and carry out any instructions you wish. In fact, till we meet again I am you. I thank you for accepting this trust, and that you will find happiness and contentment is the prayer of your friend, DONALD ASTOR. After he had finished reading the letter,' Jack stood still, regarding it for fully a minute. Except for the fact that Donald had gone, it left him wholly in the dark as to his destination. The tone of the letter suggested finality, and yet there was an optimistic strain running through it which betokened hope. Suddenly Jack thought of the servants. They would have to be told some plausible story, as anything savoring of mystery would become a theme for gossip that would quickly spread over the district. Giles, his wife (who acted as housekeeper), and two girls comprised the whole staff; so it should not be difficult. Seeing that Giles knew almost as much as he did himself, and was to be trusted, Jack quickly decided to take the man into his confidence to a certain extent, and make him . the medium of imparting the news to the others. He found him still in the garden, evidently waiting to hear something definite. 'You are right, Giles,' said Jack, 'endeavor-ing to speak cheerfully. 'Mr. Astor went last night. He doesn't say when he will be back, possibly not for some time. - 'Yes, sir, but — ' 'I Know what you have in your mind ; you are puzzled as to ,how he got away without opening the gates. Well, I confess I am as much in the dark as you are. However, we will keep that to ourselves. If anyone should inquire for Mr. Astor you will simply tell them that he has gone away for a change, and that the date, of his return is uncertain. Mrs. Giles and the servants had better know that at once. We must not give people a chance of talking.' 'Very well, sir, I understand perfectly.' 'Mr. Astor has requested me to stay here and take charge during his absence, and I want everything to go on just the same as if he were here himself.' 'Very well, sir, I'll go and tell the missus now.'. As soon as the man had gone Jack walked very slowly round the grounds, carefully scrutinising the^ paths and flower beds. 'Al-though. the ground was soft from the rain, there was no sign of footprints or anything which might give him a clue to the secret of Donald's strange nocturnal vanishing. Cautious inquiries in the township, some three miles away, were equally futile ; his friend had certainly not ^eft by coach. Later on, the post, too, had failed to bring him any news, and there remained nothing else to do but to wait. It was a riddle for which he could find no answer.

CHAPTER II.
Six 'months had elapsed since that stormy .night when Donald Astor had so strangely left his home. AH attempts on the part of his friend Jack to' trace his whereabouts had proved fruitless. He ? was utterly lost to his friends that he might have been non-existent. Indeed, Jack's hopes of ever seeing him again had fallen to zero, and he had come to the sad conclusion that his friend was dead. / It was Winter now, but only in name, for a cooler temperature was the only indication to mark the change of seasons. No blighting breath had transformed the trees' evergreen garb to russet and gold, and no cutting blasts stripped their leafy mantles, leaving them naked and bare to await the magic touch of Spring. Nature was all unchanged. The sun rose and / set in a cloudless sky, and day followed day, clear, bright, and balmy. Under the verandah of Major Dunlop's bungalow, Stella was dispensing afternoon tea. It was her 'At Home' day, and Jack -breathed a sigh of thankfulness as the last of her callers rose to1 depart, l'or both he and the Major, being the only men among a bevy of frock-talking lauies, « ere beginning to ieel the strain. Stella moved the little table with its dainty Japanese teacups away from their 'proximity anu possible harm. ''iou men have feet and elbows,' she remarked. '1 shouldn't like anything to happen to my china.' 'Quite right. Stel,' said the Major ; 'we have 1 been known to break things, and Jack seems very fidgety this afternoon. 1 think he' must he itching to get away.' Jack looKea at Stella, and they both smiled. 'As a matter of tact,' said Jack, 'I shall have to leave almost immediately. Although it is against my inclination, duty calls me. 1 think I mentioned that Mr. Astor left a packet with me to be opened should he not return within six months. Yesterday was the last day of the term specified, and 1 am naturally anxious to carry out his wish.' 'Have you quite given up hope, Jack?' asked Stella. 'I'm afraid so, dear. The time he stated as the limit of his absence has passed, and he has made no sign. It is a terrible thing to lose a friend, and to be for ever in doubt as to whether he is alive or dead.' 'Do you know, Jack, something tells me that Mr. Astor is still alive. I cannot explain the feeling, but my mind seems to reject the idea that he is dead, and I have a presentiment almost amounting to conviction that ' we shall see him again:' 'Sweet prophetess ! How much happier the world would be if we all had your faith.' Stella looked out dreamily, over the garden. 'Yes,' she said, 'faith is a great comforter. There is always a little glimmer' of light somewhere in the darkness. Don't extinguish it yet, Jack.' 'I thought it had gone out, but I believe you have fanned -it into life again, and now I shall still hope to see poor old Don at our wedding.' 'It is more than likely that the packet will give you some idea of what he is doing,' remarked the Major. 'Anyway, it is certainly your, clear duty to open it. Why a man should go away and not even, write to his best friend passes my understanding. It is positively uncanny.' 'Jack will probably have something to tell us to-morrow, Dad,' remarked Stella. 'The whole thing will most likely appear quite ordinary and natural.' . 'Let us hope so. You may not think it, Jack, but I have worried over this affair a lot, and, do you know, I have searched the country all round for miles, thinking Astor might -have met with some accident, or— — You don't think he had any trouble and took his own life ?' 'Not for a moment. I think I know him well enough to scout the idea altogether. Wherever he has gone it was premeditated, and carefully planned.' 'Well, Jack, you had better be off and attend to the matter. We shall expect to see you again to-morrow.' It would be a hard task for many men to content themselves with the homely existence which Jack had led for the past half-year. They would probably have pronounced it dull | and lonely, and longed for a little more of the dubious quantity they call 'life.' But, fortunately for Jack, his literary work absorbed a good deal of his time ;. he found plenty of rccreation in riding or on the neighboring golf links, and, moreover, he was shortly to be married to the girl he loved. Altogether he was content with the lot fortune had assigned him, and was unconsciously praetisihg the. formula of love, work, recreation, and rest, which Donald had prescribed as the ideal existence. Jack had gone 1To the library three separate times during the morning with the intention of examining the packet, and each time he had been interiupted by either Giles ;or the housekeeper with some small matter- which required his attention, and then came a note from Stella requesting him to join her afternoon party. It seemed as though these every-day trifles were being used by some occult power to delay his intention. But now the whole evening was before him.' He hurried through his solitary dinner, and before S o'clock found himself 'once more facing the little iron safe in the corner of the library, and feeling like a burglar as he fitted the key into the lock. His pulse quickened as he removed the packet and carried -it over to the writing-table 'into the circle of light thrown by a .small shaded lamp. As a preliminary Jack filled and lighted his pipe,_ and when he 'was satisfied that it was drawing freely, slowly cut the edge of the large envelope and drew out several sheets of letter pa ner elesely written, in Donald's hand-writing. He turned the pages rapidly, and , then reexamined the cover, evidently in the hope of finding a letter, but there was no further enclosure, so he drew his chair nearer the light and commenced to. read. It was headed, 'To' my friend John Hanley,' and a short note was written underneath : 'Dear Jack, — The following is a simple description of the events- which led me to forsake everything for a shadowy creation of my own brain. After reading it through, you will understand why no tidings have ever -reached you of your friend Donald Astor.' ? Then it read as follows : 'About two years ago the newspapers gave an account of the loss of a submarine and the sacrifice of several lives ! through the supply- of air failing before the j vessel could be brought to the surface.
'For some time past I had been deeply interested in the subject of air-storage, and had already worked out a theory which only required some practical tests to decide its value. 'The newspaper paragraph impressed me so much that I determined to take up the subject seriously, feeling that I should be well repaid if I only earned the thanks of the brave workers whom it was intended to benefit. After nearly a year's work,, comprising many failures and a large expenditure of money, my efforts were rewarded with complete success. 'I will not weary you with the technical details, but merely state that it is a chemical process, and consists of two separate liquids. A small quantity of -each introduced into a specially-constructed cylinder and allowed to mix, will generate sufficient air, highly compressed^ to keep a human being alive for three days. It can be let out at will, and the cylinder re-r charged .without difficulty and danger. 'I was so delighted with the result of my labors that I determined to approach the Government in order to bring it into practical use for mining and submarine vessels, when an amazing thing happened which changed all my plans, and turned my discovery to another uso altogether. 'It had been a habit of mine to take solitary, walks at unusual hours, and frequently betweea midnight and cockcrow I have wandered out feeling like the only living thing in a dead world. 'Waking one' morning at about 3 o'clock, I dressed and let myself out. .The sky. was clear and the stars iwere growing faint in. the first grey light of approaching dawn. I had not walked a hundred paces when 1 described a . curious-looking Object on the ' grass near tha paddock fence. In the dim light it appeared like a gigantic bubble or globe of glass. As first I thought it might be caused by . soma emanation of moisture from the earth, and fully expected to see it disolve and vanish in the first light breeze, but as I drew nearer tha outline became more marked, and I saw plainly, that it was something solid and tangible. 'The thing was perfectly spherical in form^ about nine feet in diameter and of a pale bluish tint like Venetian glass. It was quite transparent, and gave out a metallic ring when rapped with the knuckles, and although it seemed a heavy' body, it moved quite easiljr when I pushed it slightly with my hand. 'For some time I could do nothing but gaza at it in bewilderment, for I had never seen anything like it before, and could find no theory, to account for its being there, or for its exists ence at all. 'Why not secure it ? The idea was no sooner conceived than I acted upon it. In spate of its great size, moving it. was a simple matter. At the first push it rose a few inches from the ground and drifted like an air balloon till the impetus I gave it was expended. I pushed and guided it without much trouble, and in less than ten minutes it was safely within my own grounds. As I opened the big double doors of my laboratory I was in a fever of doubt whether, they would be wide enough to admit it; but to my intense relief, it passed through with som* inches to spare. 'Now that my morning's discovery was safely housed-, I was too impatient to iwait till daylight, so, after taking the precaution to draw, the blinds of . the lower windows, I lighted a lamp and proceeded to examine it more carefully. While pushing. it along I had observed that it contained some' internal fittings, but had been too excifed and eager to get it into my ? possession to pay much attention to details. 'A casual- survey revealed no means of entrance to this, strange apartment, but on more careful observation I found a metal knob;' which, on being turned and pulled sideways, caused a small door to slide back, leaving an opening about three feet square, through which I crawled, and found myself standing on a level floor like a sheet of glass. This .floor was apparently solid, and very thick in . the centra being, ,in fact, one piece with the outside shell, In the centre, raised from the floor, was a slab of the same material supporting a low settee or couch with a pile of silky drapery lying on it, and a cushion with a curious design Worked into t.he fabric. ...' 'But the 'objects -which drew my attention most were two cylindrical pillars or shafts, one on either side of the couch, standing up from the floor, and measuring about a foot in height and three inches in diameter. Encircling the base 'Of each shaft was a flat, circular object, about an inch in thickness, and the size of an ordinary plate. They were grey in color, and looked like large washers. . ! , - 'I - leaned forward and lifted one of these discs from its position. It was very heavy- for its size, and composed of some metallic substance which ' I was unable to classify. No sooner was it removed from contact with the shaft than the whole structure seemed to settlo itself more firmly on the ground, as though it had suddenly received an access of weight. -On my getting out and pushing it as I had dona before it resisted all my efforts to move it; but when I replaced the disc it immediately resumed its former condition of buoyancy. 'The thing was an enigma growing more complex every minute. 6nce more I go inside and made a fresh discovery. (TO BE CONTINUED.)

CHAPTER II. (continued.)
'Beneath the drapery at the foot of the ; couch was another knob similar to the doorhandle. By working it in the same way I drew back the sliding lid of a wooden box divided into twelve compartments, two being empty, and in each o£ the others was a disc, the counterpart of those I have already described. I felt shy in touching these things which generated euch a mysterious force, but in a few moments curiosity asserted itself, and I carefully removed two of them. After ^examining them - minutely, I gently slid one over each shaft till they rested on those already there. The^ effect was astounding, for the machine rose directly from the ground, and almost before I had time to realise what was happening it had carried ? me up till it touched the roof of the laboratory, where it remained pressed against the boarded ceiling. 'It was extraordinary that I could do nothing ibut stare stupidly at the thing which had ap- parently upset the law of gravity. Then the liumor of the situation presented itself. Through a small window opposite, Ihigh up in the wall 'i caught a glimpse of the stolid Giles pulling up weeds in the garden, for it was ?broad daylight now, and I laughed aloud as I pictured his blank stare of astonishment if he could have seen me in my present supernatural position. 'Without doubt ho would oe justified in giving me a week's notice on the spot. 'In a flash the principle of its ^forking was made plain, aad I knew that the secret ?which Nature had guarded so closely for countless centuries was now wrested from its casket, and added to the list of latter-day wonders. 'But by whom ? No man could make such a stupendous discovery and turn it to use without it becoming known to the world. 'That the thing was not of this earth had ...been my impression all along, and now all doubt was set at rest by this extraordinary demonstration of its powers. I was thoroughly convinced that it came from somewhere beyond the earth. But from where ? The question appeared unanswerable. The -much-discussed planet Mars seemed the only feasible explanation of its birthplace. Could it have got adrift and travelled all those millions of miles to finally settl-3 down on this earth ? The possibility was Improbable. My thoughts turned to the other heavenly bodies -in the Solar system, but could not get beyond the query mark. 'Compared with the immensity of the subject our knowledge of astronomy is infinitesimal. The stars are still shrouded in mystery, and the moon, although our nearest neighbor, withholds secrets which science has been unable to probe. Even knowledge of the sphere which we inhabit only comes to us (by degrees, and new forces with startling- results are added every, year. 'I sat up aloft puzzling over the question, and was beginning to despair of ever arriving at any definite or satisfactory conclusion when a quixotic notion occurred to me. 'All the bodies in our system were not discovered at once. 'What if there should be another world jn comparatively close proximity ? to us, rolling through space, for ever in the Earth's shadow- and unlighted by the sun ? A dark planet, invisible and unknown. 'Once germinated, the seeds of this fantastic idea grew and took complete possession of me. '' It seemed to fit in with the mysticism of my morning's work, and held a glamor and fascination impossible to resist. 'A few hours ago I should have classed such a notion with the dreams of a visionary, but now, in the newly-created atmosphere, I not only contemplated the existence of another planet seriously, but 'had almost persuaded myself that it was an actual scientific fact. 'A ray of sunlight coming througlh the unscreened window brought my thoughts back to earth. I had lost all count of time, and on looking at my watch was surprised to find that it was past eight. I decided to defer any further experiments till night time, as little could be done with so large an object in a confined space, and I wanted to test it to the full, which could only be done in .the open air. So I rejmoved the two discs from their respective pillars, and brought the contrivance gently to the floor. 'It cost me an effort to disengage my mind from the all-absorbing subject, and to regain sufficient composure to meet my fellow beings without betraying the fact that anything 'un-usual had occurred. I was still quite afa loss ?to determine what it could have been used for. It was too small for a habitation, and the fact of its being so perfectly transparent would negative that theory. If there had been any visible means of propulsion I should have put it down as a conveyance of some sort. 'After breakfast I started out, intending to take a long walk and think it over, but in less than half an hour was back again in the laboratory seeking in vain for further enlightenment. 'What was it ? 'Whence did it come ? By what beings had it been constructed ? Surely no one was ever confronted with such a~strange and difficult problem. I felt like a child at a game of guessing. 'Impatiently I waited until the night was far spent and everyone in bed before attempting my first venture. It was nearly midnight when 1 gently urged the huge sphere through the j doorway into the open. There were no pre- | parations to make, so without any hesitation I | got in, adjusted the discs as before, and imme- , dfately felt the sensation of being borne upwards as though in a smooth-running -elevator. Three times I went up some 600 or GOO feet and down again, aud then, growing bolder as 1' was about to essay a fourth trip, I dropped an extra disc over each shaft. 'The machine left the ground with such velocity that it must have reached a height of nearly half a mile before I could check the speed. A I few minutes' delay or a lo'ss of control and it j would have passed beyond the atmosphere and been precipitated into space. 'In the few .seconds -occupied by that rapid I ascent my brain had grasped a possibility which ? thrilled me with excitement. 'Why should my flights be restricted to the few miles of atmosphere beyond which no man dare venture ? The power which had so strangely fallen into my hands was there subservient to my will, and added to it was my own invention, which I little dreamed was destined to serve such, a purpose. 'Nothing but lack of courage could deter me from making the attempt. When I reached ' the ground somewhat breathless from the awesome experience, the wild project so quickly conceived had become a settled resolve. 'My plan was to pass out through the aitzone into the unknown beyond, and for twelve j hours to keep the repelling power of the ma- | chine in force; then to throw . it off and' fall j back to earth by natural attraction. Jii other I words, to remain for twenty-four hours a do- ; tached atom speeding through the infinity of j space, while the world made one complete rota- 'Ltion in its diurnal course. Such, in brief, was the dream which I hoped to see materialised. 'I was fearful of even hinting at my intentions even to you, for had they become known I should probably have been charged with lunacy and placed under surveillance, for even the enlightened mind of . the twentieth century has limitations to its credulity. 'Elated with the success of my nocturnal experiments, I lost no time in preparing to carry out the plan I had formed, and for the next few days found plenty to do. ' 'The two chief 'items to consider were food and air. Of the former I laid in a good supply, together with a small keg of water, packing it all Into a box. In another box I placed two ot my cylinders charged with air, enough to last nearly a week, an oil stove, a small spirit lamp, ! and an electric light bulb, with a dry battery, were added to the equipment. I did not anticipate having to use much erf the supplies, but I thought it well to be on the safe side in the event of anything unforeseen occurring. 'All this was quite easy compared with my next work. I recognised that there would be j a large element of chance in the venture, but iri. order to minimise it as much as possible 1 practised with the machine every night, making careful calculations ? as to speed, time, air pressure, etc., till I 'was satisfied that my deductions were as mathematically correct as possible, and if they could be adhered' to, 1 would be able to bring the machine back to within a mile or two of the starting place. Although only a few minutes of time would be occupied in passing* through the air, any slight deviation from the direct, course might upset my calculations, so in order to avoid as much as possible the chance of being affected by the wind, I decided ta wait until the weather conditions were favorable. .'How commonplace even the most marvellous thing becomes when brought into every-day use. When Edison's phonograph first squeaked out 'Mary had a little lamb,' it was thought Uttle short of a miracle by those privileged to hear it, and now the reproduction of an elaborate piece of music or the voice of a great singer causes no surprise, and is accepted quite as a matter of course. Tn like manner I was becoming so familiarised with my strange foundling, that I used it with as much confidence as I would a motor-car. 'But for all that I knew it held the decision of my fate. Tho experiment I was about to make was only to be a trial trip, should it prove successful I felt that nothing would debar me from attempting to prove that my theory was something more than a fantasy, by penetrating further into the illimitable blank, perhaps never to return, in search of the mythical planet. 'Now that my arrangements were complete, the elements seemed to have entered into a conspiracy to delay me. For five days I waited impatiently for favorable weather. Towards evening on the sixth day, however, the wind died away, and after sundown it became so calm and still that I feared another change. 'A few minutes before midnight all was in readiness for the journey. Assuring myself by a careful inspection that everything was in order, I confidently took my place in the machine aud closed the sliding door. The hands erf the chrenometer pointed to 12 exactly as I left the ground, and was borne swiftly away on the strangest jaunt that ever man undertook. As I reached the upper regions of rarefied air the sensation erf movement became less, and a little? later I knew by its cessation that the air zone was passed. :I looked down. A light smear showed dimly in the dark expanse. It indicated the .position of a town, and was momentarily growing fainter, and I wonder if the dreams of ) any of those sleeping citizens were half so strange as the reality of my portentous excursion. As the lights were finally blotted out, a feeling of eeriness crept over me, and tho desire to return grew so strong that I had to exert all my will power to combat the panic which threatened me. 'The stars shone with a hard, ccrld light, seeming to stare at the intruder as though in mockery, and the profund silence was becoming an obsession. There was absolutely 'no suggestion of movement, yet I knew that every minute was carrying me farther into the immeasurable abyss. Gradually a drowsiness stale over the senses, and it became an effort to keep awake. After the broken rest of the past weeks Nature was claiming her due. I could fight against lt
no longer. The stars grew misty and indistinct, apd I fell asleep. 'Suddenly, after what appeared enly a few minutes of time, I awoke with throbbing temples and a feeling of nausea. Switching on the electric light I fcrund the hand of che chronoI meter at half past eleven. I had slept for ten hours. - . 'Now was a good opportunity fo-: testing the utility of my chemical discovery by renewing the air supply. It fulfilled all my expectations, for after allowing the vitiated atmosphere to escape by partially opening the door, and letting out fresh oxygen from the cylinder, I wa3 able to breathe freely once more. 'When the supreme moment at length arrived, completing the putward journey, I removed the repelling force, and with eyes fixed on the clock dial watching the seconds as they were ticked, off, waited for some sign to show that thg turning point had been reached. At what rate of speed I had been travelling there w?s no means of knowing, and how far the impetus gained would carry me before it was expended could only be a matter of conjecture. A minute passed, two, three, four 'minutes of anxious suspense, and then came an unmistakable sign.' ' 'The tension of my nerves relaxed as the machine turned about two or three times like a ball thrown in the air, and I knew that it was commencing to fall back again to earth. 'Now that the excitement was over I began to feel the want of nourishment, for with the exception of a stick of chocolate I had eaten nothing since starling. I heated some water over the spirit lamp and made a cup of cocoa, which, with a boiled egg and some bread and butter, constituted a meal, which, I venture to say, was enjoyed under the most remarkable conditions ever heard of. 'As the long hours dragged by in silent mono'ion;.1 and the end of -my journey approached rather than run any risks of rushing into the air at a high' velocity, I reduced the speed some little time before it was absolutely necessary, for a grey mist, towards which I was rapidly falling, was the only visible indication o'f the earth's proximity. Presently the faint, sound like thevhum of an insect, together with a slight oscillation of the machine, -warned me that the first stratum of air had been' entered. A few minutes later I was passing through the clouds, and with the aid of the telescope endeavoring to locate my position. Hanging In mid-air some three or four thousand feet up, I anxiously searched the country beneath for some land mark to guide me, but. it was too dark to see anything distinctly. Then a flood of moonlight streamed through a break in the clouds enabling me to identify a peculiar shaped hill which was a well-known feature some 'twenty miles from my home. Here was a dilemma I had not bargained for. The light breeze blowing was drifting me further, away, and I began to think, that I should be compelled to descend, and trust to providence and my own efforts 'to get the machine home. 'But as I pictured to myself the miles of rough country I should have to traverse with the chance of losing myself or my treasure on the way, the idea was not inviting. I was almost in despair when happening to look upwards I observed that the higher clouds were slowly moving in the required direction. A lev/ minutes sufficed tor shoot up into the favorable air current, and my previous anxiety gave place to satisfaction as I found myself being borne towards home. 'It was nearly 4 o'clock in the morning, and still quite dark when I brought the machine to the ground within a mile of my house. I got ?out immediately and hastened to push it along as I had done before in order to get it housed before daylight. Fortunately no one was about, and in less than an hour it was safely locked up in the laboratory. 'Now, my friend, I am departing on a quest that must seem to you little s*hort of madness. I have fought against the desire and endeavored to content myself with .the experience already gained, but to no purpose. Call it curiosity, acute craving, insanity, what you will, it has taken such a hold of me that I am impelled to risk my life to satisfy it. 'You are now in possession ' of the whole facts, which you are at liberty to use as you please. God bless you, Jack, and those dear to you.' Jack Hanley sat for sometime staring vacantly at the manuscript before him, and then mechanically placed tbe sheets together, folded them, and replaced them iri the envelope. 'Poor old Don,' he murmured, with a sigh ; 'poor old Don ! ' Ho was evidently feeling nervous and unstrung, for a gentle tap at the door caused him to start violently. It was only one of the girls to say that a gentleman wished to see him. 'Do you, know who he is ?' he enquired.
'No, sir; I think he is a stranger, and ha I gave no name.' 'Well, go and ask him if — ' The sentence remained unfinished, for a tr.H man brushed past the girl and entered the room ? unannounced. I-Iis face was pale and his hair | and beard were quite white. | As the girl retired' ho placed a basket he was jjj carrying on the floor, and advanced towards tho g table, his dark eyes fixed on Jack's face, who | returned his gaze, vaguely conscious that ha § had seen this man somewhere before, and S -searching his mind for a clue to his identity. S| The stranger was the first to breik tho || silence. 'Well, dear boy,' he said, smiling, 'Tin p a little behind time, but I hope I am none the K less welcome.' p At the sound of his voice Jack leapt to his i| feet, and, seizing the lamp, held it close to thu | stranger's face. | 'Good God .' it's Don.' | It was Donald Astor, without doubt; but, g save for the eyes, changed' almost past reco;,'- | nition. j| The two men with English undemonstrativeness clasped hands in silence. 'I have a great deal to tell you,' said Donah?, 7 a little later, anticipating the eager questions his friend was about to ask, but not to-nighi. I ^ am dreadfully tired, and am craving for a i', night's sleep in my own bed. In the morning I tope to feel and look a little moro like myself.'' ^ Jack made a movement to pick up the basket with the intention of carying it to Donald's bedroom, but his friend prevented' him. u' 'One moment, Jack,' he said. 'I left my £ scanty wardrobe at the hotel, to be sent on ia the morning; this is something far more prc« ?J; cious.' V So saying he raised the lid, and as Jar-k ji peered in a black cat lifted her head and yawned in his face. U
CHAPTER III.
It was certainly a different man who sat down *i to breakfast on the following morning, for ^ Donald had shaved his moustache and beard, | and although still very pale, looked more liko £ the man he was six months ago. And yet, apart g from his white hair, there was a different. g| The morning light revealed to Jack lines in his || friend's face not marked by tho hand of time, |j Ibut which had added the ravages 'of ten years || to his appearance. || 'Don't criticise my looks,' said Donald, g 'When you have heard my story you will only p wonder' that I have not lost my individuality M altogether.' p 'The truth is, Bon, T have not quite got over p the surprise and pleasure I feel at your return. || It seems too good to be true, and even now I || have to assure myself that I am not dream- | ing.' ll '1 expected to find you married and settled j® down. How is it that you are still a rovii;^ p bachelor ?' ' ij 'It's not my fault, Don. You see, Stella had g| so. much faith in your returning that she would p net decide anything until the full time had ex- jljjj ph-ed. She had so set her mind on having you || at the wedding that if you had not turned uji j|| I was in danger of being condemned to bachelor- '0 hood for the rest of niy days.'* § 'God bless her. We will stroll over to Major || Dunlop's place after breakfast and let her see g; how correct was her intuition. It shall be my ^ first duty, and then, if you have the patience ti» ggj listen to a long story, I will relate my adven- g| tures.' tai It was late in the afternoon when the twa ^ friends returned from their visit» and it was not until the evening, after they had dined together, that Donald threw himself into an easy chair, and, with the cat perched on his kne , j took a thick note-book from his pocket. 'Now Jack,' he said, 'make yourself comfo't- ^ able, and light up. I hope you are in i : generous frame of mind, for what I am abf. ^ to. relate will tax your credulity to the utmo -What you have already read, forms the j:r f liminary chapter, and I will continue my I --from the point 'Where the manuscript lea h ^ off.' . . L Jack blew out the match after lighting h .?- s;t pipe, and dropped it in the ash tray. I 'Go on, Don,' he said, 'I am consumed v.iih ^ curiosity. The little I know has only whetted I my appetite for more.' : 'Very well, Jack : at the risk of boring yr i and -without any further prelude I will co:n- : mence : . ; 'My experimental flight into space, and safo ; return to earth, had given me so much confidence that I ^ent about the preparation for the great journey -with a light heart. ^ I fixed ? 20 days as the limit for the outward journey. : and if nothing eventuated during that time, I resolved to abandon the attempt and return. L With this end In view it was necessary to u carry at least two months' supplies, and it en- ;; tailed a good deal of calculation and manage-ment before my cargo was stowed satisfactorily. 'I made several additions to the interior furnishings 0f the globe ; a small table, two long chests for larder and wardrobe, respectively ; some smaller boxes to contain cooking utensils, a few books and magazines, a camera, some tools, and a great many small; arti°les I which I considered necessary were also added. I»ly bed consisted of a thick mattress, w tli a pillow and some 'possum rugs. Stove, spirit lamp, and electric light were all in their allotted places.'A 'A revolver and a magazine rifle for defence, and a telescope, field glasses and compass for observation, formed part of the kit. 'The list of goods began to grow so alarmingly, that I had to revise it, and 'blue pencil several items that could be dispensed . with, Btill, however, retaining a few luxuries, such as cigars and cigarettes, and a few bottles of wine. The final arrangements were at length completed, and I surveyed the result of my work with satisfaction. It was exactly ten minutes to midnight when for the second time. I brought the globe out from the laboratory, preparatory to taking flight. 'As I waited bidding a silent farewell to the home 1 was about to leave perhaps for e\er, u little black kitten ran towards me and rubbed gainst my legs. She was tlie survivor of three, born a few weeks ago, and the little cieature purred her pleasure as 1 stroked her. ?? 'Come,' I said, picking her up, 'a black cat is supposed to be an omen of good lu^-k. _aN e v.-ill test the truth of the superstition, and our fortunes together.' 'The night was hot and oppressive, and' as I left the earth a violent thunderstorm broke, with torrential rain: but I was through it before the echoes of the first clap of thunder were siient. How small it all seemed as I looked down and watched the play ol' the lightninglike threads of silver darting out of the dailcI'oss. When 1 looked again, it was gone. All wus black, without any indication to show that a great world even existed there. 'The temperature began to fall rapidly, and my fingers were numb with the cold . as I lighted the stove.. 'For the next 2-1 hours, there was nothing to be seen but the crescent moon floating like a great ship on a star-spangled sea. Already 1 seemed to be changing into another being with only an impersonal interest in the world ] had just left. The eternal night, terrifying in its loneliness and unnatural silence, was wrapping my senses in its cold shroud, and .stifling tlie memory of the thousand things which make life sweet. 'I took food when I felt hungry, renewed the air when necessary, and slept when 1 could. Sometimes 1 would switch on the electric light and try to read, but the printed pages left no impression cu my brain. At times 1 was almost overwhelmed with the dreadful fear of madness, and desperately fought against a desire to leap out into the void and end it all. My mental vision conjured up a gruesome picture of my own body hurtling through the dark, never-ending emptiness, till it found an orbit, and then taking its place as another atom added to the solar system, being for ever and ever doomed to sweep round in. its allotted course. 'The cat, untroubled by any of these fears, and fancies, had made herself quite at home. 1 had christened lier Fcrtuna, and already owed her a debt of gratitude. More than once her i, musing antics iad turned despair into laughter and it was always a cuiisoiauon to know luat I had the companionship of one living thing at least. | 'On the second day I 'Was feeling in a more normal frame of mind. A silhouette of the receding earth was now distinctly visible, an immense black disc looming out against a faint halo of light from the sun behind it, and the moon with one hemisphere in shadow, was so clear and bright that I could almost define some of the craters with the naked eye. Through' the telescope which was only a small u;h\ they showed very plainly. An astronomer would doubtless have found it of absorbing interest, and with a powerful instrument, would probably have been able to clear up some of I he doubtful theories regarding the earth's satellite. To me it was like a familiar lamp lighting the dark way with its cheering gleams. 'it was while contemplating the strange beauty of the brilliant luminary, that a new terror -presented itself in a sudden and alarmin:; manner. Without any warning, a sharp ivport like a pistol shot accompanied by a momentary flash, startled the death-like stilllirs:!, and chilled me with apprehension. 'Fortuna, who was fast asleep, looked up enquiringly, and, seeing nothing to get excited about- yawned, and settled down to sleep again. 'My first impression was that one of the revolvc-r cartridges had exploded, but there was no trace of smoke or smell. Whatever it was must have come from outside. On examining ihe walls of my prison, I noticed a small perforation and a corresponding one on the opposite side, showing that some missile had passed clean through. I plugged the holes to prevent the air from escaping, realising at once what had happened. 'A small meteorite had struck the machine with such force, that it had gone right through, and must have passed within a few inches' of my head. The flash was, no doubt, caused by friction. 'Countless millions of these things, large and small, were said to be flying about in space, and the prospect of meeting disaster from this source, seemed to my overwrought nerves so likely that only a miracle could avert it 'And yet in spite of all these real and imaginary horrors, there was a sub-conscious sense whispering that all would be well, and urging me to persevere and adhere to the plan I had laid out. For several hours, the remembrance of my last experience kept me anxious and alert, and then a merciful sleep closed my eyes. 'I awoke somewhat refreshed, but troubled with a buzzing in my ears. Thinking that it would quickly pass, I gave it little attention, and was soon busy preparing something to eat. when, to my utter astonishment, the machine began to rock like a boat, and the buzzing noise ceased I glanced at the compass : tho needle which had up till now pointed steadily towards the earth, was behaving in n most erratic manner, wandering round the dial from point to point, and then back again, like a befogged stranger, who. had lost his way. 'With the telescope I scanned the surrounding darkness. A hasty survey revealed nothing new. The stars, cold and inscrutable, stared back like glittering points of steel, but as I moved the glass, their light fell upon another object which presently came within the field of vision. As I steadied the instrument, and got it into focus, I could scarcely believe my eyes, for the object seemed like another transparent globular thing, similar to the one I now occupied, and a further examination confirmed this view without the shadow of a doubt. Whether it contained anything alive or dead I could not tell, as -it was too far away for clear definition.
'For some little time, a peculiar feeling had been stealing over me, affecting my movement's in the strangest manner, and bringing with it a dread of some unforseen calamity. On reaching for a handkerchief I had used for wiping ? tho lens of the telescope and which I had placed beside me on the couchi I seemed to have lost partial control of my arm, as though C*e limb was .being swayed by some power vther than my own. 'Moreover, the handkerchief had disappeared. A glance assured me that it had not fallen to the floor, and on looking about apprehensively, I found it drifting about just above my head 'At this moment, ' a cry from Fortuna attracted my attention. She was coming towards me in the most ridiculous manner, walking as though intoxicated, with a comically distressed look. Finally, she made an effort to spring up beside me, but to her apparent dismay, jumped far beyond her objective and there hung suspended, pawing the air as though Keeking a foothold. As I drew her do\yp, and placed her on the floor, a premonition of the cause of this queer phenomena began to dawn upon me. Staggering to my feet and with difficulty keeping my balance, I opened the door a few inches and threw out an empty meat ti'n. Instead of disappearing instantly as it would have done in the ordinary course, it wavered for a few. minutes as though uncertain which way to take, and then drifted slowly onward in _a- direction away from the earth.- It was then that the awful situation manifested itself dealing a death-blow to my hopes. The globe that had borne me thus far in safety, had come to a full stop. '?Had I reached the limit of the earth's influence with all hope of return cut off, a castaway, doomed to dj-jft helplessly about only to meet death by slow starvation ? ? Was this to be the end. of my dream ? The horrible prospect sent me into the depths of despalc. Better I thought, to end it all now, than suffer the lingering agony of dying 'by inches. My handwas fumbling with the butt of the -revolver, Svhen a faint whisper of hope told me to pause. 'The tin which I had thrown out a few minutes before had disappeared. Where ? Something must have drawn it away. Was my dream to come true, after all ? Could there be another world still invisible, which was' causing a counter attraction ? Life or death, what did it. matter now? Let chance determine my fate. 'I laughed wildly as I recklessly lifted the disc^ from their place round the . pillars, and then fixing my eyes on the spherical object, at rest away in the gloom, waiting for some sign of movement. It came^felmost immediately, a gentle rocking, a half turn round and back again, and then as the thing I was watching became more and more indistinct, I knew 'that I was once more moving onward. As the speed increased, the unaccountable buzzing began again. I partially re-opened1 the door, and held but a folded piece of paper. It fluttered, and was nearly torn from my grasp. I was passing through air ! I thrust out my hand and could feel it playing on my fingers, the pressure momentarily increasing until the msh warned me to slow down. In less than a couple of hours the sound gradually died away, indicating that the extraordinary air zone was passed. Besides giving me a refreshing supply l.o breathe, it provided something to puzzle over. It also strengthened my belief in another planet, for I persuaded myself that the air was held there by a dual attraction, the earth on one side, and some unknown body on the other, and as the .two bodies travelled round in their orbits, it was drawn with them, but how it came to be there at all was an unsolvable problem.- Perchance it had once sui rounded a world like our own whioh some awful cataclysm had shattered iuto atoms, and projected into the infinite, while the released atmosphere had found a resting place between the two planets. It may be a fanciful sketch, but something I am coming to presently helps to give color to my theory. And now the nervous strain began to make itself felt again, and a gloomy depression clouded my brain. WThither was I going ? It might be that I was being drawn towards some body still in a molten state, where I should be burnt to a cinder long before reaching it ; and again there was a possibility that the source of attraction emanated from a dead world, without air, water, or warmth, where death in another form would be inevitable. Like a person passing through the throes of a long illness, I cared little about my ultimate fate. Everything I did was done mechanically, without interest or feeling. The thought of death had no terrors for me, and the desire to live was met by chill indifference. I was rapidly 'losing hold,' and the light of hope was burning low, when at one magical 'touch apathy and callousness were dissipated lik-i a miasma of the night 'before the morning sun, and the dying senses sprang once more into life. In one fleeting moment I had regained all the vigor and enthusiasm which had hitherto sustained me. And the thing which had brought about the sudden reaction was only a small grey patch on the blackness, like a' fragment of cloud faintly discernable through the telescope. * Slowly it grew and toolc shape like a materialising spirit, until it was plainly visible to the naked eye. Every hour was bringing it nearer and increasing my excitement, for I must have been falling towards it with inconceivable swift- ! r. ess. Gradually it expanded till, as it drew nearer, I the outline was lost, and a grey expanse was the only indication of its existence. I slackened | speed, and some three hours later a familiar rushing sound told me that I had entered the atmosphere. At last! But what a ghost of a. world! Small wonder that it rolled on through the gloom undiscovered and unthought of, aided in its concealment by the filmy curtain cf air which hung between it and the watchful eyes of science on the distant earth. It now behoved me to be very careful and cautious, so I decided, before landing, to stop at a considerable height and endeavor to make out the features of the country, and ascertain, if possible, whether it was inhabited or not. It might be a desert waste, or, on the other liana, it might be peopled by savages, or even some strange and undreamt-of --monsters, I amongst whom the advent of a stranger would probably be resented, with disastrous results to the intruder. Slowly I descended to within about 2000ft of the ground, and, there being no wind, I was enabled to keep an almost stationary position. It was difficult to realise that the dream which I had cherished was no longer a nebulous phantasm, but a material fact. The finding of the thing which emanated such mysterious force, the awful journey through space, and now culminating in the stupendous discovery of a new planet, all seemed like the creation of an overwrought brain, only to be dispelled when the mental balance readjusted itself. The sun was in the heavens, but his brilliance eclipsed by the dark body of the earth, a thin rim of light like a bright halo being all that was visible, bathing the world beneath in tho glamor of- a soft twilight. _ ? For some time I watched the slowly-declining orb. fascinated with the strange phenomenon, and looking for some alteration in the relative positions of the two bodies, but the phase of totality remained unchanged. My attention was now given to a survey of tho country spread out like a map below. Some three or four 'miles away the land terminated at the edge of a vast lake, or It might have been a sea, for I could not make out the opposite shore, and dotted all over it were Innumerable small islands, some of them not more than an acre in extent. The country within view was un-lulating, and certainly inhabited by intelligent beings, for although I could find no roads, there were large areas apparently under 'cultivation, and the ground was divided up by what appeared to be stone walls, especially along the slopes on either side of a sma'll river, which wound its way among the low hills, and found an outlet into the lake. A patch lighter in color than the surrounding country, and near the mouth of the river, aroused my curiosity. In the dim, uncertain light it was difficult to define anything at a distance, but careful observation led me to believe that it was a town of considerable size, and, moreover, the outline of most of the small islands indicated either a curious natural formation, or buildings of some kind. The prospect that the latter surmise might be correct allayed any apprehension I may have felt, for it was natural to suppose that they could only have been constructed Ly civilised human beings. By this time the darkened sun had declined towards the horizon, and .as the gloom grew deeper a few stars twinkled faintly 'in the grey firmament. It was the most remarkable sunset I ever witnessed. In place of the beauty of our evening skies, glorifying the last moments of the dying day, was a varying tint of pearly grey, and the few clouds which hung over the horizon, touched with a feeble light, were .cold and colorless. And yet there was a delicate beauty about it which appealed to the finer senses. That night was approaching was a natural conclusion, and, thinking that the fading light would be succeeded by total darkness when the orb disappeared altogether, I resolved to descend and defer any attempt at exploration ,till tho light appeared again. What a delightful sense of relief it was to stand once more on solid ground. Like a prisoner set free from a term of solitary confinement, I stretched my cramped limbs and drew in deep draughts of pure air. Only th'e fear that someone might be near prevented me from shouting with joy. 'It was hardly credible that only eleven days had passed since I was one of the living atoms on a world which now seemed as unattainable as one of the stars. An absymal gap of a thousand years stretched between. I telt like some being who had lived and died in a bygone age, re-incarnated in a new world, with the memory of a former existence still fresh and unimpaired. The ground where I stood was carpeted with a short growth, soft to the tread, which proved to be a species of moss, a tuft of which I placed in the buttonhole of my coat. It was the first material thing I had touched in this new world. Several small trees were growing on the slope which my sparse knowledge of botany failed to identify. They resembled pollard willows more .than anything I can recall, only no trunk was visible, probably it was buried in the ground, for the branches, which -were very straight, grew up almost vertically from a boss just above the surface. They had long, hanging leaves sprouting at intervals up their entire length; culminating in a frond at the top. On walking' a few paces I became aware that it cost me - much less effort than usual, and there was a feeling of buoyancy about every movement, which led me to conclude that this wonderful world was very much smaller than the earth, and consequently its attraction less. I went a little further, till I came to a low. roughly-built wall of stone, which bounded some cultivated land, and growing on the land was a crop of the strangest-looking plants I ever remember to have seen. I reached over and drew one towards me. It consisted of a thick, upright stalk, about 2ft high with a growth on the top, not unlike a cauliflower, but a closer examination showed that it was composed of large seeds, like acorns. There was no time for more than a hasty inspection, for darkness had descended all in a moment, and I hurried 'back to my shelter with ''the idea of resting there till daylight reappeared. I had hardly reached it, however, when a new wonder came into being. Away in. the north-east, the sky was growing brighter every minute, and exhibiting all the signs of breaking dawn.. This was' followed by the appearance of a cloud, golden and bright, like a harvest moon. It was irregular in shape and brilliant enough to cast a soft light like subdued sunshine over the face of. the land. This remarkable luminary, taken in conjunction with tho belt of air through which I had passed on my way hither, 'seemed to bear out the theory I had formed. Might it not be the remains of a dead world resolved into fragments and dust, and now, drawing its light from the sun, maintaining the same relation to this new planet as the moon does to the earth ? The sound of voices some distance away quickly claimed my attention. They were certainly human voices, and were singing in a kind of chant. In order to be prepared for any emergency either to fight or escape, I put the revolver in my pocket, and, taking up a position close to the -globe, waited for what might chance. '
CHAPTER IV.
It was not long before I discovered whence the voices came, for a'n odd-looking vehicle turned the corner of the wall and came towards where I was standing- After my recent experiences 1 was fully persuaded that nothing could cause me more than a mild surprise, hut when this thing drew near 1 could only stare in astonishment. 'What in the distance appeared to he a waggon, now turned out to be a kind of barge, it was lloating in. the air some three feet from the ground, and being propelled and .guided like, a punt by means of. poles worked by the queerest mortals imaginable. Evidently tlipy had not yet seen me, for they continued their chant until the vessel was brought to a rest on the ground opposite to an opening in the stonewall. Apparently they had come to gather a load of the plants I have already1 mentioned, for three of them immediately jumped out and commenced cutting oft the clusters of seeds with small choppers, and tossing them to the one in the barge. 1 watched them with interest for some minutes, when a sharp exclamation from one 1 of them told me that my presence was.- discovered. Alarmed toy the cry, they all leapt into the barge with wonderful agility, and were about to make off, when I called out, and held up my hands to show that I carried no weapon. This seemed to reassure them, for they waited, keeping their hands ready on the poles while -X advanced slowly towards them. A fe-w yards away I halted, and an involuntary gasp of astonishment escaped me as my eyes took in the peculiar characteristics of these curious beings. None of them were over oft. in height, but they possessed strong and well-knit figures, and their movements, unhampered by . any clothing, with the exception of a garment like a kilt, were quick and decisive. They were all bearded, and not ill-looking, with a certain stolid intelligence, but there was a sadness in their large eyes which suggested the hopelessness of a conquered or down-trodden race. That they were unclothed is not strictly accurate, for nature had supplied a garb in hp;own way. With the exception of their faces, l'ore-arms and hands, and. legs, from the knee downwards, they were covered with short feathers, all of sober coloring, varying in shades from ,grey to brown, and at a casual glance onewould have concluded that they were wearing feather-bathing costumes. My garments, consisting of a tweed shooting suit and overcoat, evidently imzzled them a great deal. Apparently they were not quite sure whether the tilings were part of my anatomy or not. An excited discussion which had been going on among them was ended by one of their number springing to the ground and making off with great swiftness in the direction of the lake. He seemed to literally fly over the ground, and in the space of a few moments was a mere speck in the distance- He had evidently gone ' to tell thc news of my presence. The others now resumed their work as though . fearful of being caught idling, and with the exception of furtive glances now and again, took no further notice of me. 1 could do nothing but wait, speculating on what the next development would be, and find-, ing consolation in the thought that these people were not bloodthirsty savages or inclined to be aggressive in any way. Down by the river two or three more of the barge-like structures could be seen moving about, while the occupants of others which had been brought to a standstill, were busy among the crojis. Presumably, it was morning, and -the day's labor had begun. 1 was itching for a bath, but thought it more prudent to wait. After being nn washed for eleven days a lew hours more or less mattered little. Xearly an hour passed, thc silence only broken by the low voices of the creatures working near me, and the swish of their;.' choppers as they severed the clusters of seeds from the stalks. Presently another conveyance came into view, and a flutter of renewed activity among Lhe workers told me that someone in; authority was approaching. It was an elegant-looking craft, .boat-sliapedn: and flat at the bottom, with' a cabin in tho, centre not unlike ;i gondola, but quite- trans-, parent. There were two grey-feathered gondoliers (L cannot think of a better term for them) in the -stern dexterously using their poles. Sut my attention was centred;-.. on the' occupant of the chbin, a stately little personage, with speckled plumage, sitting at his ease among a pile of small cushions. His hair and beard were nearly white, and he wore a yellow robe of lin-; silky material loosely dra.ped about his figure. His feet were protected bysaneals, with toe and heel pieces, and fastened with cords. As tho car rested on the ground, he, lightly stepped out, and advanced towards me with all the dignity of an old-fashioned- Spanish grandee. 1 raised my cap and bowed,' and he returned the salutation by a wave of the hand and to-.u-hin- his breast with one finger. He seemed in no way perturbed, and asked some questions in a strange tongue, to which 1 replied by pointing upwards and directing his notice to tlie machine which had brought me from another world. He seemed to grasp my meaning at once, and whatever surprise he may have felt, or whether ho believed me or not,, he showed no traces of it outwardly ; indeed, liis soJJ-aossession was a thing to admire. He smiled little perplexedly as he stood pondering, for a few minutes, fingering his beard, as though uncertain what to do in such unusual circumstances, and then called out sharply to oae of the workers, who came forward instantly and waited obsequiously while the little magnate gave his orders. That they concerned me and my belongings I had no doubt, for directly after lie reassured, me by signs that my property would be taken care of, and then motioned me to enter his car. I was about to comply when I remembered tho cat ; whatever happened 1 could not part with Fortuna. She had been my faithful companion through many trials and dangers, and to leave lier to take her chance now was not to be thought of. My white-bearded friend looked at the animal with curiosity-, seemingly amused at my whim, aud then took a place beside me in the cabin. The silent, easy motion with which we glided along, the car swaying slightly as each thrust -of the poles urged it swiftly forward, was something to be remembered, and I mentally compared it with our much-appreciated motorcar, with its trembling and noise, its unexpected jolts, and penetrating odor. The course of our journey was towards the lake. The town lay ahead on the opposite bank of the river, and 1 pointed to it inquiringly, thinking . that it was our destination, but my cosnpanion .shook his head and muttered some wo'rd contemptuously, as though the place was beneath his notice. . By this I gathered it was inhabited by the poorer class, and this I found was a correct surmise when it came into full view, for it- consisted of a great number of small edifices 'built in groups, the spaces between each group forming the streets. The fact- that these people had few clothes to wash probably accounted for the absence of backyards or gardens. The houses were mostly rectangular, ? and seemed to be constructed of clay, moulded into cubes. They were without windows, each one' being roofed with a transparent dome. Here and there some larger buildings-.-. were noticeable, and the whole place with its* domes and flat roofs was strongly reminiscent of some of the towns of Asia Minor. As we swept by, heading straight for the lake, I was curious to see how the craft would be worked over the water. A strong thrust sent it a dozen yards- out from the shore, and then exchanging the poles for. a couple of lipnghandled paddles, the two gondoliers, dipping them with long, sweeping strokes, ipropelled it towards one of the small islands, the car itself not even touching the water. My first impression that these islands were inhabited was verified. On nearly every one visible were houses far -more pretentious than those of the town- The very small islets only supported one house, while on some of the larger ones there was quite a little settlement, with ornamental gardens and quaint little kiosks interspersed among tall .flowering plants and unfamiliar-looking trees. My guide pointed to a building which far outshone the others in size and magnificence. It . stood in' the centre of an island larger than the rest, in a wide expanse of water, a'nd as. he pointed he placed his hand oil his head and bowed. I at once concluded that this fairy palace must be the residence of the king or head man, so I deferentially raised my cap, an action which he seemed to appreciate. The whole scene, suffused in a warm glow, radiated from the golden eloud, was like a dream picture, and suggested the evanescent beauty of an eastern mirage. The king's palace, however, was not to be our destination, for we were nearing one ot the smaller islands. ' A few rapid strokes of the paddles sent the car well on to the land, where it settled gently down on a level piece of ground. As my guide led the way to the house two little fluffy creatures came running towards us, but on seeing me scurried away like the wind. Without doubt my prospective host was a family man. 1 followed him up a short flight of broad steps, and we paused before a curtained windown, clear as plate-glass, while he turned a knob in the wall. Immediately the window, or door, as it proved to be, slid upward, disclosing a short liall-way,. through which we passed into a rectangular courtyard. Another door opened iike the first, and we entered a very small chamber', which ascended quickly to the floor above. I learnt afterwards that this somewhat jerky elevator was worked like the sliding doors, by simply charging it with the mysterious force which these people controlled. We stepped on to the smooth stone floor of a 1'air-sized room. The furniture consisted of several small low tables, elaborately inlaid, each standing ou a soft mat, with a cushion beside it. At one end of the room a kind of sideboard was set against the wall ; it was quite bare, with the exception of a plant of the cactus species growing in an ornamental pot. The walls were covered with wide strips of drapery ' iu soft shades of red and brown. There were no windows, but a large dome above admitted a subdued light. My host silently drew aside a curtain which hung before au arched -doorway, and motioned me tor pass through', and I now found myself in another apartment larger than the last, and disposed with more regard for comfort and luxury. Here the wall draperies were more elaborate, and arranged with considerable artistic' skill. The stone floor was bordered with a design in mosaic, and thick rugs were laid on its polished surface. . All round the room were low settees, with enough cushions to breed idleness in anyone. The whole wall space of a dark alcove at one end was occupied by a large picture, depicting a view of the lake with the King's palace and the numerous islands in vietf. It appeared to be painted in delicate hues on the wall itself, and although that part of the room was in the deepest shadow the picture glowed with the brilliancy of the open air. I was requested by signs to be seated, and further gesticulations told me that my host proposed leaving me for a little while. I guessed that he wished to inform the other inmates of his household of the extraordinary creature he had brought home, and I took this opportunity of noting more carefully my surroundings. There was something uncanny about the picture which held my attention. I fancied the effect was changing. The clouds appeared to have moved and altered their shape, and the surface of the water seemed to have become ruffled in places, as though a light breeze was springing up. All doubt, however, was speedily cleared up when I saw a car leave one of the islands and skim over the water, the dip of the paddles disturbing the reflections in a most natural manner. For a moment I was nonplussed, and then the whole thing became plain.- At the 'opposite end of the room was a circular hole which was evidently fitted up with some sort of Ic-ns, and the natural moving picture was simply a reflection of the view itself projected on the wall. Being an exact embodiment of Nature, its lack of technique would doubtless have condemned it in the eyes. of the brilliant and verbose art critic, but its cheapness should commend itself to some of those wealthy would-be patrons of art, who take advantage of the painter's proverbial penury and tempt him. to part with his best work for a tithe of its value. 1 had no time for further investigation, for my host re-entered, accompanied by a brightlycolored befeathered female, whom I assumed to be his wife. Although no longer- young, sne was well featured, with fine eye? -and for so small a person carried herself gracefully. Her long, silvery hair was brought over each shoulder and caught together on her breast by a jewelled clasp. ' Round her head was a filigree circlet of polished metal 'of a deep' copper color, from which depended a robe of semitransparent material, reaching to. the ground, not unlike a bridal veil, only that it had wide sleeves to tlie elbow. It covered an under-dress of thicker material without sleeves, and cut very : low, the bright colored plumage of her breast and shoulders, which I strongly suspected of being dyed, showing distinctly through the gauzy envelope. She regarded me curiously as 1 rose and bowed, and made some remark to her husband which I interpreted to be an. allusion to my (to them) abnormal size. They seemed to be at a loss to know what to do with such a strange being, and as we were unable to converse it was becoming embarrassing. In order to assist them out of a difficulty, L made signs that I should like a bath. The little lady laughed and drew aside the hangings which concealed a niche in the wall. There was a large metal object like a gong lying on the floor, which gave out a deep, to'ne as she struck it sharply with a beater. I fully expected to see a servant enter in the ordinary way, but imagine my surprise when the gong was gently raised from beneath, a pretty little head rose through the opening, followed! by the body clothed in russet-colored feathers, with a sash of the same color wound round the middle, and t.he two broad ends hanging down in front. Her mistress gnve some instructions, and then motioned me to follow the little creature in russet. I was wondering if they expected me to make my exit through the floor like a theatrical demon, but my speculations were groundless, for she led the way to the elevator in the next room and then through the court-yard below out into the grounds. She first took me to an out-building, where, to my great relief, I found the machine in which I had journeyed, safely housed, together with all my belongings, just as I had left them. I had brought Fortuna with me, not knowing wliat else to do with her. She seemed to recognise her late' abode at once, for when I put her on the ground she jumped in and curled herself up in one of her favorite nooks ; so after giving her some food, I decided to leave her there until I knew where my own future home was to be. The little' brown maid waited, eyeing me furtively while 1 secured a change of linen, and then trotted off in front of me to a kiosk on the margin of the lake. I was shown into a small chamber, apparently a dressing-room, paved with mosaic, with seats running round ' three sides, the fourth having a doorway leading into the bathroom. The bath itself, a large, circular tank, like a crystal fish bowl, was sunk in the floor, and was empty. In another minute it began to slowly descend, until it was dow.i several feet in a shaft ; there was a rushing noise, and the bath came gently up again, filled with water. It was evidently supplied through a pipe direct from the lake, and as the proximity of the river caused strong eddies and currents the water was always clear and fresh. My enforced abstinence from soap and water made me eager to plunge in, and I was only pausing until my attendant, withdrew. This she seemed in no hurry to do, for she had donned a white apron and stood there waiting demurely with a soft brush in one hand and a 'ball of something resembling soap in the other. It came to my mind that her intention was to assist me in my ablutions, and I had some difficulty in making her understand that' I would prefer to perform the process myself. Once alone I lost no time in throwing off my clothes and tumbling into the water. No one has ever accused me of being prudish, but when I looked round after an interval of rubbing and splashing, I found three little uiaids smiling and unabashed, watching my antics ns though I had been a performing seal. It was too much for my natural English modesty, prompting mc to sit down with unnecessary force on ihe bottom of the bath, from which undignified posiLion 1 made frantic signs for them to depart. They all trooped out very reluctantly, like children compelled to leave their first pantomime before the performance is over. Thc one who had been attending me was waiting as 1 earoe oui, and afi.r-r gathering up the soiled things I had discarded, conducted mc back to thc house. The refreshing tub had given me an appetite, and I was rather taken aback to find no visible preparations for a meal. My host and his lady came in almost immediately, followed by a youthful male creature. The two little fluffy children in charge of a gentle-looking young female completed the party. I guessed them all. to be members of the family, for they all addressed the old white-beard as Ipidao. Whether it was his name or an equivalent to 'father' I could not determine. The youth I judged to be the eldest son, from the airs he gave himself. and he was taller than the others, being something over five feet. Resplendent in a scarlet robe and sandals, and' brightly-dyed plumage, he affected the blase manners born of idleness and ineptitude. If hosiery had been in vogue .among them, he would doubtless have worn socks of a brilliant purple hue with yellow stripes.'' The sister, a nice-mannered little thing,' seemed to think the world of her big brother, and any attentions she offered him were received as his due, and none too graciously. Several dishes were now brought in and placed on the sideboard. The members of the company seated themselves each on a cushion at a separate table, and I followed their example. One of the servants placed a plate on each table, while another followed', bearing oae of the dishes, offering it to the guest first, and then from the head of the house downwards. To anyone accustomed to our own gregarious mc-thod of feeding, it seemed an unsociable arrangement, but considered on its merits, there are many points in its favor worth nothing. There is so much variety in the art of eating indulged in by different individuals and different nationalities, each having their own peculiarities, that an ensemble at one table might, and probably does, sometimes cast a pall of dulness over what should be a lively and enjoyable function. It is difficult to harmonise a party with differing temperaments. For instance, there is the nervous man, who is supposed! to keep the semi-nude vision beside him interested and amused, but who dumbly manufactures bread pills and unconsciously spoils thc- enjoyment of her dinner. Then there is the gourmand whose elbows are a constant menace to the ribs of his neighbors, who in turn may be an audible masticator, a nuisance to everybody, and possibly most of all to the person with the projecting elbows. It is needless to mention the hog who uses his knife and fork indiscriminately to accelerate the process of getting the food to his mouth, for, of course, he is never seen at a respectable dinner party unless he happens to be wealthy enough to get his illmanners accepted as an eccentricity. Persons with any little traits of this kind must get on one another's nerves, and raise a skeleton at the feast. 'What dull people !' remarks the host, when his guests have departed, 'I wonder what was the matter with them ?' Much of this unconscious friction and irritation might be avoided by a system of each one to his own table when unpleasant sights and scunds would not foe so obtrusive as they are under our good old-fashioned system. To asparagus- and maccar'oni-eaters the separate table should be an especial boon. The elusive dainties could then be captured and devoured with less regard to the suppression of facial gymnastics. So far as I was concerned, the meal was necessarily a silent one, although the others. con-versed volubly in a tongue with a . pleasing accent^ ? ? ? 1
There were several courses daintily served. Scup was not on the menu, three kinds of fish cooked' in different ways being the only animal food' partaken of, besides. various other ctifihes to which I was a stranger. One especially, consisting of a species of fungus cooked in wine, and most delicious, and the \vine itself poured from a vessel like a tall coffee-pot, was all that could be desired. The cutlery, plates, an5 other appointments were quite in keeping with the viands, but in place of a fork an instrument similar to a pair of sugar tongs was used which, after a little practice, I found very convenient. We were waited upon by the two little maids, who hud joined in invading the privacy of my bath: but they showed no consciousness of ever having seen me before. It was somewhat weird to see them bob up and disappear through an opening in the floor; but 1 \yas already getting used to some of thes^ peculiarities, and endeavored1 not to show surprise at anything which struck me as different from what I was accustomed to. ~ At a nod from the hostess we all rose and followed her 'into the adjoning room. I should have- liked to smoke, but there were no indications to show that the habit was even known to them.'' A strong liquor was now handed round in minute cups which, immediately after drinking, affected my friends with drowsiness, for they one and ail made themselves comfortable among- the cushions on the settees, and in a few minutes were sound asleep. I could picture. thc consternation of a guest if such a thing happened in one of our own drawingrooms. As it was, I accepted it as part of the routine, and took the opportunity of writing down some of my impressions regarding this remarkable race. The past and the present seemed to be oddly combined. The absence of so many every-day conveniences pointed to a state of meJiaevalism, while the well-served meal I had just eaten would not have been out of place in the most modern home. That they were primitive in som« of their ideas was proved by their present indolence, and yet they were in possession of a force unknown to us which, if developed, would revolutionise the whole system of mechanical , power. It was quite clear that my somnolent friend's were of the leisured class, the' aristocracy of the community, probably leading a life of comfort and idleness «t thc expense of the workers. A class apparently of themselves, living on these islands apart from the work and drudgery which supported them. Such was my conclusion, and I was impatient for an opportunity ot seeing the town and j investigating some of the industries, and also of learning something of the . workers themselves. Nearly an hour passed 'before the sleepers awoke from their dinner nap, sitting up aad stretching themselves lazily, like cats. Ipidao was the first to open his eyes. I-Ie rose to his feet, and, coming over to where I was sitting, pointed to the image of the King's palace pictured on t.he wall. Then, by various other gestures, made mc understand that ne was going to acquaint the King of my arrival. 1 showed him that I was duly impressed, and. after getting my assurance that 1 would not go away in liis absence, he went oft' with an ai.' of great importance. The old chap seemingly looked upon mc as a valuable find, and was anxious to get all the tredit to himself. The children, having recovered from their first shyness, became very curious, stroking my face and hands, and examining my clothing with great interest, the buttons, especially, attracting their attention. They were dear litt!-.' things, and when I lifted one of them on to mv knee they were as pleased as Punch, while the mother, dropping her dignity, clapped her hands with delight. 1 was rapidly making friends, for thc bored youth came and sat beside me, smil- i ing most agreeably and trying to converse in dumb show. An exclamation from thc little creature on my knee drew my attention to something emerging from the dark end of the room. Imagine reptile like a toad, with the tail of a lizard, rnd as big as a rabbit ! They told mc it win called a Guzmuk, and was a household pet. I; was the most repulsive thing 1 have ever seen, and as it waddled across the room, with its eyes blinking and wide mouth suggesting -in j idiotic smile, L shuddered at the thought o£ J even touching it. Presently the youth proposed that we should stroll in the garden, and I was only too ready to accompany him, feeling like an explorer anticipating some new discovery as he penetrates further into an unknown land. Whatever, vices | my young friend may have acquired, smoking was not one of them, for when 1 struck a match and lighted a cigarette, he made no attempt to conceal his astonishment. He looked very dubious when I offered him one, but curiosity proved stronger than discretion, and he placed it between his lips when I applied a light. The first whiff brought on a violent fit of coughing, but he stuck to it bravely, and before it was half consumed he was blowing out wreaths of smoke as though to the manner born. Whether I should be condemned or exalted for introducing the habit is a question I will leave to the votaries and their opponents to wrangle over, feeling quite safe in the fact that they will never agree. The garden, though not laid out according to any set design, did not suffer ih pieturesquencss, although I looked in vain for some of the familiar flowers and shrubs so' dear to our eyes. Some of the spaces hounded by the whitepaved, winding paths, were covered with a long, thick moss of a reddish color, while on the others grew clumps of pale yellow flowers, without foliage of any kind, star-shaped white j flowers., and some queer-looking things, neither flowers nor fruit hanging from the slender branches of a brcrwn-leaved shrub. We passed j between rows of gigantic, ferns, the pale green i fronds meeting overhead and forming a covered avenue leading to an enclosure, where fruitbearing vines spread themselves, over the ground and walls. The fruit I had -already tasted was j similar to some I saw growing- here, and, although luscious and full-flavored, it lacked the 'bright coloring which the ripening rays of the sun impart. The whole island was not more than a couple of acres in extent, yet we had spent nearly two hours in making the tour. On reentering the house we round that Ipidao had returned, and was impatiently waiting to tell mo his news. 1 gathered that he had been received by the King, who was much interested in hearing of the strange being who had dropped into his dominions, and that I was to be taken before his Majesty on the following day. I signified my appreciation' of the honor, and, as 1 I. had never before come into contact with Royalty, I looked forward to the visit with interest, at the; same time feeling a little apprehensive o'n account of my ignorance of their laws of etiquette. As the golden cloud disappeared below the horizon, and darkness fell, my friends all stretched themselves on the padded seats, and idly awaited the rising of the earth-eclipsed sun. As soon as it was light enough, another meal was served, and then -°ie two little children retired, without any luss, in ? charge of a servant. The youth fidgeted for a time, as though making up his mind about something, and then went out, probably to see his best girl, or seek pleasure among others of his kind. While in the garden I had visited the place where my property was stored, and secured, a couple of magazines and an illustrated- paper, aud, as these people seemed to possess no printed 'literature, it. occurred to me that they might be interested in the pictures. Nor was I mistaken, for as they turned the pages, amid .exclamations of surprise and delight, their Xases .were a stu(Jy in expression. ' One picture erf some fashionably-dressed woman wearing the latest wonderful confections in millinery caused them great merriment, and they kept turning back to it, each time finding some fresh point to laugh over. The first sound which had greeted my ears when I set foot in this world was a peasant's song, so that it did not. come as a surprise when, after my periodicals had been examined from cover to cover several times, the daughter' brought out a quaint musical instrument, in the form of a shallow, oblong 'box, with strings stretched over one half of the top, and on the remaining space pieces of metal fixed to slender supports, the whole forming a combination c-f zither and xylophone. The 'strings were manipulated with the fingers of one hand, while a small wooden mallet was used to strike the notes on the metal. It was a sweet-toned instrument, and, skilfully played, was very harmonious. She possessed a musical voice, and sang prettily to her own accompaniment. ' . I am naturally susceptible to music, and these simple airs affected me with a feeling of sadness aDd melancholy. It was u relief when the music ceased, and Ipidao intimated that it was time to retire to rest. Except for the few minutes- of darkness following the setting of the golden cloud, there was no actual night, for Lhe eclipsed sun slowly climbing the heavens gave out gpougli light to make a lamp superfluous. My sleeping apartment was not dissimilar to t.he other rooms. A broad Ottoman occupied the length of one side, and. with some soft pillows and coverings, made quite a luxurious bed. The floor was pav^d and covered with rugs, and at one end a small space, with a low curbing round it, with a large basin, and some brushes in a reccptacle beside it, was the washing place. The absence of wardrobe or chest of drawers was not remarkable, considering the scanty raiment worn, and I thanked my stars that I was not a fashionable woman, with the contents of a score of trunks and hat-boxes to stow away. Thc usual gong affair on thc floor in one corner gave mc some uneasiness, and after my bath-house experience, I seriously thought of placing a weight on it. There was no telling that a servant might not be sent up to put me to bod. However, I was becoming used to taking chances, and, feeling too tired to consider them, 1 laid myself down en thc couch, and, as ray eyes closed; the events of the first day in a now world fad?d into oblivion.
CHAPTER V.
jt was thc first long sleep that I vliad enjoyed many days, and I awoke under the impression that 1 was in my own bed and that all 1have narrated was a grotesque dream. I lay for some time in a pleasant semi-conscious state, lazily recalling tho various incidents of the supposed vision, when a splashing sound dispelled the last remnant of sleep and caused me to start up with a shock. It was only when I noticed the strange room, and one of the little maids pouring water into the basin, that I was convinced of its reality. I dressed quickly, and presented myself in the dining-room, where my new friends were already waiting. They all bowed and smiled when i came iu, and uttered some greetings which I replied to in English fashion. it struck me that the youth bore traces of late hours and dissipation. He was probably no better or worse than his prototype of our own world. Shortly after breakfast Ipidao intimated that I he was ready to take me to thc palace to be I presented to the king. My unshaven face and rough tweed clothes gave mc some concern, for, as the representative of another race, I should have liked to make mv bow before royalty in a more fitting condition, but there was no help for it, and 1 could only pray that his majesty would overlook any little shortcomings of that nature. We were borne rapidly over tho water in the car or aerial boat, and now as we approached the island on which stood the royal residence, I was lc-st in admiration at thc weird beauty of the scene. The island could not have been more then three or four square miles in extent, -the I ground sloping gradually up from the water's edge towards the centre, where a large irregular building, capped with innumerable domes and set in the midst of gardens within a surrounding wall, shimmered in the soft light. With the exception of some smooth, level spaces, all the ground war- under cultivation, and it struck me that if all the produce on this island was grown solely for Lhe royal larder there must be quite an army of retainers to feed. We alighted before a gateway in the outer wall, and were received by an old fellow with a long, white beard, who gravely preceded us, passing between two lines of guards in white kilts, and armed with spears, up to the main entrance to thc palace. We then traversed a long corridor, and through a large hall, where I became an object of curiosity to several idlers, and then entered a smaller room or antechamber. Here we were requested to wait while our guide went to acquaint the king of our arrival. In a few moments he returned, and, drawing aside a heavy curtain, ushered us into the royal presence. A hasty glance round as I entered gave me an impression of a large apartment with rich hangings, and wills iridiscent with inlaid pearlshell. An immense white ball decorated with hieroglyphics hung from the centre of the domed ceiling, and an assemblage of people in brilliant rolies stood expectantly on either side of a broad strip of carpet which led -up to a dais raised within an arched alcove at the further end of tlie room. The king, a handsome fellow with a black beard reaching almost to his knees, was lolling on a divan in the centre, and on either side sat a female — one middle-aged, whom I judged to be the queen, and the other quite youthful. Their ! plumage was white like the breast of a swan, J and their white robes were in effective contrast j to the variegated coloring lavished on the rest of the picture. I felt strangely out of place as I walked with as much dignity as I could command towards the foot of the dais. Here I paused, and made a low bow, feeling very awkward and self-conscious under their close scrutiny. As I waited I found my glance wandering towards the younger of the two females. This was in no way surprising, for she was the most beautiful little creature I had ever set eyes on. Pier dark silky hair, brought over her shoulders and caught together on her breast in the prevailing fashion, framed a face perfect in outline and features. Her lips were parted like an opening rose, and her big, lustrous eyes fixed on me in wonderment, held- a fascination in their liquid depths which would have quickened the pulse of a stoic. The king stared at me indolently till I was beginning to feel -uncomfortable, and then called Ipidao and another grey-beard, and the three conversed in an undertone. That I was the subject of their talk there could be no manner of doubt, and it was some little time before they concluded, when Ipidao, bowing low, took his departure, apparently very well pleased. I was about to follow, when the king made a sign for me to remain. By many gesticulations he conveyed to me his desire that I should consider myself his guest. This was an unlooked-for honor, for which I duly expressed my appreciation. I was .now given in charge of an official, who conducted me to the rooms allotted to my use. They were somewhat similar to those in Ipidao's house, and, like them, were approached by an .elevator. On the flat roof immediately above was a small garden, and in one corner a tower or kiosk, which commanded a fine view all round. Nothing could have been more desirable, and before the official withdrew I expressed my satisfaction with the arrangements as well as I was able. Some half-hour later I received a visitor, an , intelligent, good-looking little chap, who gave me to understand that he had been deputed by the king to instruct me in the language, and also to act as guide or companion, if acceptable to me. I showed him that I was very gratified, and made signs that I was impatient to commence my lesson without delay. His name was Pyrus, and every day, when he came to my room with his sheets of parchmeritlike material covered with writing, he found a willing pupil awaiting him. When once I had learnt the alphabet and grasped the fundamental I construction of the language, my progress was rapid. It was really very simple, for there were few idioms, and it contained none of the freaks of spelling and pronunciation which make the English tongue so 'unaccountable to a foreigner; so that after a week's hard study I was able to speak and understand it fairly well. My tutor was delighted, and when I offered to teach him English in return, and he enteerd into the project with great zest. Poor I'yrus, he could never- understand why 'cough' was pronounced differently from 'plough,' or why 'yacht,'- 'what,' and 'pot' were so widely dissimilar in spelling. However, he did very well after a time, and although his grammar left something to be desired, I have heard worse among smart people as they sat in twenty-guinea chairs sipping choice tea from costly cups in a fashionable drawing-room. For the past six days practically all my working hours had been given to close' study. I had not been out at all, and with the exception of the servants who attended to my wants, Pyrus was the only being with whom I had come in contact. He informed me that the King ? had made daily inquiries as to my progress, and now that I had to a certain extent mastered the language, he was desirous to hear from my own lips something of the country to which I belonged, and of how I came to drop so strangely into'his dominions. (TO BE CONTINUED.)
Readers are informed that the characters and incidents in this serial are all imaginary, the narrative being, of course, pure fiotion, and there cantherefore, be no question of any reference being made or reflection convoyed concerning any living person or any public body or company.
CHAPTER V. (Continued).
His Majesty received me quite informally in his private apartments, the oaly others present besides my friend Pryus, being the Queen and the little white Princess. . My story excited Ki-eat interest, and the questions they plied me with when it was over made me feel like a candidate up for election at a political meeting. When 1 told them my name was Donald, they , All repeated it with a long accent on the second 1 syllable. I All through the recital the King watched me, | 1 thought rather suspiciously, and he smiled I sceptically as 1 replied to his numerous ques- | tions. It was quite plain that he thought my ' story a fabrication, but he was too polite, to express any doubts he may have felt. / Before I left he made a little speech, assuring me of his good will, promising that my property would be held sacred, that I was free to do as T wished, and that while I remained his guest everything would be done to ensure my comfort and welfare. All this was very satisfactory, and I mentally blessed the kind fate ?whic.h had. cast me among such an easy-going a-ad peaceful race. If I had had the least inkling of what was to follow later, my blessing would have been considerably qualified. 'The King is pleased with you,' remarked Pyrus, as he returned with me to my quarters ; 'and you have interested him very much.' ^ 'Perhaps ; but he disbelieves all I have told him.' Pyrus laughed. 'It. is a -wonderful' tale,' he said, 'very wonderful, and if the King is amused it is sufficient.' 'Whether it is true or not 1' 'Even so ; you need not let that trouble you.' 'I am learning quickly,' I replied. 'It is my duty to teach, you everything you may wish to know, and it will be a pleasure.' 'I could not have desired a better teacher or friend,' I told him ; 'but I fear you will fmd me a most inquisitive person, and a great trial to your patience. I have more wants just now than I ever had in my life before. To begin with, I want to see the town, and visit some of the factories where things are made, to see some of the houses where the working people live, and to hear all I can about the people themselves.' 'They are only of the lower class,' ie said ; 'the nobles do not heed them, for they work wiih their hands, which is considered degrading.' j'Have 'Have these people of rank no occupation ?' 1 asked. 'None, but to amuse themselves ; consequently they imagine they are superior to those who work.' 'How do they gain the right to rank as nobles ?' 'Many of them have sprung from the poorest of the workers, whose thrift enabled them to rise above their fellows and so leave their savings to their descendants, who, ia turn, made profit out of the labor of others, and amassed enough to gain a place among the nobility. The King demands a very large sum before he will grant a title, and the class is so exclusive, that only those who possess great riches are admitted.' I told Pyrus that I was more ' interested in the workers, and suggested that we should go at once and see them at their various occupations. One of the King's canboats had been placed at my disposal, and we were soon flying over tho lake towards the town. A fair breeze was blowing, and the rowers had hoisted a tiig white sail, now and again dipping their paddles to keep the craft on a straight course. We brought up at a covered landing-place, where half a dozen white-kilted soldiers were lounging about. My guide informed me that they were some of the King's throwers— a name they derived from the peculiar weapon thejr carried. It was simply a flexible metal rod set in a wooden handle, with a small cup fixed at the extremity of the rod. To use it, the thrower would place a heavy bullet in the cup, and then, holding the ihandle in both hands, swing it round and thus hurl the missile to a surprising distance. It reminded me of the schoolboy's trick of throwing a ball of clay from the end of a cane. T was informed that some of them were so expert in the use of this weapon that within a range of two hundred wards it was death to anyone they aimed at. I could not restrain a smile when I thought of the magazine rifle lying snugly in its case among my effects, and pictured the consternation of these redoubtable warriors if they could see one of their comrades knocked over at a distance of a (mile. The organisation of the military was of the crudest description. Apart from the force kept by the King, each noble maintained a number of trained retainers, accordinig to his state, and in the event of danger threatening the country they would be called upon to fight in its defcnce. Among all the factories and places where work was carried on the same primitive methods prevailed. No motive power was employed ; where any mechanism --was used in such trades as carpet-making, the weaving of fabrics or the turning of wood or metal, it was .cumbersome. as though belonging to a by-gone age ; in the manufacture of most articles the great ?bulk of the work was done by hand. Apart from the carboats the strange negative force was only utilised for lifting weights and transporting goods from one place to another. In building there was no need for cranes or scaffolding, the materials being carried up to'anyi height in a bowl-shaped vessel without difficulty. It was a step towards greater possibilities, but it seemed inconceivable that this great power had not been developed and made to supersede manual labor. And yet it was not so strange, after all, for the traveller to-day
may visit a city like Damascus and still find artisans employed in the manufacture of wooden ploughs and flintlock guns, and see the woodturner working his lathe by means of a bow, ; ; and guiding the chisel with his toes. Only a ; few years ago during the war between China : and Japan were not the up-to-date Japanese i confronted with regiments of Chinamen armed with bows and arrows ? j This race, permeated with a strain of Orientalism, was evidently only in its childhood, and its traditions were still intact, waiting tor ? some bold spirit with neft and advanced ideas ? to upset them. j We entered a building where various artioles ; in metal were being made, spear heads, knives, | shields, and utensils for household use, and j then passed on to another room to see the ! more skilled workmen turning out luxuries si'.''h j as jewellery, ornaments, and the numberless | trifles, useless and otherwise, which go to j adorn the homes and persons of the leisured class. It was all like a back page of history, ?and very interesting from that point of viu'tf, but I had seen little that was- not familiar to anyone who has travelled with his eyes open. My friend Pyrus was beginning to ' show symptoms of disappointment when he found I was not greatly impressed by all he had shown me. 'Tell me,' he said, as we came out of a pottery after watching a lump of clay take shape under the potter's hands, 'are things like j these to be seen in the world you ppeair of ?' j 'I'm afraid, my friend,' I said, xour i ?world is younger in advancement than mine, ! for we have all these things, and mar.y moie besides. What would you think, for instance, of a machine that talks, or an apparatus by means of which you could converse with your friends a hundred miles away ?' 'I would not speak my thoughts,' he answered, quickly. 'You mean that you disbelieve me,' I raid, feeling somewhat nettled, 'yet it is perfectly true. Although we possess many things' which you would pronounce impossible till yoa saw them, you have something which f c.r transcends anything that science or research have given us. I refer to this energy, or force, which enables you to raise objects from the ground and traverse the air without the .lid of machinery.' 'It should not seem i very wonderful after tho things you have told me,' he said, after a pause ; 'but I am glad wo have something ?which you find worthy of no-Ice.' I assured him of my deep 'nterosc in every- j thing, and asked if he kne'v of any othev conn- i try besides his own, and I' similar conditions j prevailed there. __ | 'Oh, yes,' he said, 'th(-.-e is a country on the far side of the water whoro the people are like ourselves in many ways, but have not £0 much refinement. Some t'.mc n£p they came over in swarms in great carboazs and made war upon us. It was a terrible time, and I thought that we should all be destroyed-, ? for they took us by. surprise. We woke up to find big stones crashing through our houses from above, and when our soldiers assembled to foeat off the attackers, showers of darts came down upon them like rain, penetrating their shields and killing hundreds, till they wei'e forced to take shelter. Our war-cars were quickly got out, and parties of the most expert throwers were sent up against those of the enemy. They hurled! their missiles with such .deadly effect that the tide of battle began to turn in our favor. 'It was a great sight to see the big war-cars scaring one above another, each one trying to gain a height which would enable them to work destruction among the occupants of those beneath. , Up and up they would rise, first one gaining an advantage and then another, and still higher and higher, till the eye could scarcely follow them. At one time during the battle two cars came together in mid-air, when a fierce hand-to-hand fight took place. The throwers dropped their own weapons and attacked one another furiously with sword and spear. To those -watching below the clash of arms, the loud notes of triumph, and the cries of anguish from the wounded could be distinctly heard. There were moments o£ thrilling suspense when our soldiers appeared to 'be giving way,- and shouts of en7 couragement as they rallied and kept the enemy at bay ; and other moments of speechless' horror as the bodies of the killed gyrated downward th/ough the air and plunged into the lake. It was not until after a long and desperate fight that the final catastrophe happened. More than half the combatants had 'been killed, and the remainder more or less hurt. The enemy now 'made a sudden onslaught, and with savage cries leapt into our war-car, hoping tcr mako an end of everyone in it. Our fighting men were rapidly being overpowered and slain, when one of them, who had received a mortal wound, dragged himself from beneath the trampling feet, i and, with his fast-failing strength, removed the I power which sustained the war-car. It fell lilu? some dead thing. The calm waters broke as it struck, and closed over it. A few bubbles, inflated with the last dying breath of those who had gone so swiftly to their doom, was all that remained. 'And which side gained the victory in the end V' I asked. 'Jt remained undecided. The advantage was slightly on the side of those who attacked us. The prince who commanded the enemy sent a ; message to our King, asking for a conference, j and a treaty was entered into. One of the -terms agreed to was that the King's daughter j should be given to the prince in marriage when i she became of the right age, cm condition that the prince withdrew his soldiers and refrained from molesting us for a stated period.' i 'Was the princess willing ?' , 'No ; she detested the creature, . and threat- | ened to kill herself if such a hateful union wore j forced upon her. But the King and her mother, I the Queen, pointed out to her how necessary i: i was to the welfare of the country, and she ap- j pears to have accepted her future fate ; but :t j is very sad for her.' j 'Surely,' I said, 'someone amorf! your own j people could be found worthy to wed 'the priu- j cess ?' j 'Without doubt there are many, but the prin- ! cess has no voice in the affair, and will be com- j pelled to do whatever is arranged for her.' i 'Then she is to be treated like a bone thrown j to propitiate a savage dog,' I remarked. 'It is j cruel and barbarous, especially if she is fond j of someone else.' ? 'Many of our people think as you do, but it/ is not wise to speak of it. In your world, I sup- i pose such a thing is never done 1' j Having no desire to discredit my world in his ! c-yes, I remained dumb ; but on his pressing'/ t.he question 1 was forced to confess that, m ;; spite of our civilisation, some of our customs i still savored of barbarism. j 'You have not yet told me,' I said, wishing -to change the subject, 'why these people iuuue ! war upon you. Was there not some grave cause j for it ?' 1 'Tho reason was only a pretence — a mere nothing. The quarrel arose over the possession of a little island lying midway between the two countries, which was of no use to either, for it was only a bank of sand, owned by a few poor fishers, where they and their families lived in peace, interfering with no one. The po'or wretches were driven put and their property seized, and then the rulers of the two countries fell to quarrelling ^ith each other for possession of this barren spot, while the real owners, being poor, and consequently without friends or influence, could only look on helplessly. To you it must seem a paltry thing to fight over, for, of course, your rulers are too wise and honest to committ such, an act.' 'Of course !' I replied, mendaciously. My mind was quite disturbed by the story of the princess. The prospect of such a s wee little creature being sacrificed to pacify hei* father's enemy made my blood boil, and I began to formulate all kinds of wild schemes co prevent it. ' 'Pyrus,' I said, 'when the time comes, do you think the princess will marry the prince ?' 'Certainly ; it is settled. He will take her away as , his wife, as surely as the heavens move round.' 'You mean as surely as the world you stand cm moves round,' 1 corrected. He stared at me, evidently thinking that I was inclined to joke.
'Do 'you really believe that the wrold moves ?' he asked. . 'Certainly. I am sure of it.' I 'It is a foolish idea, 'for if it turned ever so little the water would rush over the land and we should all perish.' 1 endeavored to explain to him that his world, like all others, was round, also its power of attraction and the principle which governed its movements, but all to no purpose. He was imbued with tile idea that' it was a flat body, held in suspension by the same antigravity medium with which he was familiar, and that the sky was an immense globe revolving round his own poor little planet. My dissertation on t'lie subject may have set him. thinking, but he was very far from being convinced. The conversation served to beguile the time till we arrived at the entrance to some enclosed ground. Within were several long sheds, open at the sides and connected by covered ways with another structure some distance away. Numbers of children carrying baskets were constantly passing to and fro, and there was a continual noise like the rustling of foliage in a breeze. 1 had more than once expressed admiration for the beautiful texture of the robes worn by the people of tho upper class, and our visit to this place was the outcome of a wish I had voiced to know how the raw material was obtained, a process which Pyrus described as the web-winding. Never shall I forget the sight which greeted my eyes on entering one of these sheds. Even now I cannot recall it without a shudder. The space down the centre was occupied 'by large cages about ten feet square, covered with a fine network of wire, and on the top of each cage a dozen or more children, some of them mere babies, with their feet and legs swathed in cloth bandages, were kneeling or seated on little round cushions. All the children held small machines like silk winders, which they worked rapidly, drawing threads through the interstices of the cage, and hanging at the end of each thread was a hideous grey spider, its body nearly three inches in diameter, and its long hairy legs impotently clawing the air. The cages were alive with hundreds of these noisome creatures. Some were clinging to the wires as though on the lookout for prey, while others were tearing about like demented demons chafing at their confinement ; and others again, bloated and bestial, were lazily crawling upwards to find a suitable spot from which to spin their web. Immediately one of these had affixed the first thread of its web, nimble fingers were thrust through the wires, the end of the delicate thread was seized and transferred to the winder, the insect hanging sprawling and helpless until its stock of web was exhausted. In many instances two and sometimes three of these brutes, clinging and struggling together, would be wound simultaneously on one machine. An overseer carrying a long cane paced slowly round each cage, keeping a watchful eye on the operations of the little workers above, and drawing their attention to any of the insects which had begun to spin unnoticed by them. As soon as a spindle became fully wound with web, it was detached from tho winder and passed down to one of the basket-carriers, whose duty it was to collect the material and carry it away to another department. A fresh spindle was substituted, and the monotonous work resumed. Poor little things ! How their arms must have ached with the incessant turning, and how tired they must have been at the end of the day's dreary toil ! Only for about half an hour in the middle of the day were they allowed to. rest, when food was served out to them. A few handfuls of raw fish, none too fresh, was thrown into the cages, which the rapacious spiders immediately attacked, fighting viciously with one another over the disgusting meal like hungry wolves. The little web-winders squatted about on the ground in groups eating their food, chatting and laughing, and all the time eyeing me with great curiosity; but they showed no fear, and my appearance was evidently being discussed not without amusement. At a signal from the overseer they all jumped to their feet and scrambled up frail-looking ladders to their places on the top of the cages, and in less than a minute the whirr of the spindles was in full swing again.' I turned to Pyrus. intending to ask him the reason for the coverings on the children's limbs, wnen a piercing shriek came from the opposite end of the shed. 'One of them is bitten,' Pyrus remarked. 'Is the bite from those dreadful crawling things dangerous ?' I inquired. 'It is death,' he replied. By the time we had made our way to the scene of the tragedy, the poor little victim had been lifted down and was writhing on the ground in convulsions. It was quite plain that nothing could be done to save it, for the glazing eyes and stiffening limbs told plaintly that the end was near. The factt that the others only momentarily suspended their work prompted me to ask if' scenes like this .were of frequent occurrence. 'It is not uncommon,'- was the reply, 'for the little ones are sometimes careless and do not pay attention to their work; and the spiders are very quick, so it is to be expected. 'I have seen enough,' I said. 'Let us get out of this awful place; it makes me feel sick. 'You are distressed,' observed Pyrus, as we -were leaving. 'Surely you have many little ones who work ?' 'Oh, yes,' I answered; 'but nothing so horrible as this.' 'It is only unpleasant to the sight,' he said. 'Is it not better for them to work in the pure air and take the risk of quick death, than to i be confined in close, unhealthy rooms where ' they would sicken in tho poisonous atmosphere and die by inches ?' 'The lesser of the two evils, perhaps; but the whole principle is wrong. The healthful care of its children means a nation's future glory, and will bring it a greater reward than all the spoils of conquest.' 'It is an unselfish sentiment,' he remarked; 'and if our lives could be stretched into the future it might be considered. But we are all creatures of the present— we have our needs, and make the most of what is, caring little for what might be. , Consequently the little ones work.' My philosophic guide signalled to a car-man who was slowly polling his craft along the street on the lookout for a fare. 'We are going to a place where we can dine,' he said,^ after wo had taken 'our seats in the car. 'You must be very hungry, and I am famishing.' J Our car glided along the narrow streets like an albatross on the wing; past rows of small houses, wretched little places where the working people lived and called their homes, and then turned into a broad thoroughfare ' busy with moving pedestrians and numerous cars, some carrying passengers and others conveying goods .and' merchandise, skimming silently on their different ways. When we alighted, my friend drew from his pocket a string of metal beads and, slipping cne off, gave it to the carman, who looked at it disparagingly as he held it in his hand, and then wc-nt on his way grumbling. 'Hear how the creature growls !' remarked my companion ; 'yet he is overpaid. if I give him twice what he is entitled to he would only take it as his due. It is tho way with all those who have car-boats for hire.' The beads, I found, represented the only currency employed. They wore made in different sizes, and each was stamped with a sign marking '.its value. . There was a. strong suggestion of the orient m the appearance of the shops, the hacglin^' which was indulged in before a purchase was ! made, and tho brightly-colored robes worn by the merchants; only for the marked peculiarities 1 of the people and their small stature I could j almost have imagined that I was among the bazaars of Cairo. A weird addition to the scene was the presence of huge wingless, long-legged ostrich-like birds, marching slowly about like policemen on their beats, and picking up . anything which they found edible. I was informed that they acted as scavengers, and it was a very serious offence to molest them in any way. The eating-house which supplied us with a very good meal was an unpretentious place, but had the double virtue of quiet comfort and wellbred company. Pyrus went so far as to assure me that the food was prepared with the utmost care and cleanliness under very strict supervision. We sat there chatting for some time, my friend presenting me to a great number ofsacquaintances, who kept dropping in. 'I hope, Donald,' he said, 'that you are not bored, but they have heard about you, and are eager to meet one so rpmarkable.' 'They are all very nice and polite,' I assured him, 'My only trouble is to know how I shall remember them all when we meet again.' 'You were looking so serious,' he remarked, 'tbat I thought they annoyed you.' 'Not by any means. The truth is I was thinking of that poor little thing who died awhile ago, and I was wondering where your dead are buried.' 'Buried,' he exclaimed in astonishment. 'Do you mean put in the ground?' 'Of course; what else would you do with them?' 'Truly,' he said, 'some of your customs must be very peculiar.' 'What becomes of them, then?' 'When a person of no account dies his body is first taken to a place called the house of death, where it lies for three or four days. In the meantime, perhaps, others are brought in. _ On the fourth day the bodies are all placed' in a death-globe. There may be only one, or, as it sometimes happens, five or six are awaiting the last rites. 'When the cloud of light is high in the heavens the friends and relatives of the departed, accompanied by a priest, attend to witness the sending-off. When all is ready the priest recites a prayer, varying in length according to the fee he is paid, askjng that the spirits of the dead may be permitted to mingle with those of their own kith and kin who have gone before, and find peace within the cloud of light. As the prayer ceases the people all bow their heads, the globe is set free, and soars away into the great silence.' 'And how about those who have done evil— the wicked ones?' 'It is much the same, but there is no priest to pray for them, and they are sent off towards the ring of flame, where it is believed they will receive the punishment their misdeeds have merited.' 'Don't you understand the ring of flame, as you call it, is the world where I came from 1' 'You have told us so, and it has been discussed, but no one believes, and many laugh.' 'How do they account for my appearance, then?' 'They think that you must have come from some far country of which they have no knowledge, and there is a fear among many that you will return to your people and speak of what you have seen here, and then come back with a great army and overwhelm us.' 'So that's the situation. Well, Pyrus, if I ever get away from this place, you can give everybody my assurance that I shall never return.' *'The 'The words you speak shall be made known. It may change the minds of some who bear you no friendship.' I thanked him. From what he had told me it seemed that my presence had aroused a certain amount of doubt and misgiving. That I might need some friends in the near future was more than likely. 'Supposing I died, 'would my body oe sent to the house of death like the others?' The question was prompted by curiosity to know in what estimation I was held. 'No,' he replied ; 'people of the better class are not sent there. Their friends arrange for their sending off as they please. When a mepiber of the Royal family or a high official dies, it is done with great show and magnificance. In your case, the death-globe that brought you here would most likely be used for the ceremony.' 'Good heavens ! Is that one of the things you call a deatli-globe ? ' .
'Surely you know that. X cannot com.prefl.6ntl why you should choose such a thing to travel 'My dear Pyrus, I had no choice ; I simply found the thing and used it. It is certainly cheerful to know that my journey here was made in what we should call a coffin, or, at best, a hearse.' 'If you would like it removed ? he began. 'No, no,' I interrupted, hastily. 'I prefer to keep it for many reasons.' I did not tell him that its loss, with the priceless chemicals and air cylinders which it contained, would have been fatal to_my hopes of ever seeing 'home and friends again.
CHAPTER VI.
The days slipped quickly by, and I was seldom at a loss to find employment to occupy my time. The King was most affable, frequently sending for me to consult with him on matters of State, and I was rapidly qualifying for the position of diplomat of the first water. That some of his advisers did not approve of my presence at their councils goes without saying. Although they did not openly Object, I was conscious of an undercurrent of resentment, wihich mado my position anything but easy, -and I realised that if the King were incapacitated in any way, it would foe the signal for my downfall, and possibly something more serious. There was no knowing what they might conspire against me in secret, and an uncomfortable feeling that something might be attempted to destroy my influence with the King kept me constantly on the alert. ^ It was wearing on my nerves, but the position had come unsought, and to retire without offering any reasonable excuse might- precipitate u serious embroilment. It was some compensation for these worries to enjoy the friendship of the Princess. She had expressed a wish to learn what she called the 'language o£ Donald,' and for aibout an ?hour every day I was admitted to her apartments to instruct her in the intricacies of the ' English language. On these occasions she was always attended by a mature person named Katata, who played the part of duenna in the most orthodox manner. So long as she kept awake this elderly fowl, if I may call her so without disrespect, devoted herself to watching our movements and listening to every word spoken. If I addressed the Princess in a low voice she would lean forward in order to eatc-h what I was saying, and when on one occasion the Princess inadvertently touched my hand, she glared in an alarming manner. But there were times when her vigilance was relaxed. The Princess had insisted upon her being made comfortable on a broad settee with a pile of soft cushions, and there she woulc^ sometimes doze through tho whole lesson. It was a relief when my pupil had learnt sufficient of the language to enaible us to converse without having to avoid subjects which the presence of a third party made inadvisable. That at least was what we both fondly believed, and consequently we exchanged ideas freely, for the Princess showed a great liking for my company, and treated me more like abig brother than a temporary visitor. She was as intelligent as she was beautiful, and cn more than one occasion surprised me with ? her expressed convictions oh some of the problems of life. 'Donald.' she said one day alter _.we had been discussing the anomalies of class prejudice, 'I am quite convinced that our social system is all wrong. It seems so unfair that n. few of us should have all we desire without any effort, while the great majority of our fellow beings are struggling for bare existence and many .of them dying' from want of food. It is all so very sad, and makes me feel unhappy when I think of it.' This was dangerous talk for a princess to indulge in, and I glanced with some apprehension at the duenna, but she appeared to be sleeping, and betrayed no sign that she had ever heard the remarks. 'Princess,' I replied, 'if the wealthy gave away all their riches and possessions it would only bring about a temporary relief to a few. in a very little while the same conditions would prevail as are in existence now. Some would grow rich, others poor.' 'You think, then, that nothing can be done to alter it ?' 'Much might be done in a small way. Even if the burdens of a few deserving families were lightened it would be a beginning, but it is a dangerous experiment, and not always appreciated, even by those relieved.' 'Donald,' she said, after .a pause, 'an idea ?has come into my head. I have never yet entered the house of one of these poor people, I have never been inside a place of amusement . or into a shop, and I should so much like to see for myself some of the things I only hear of. It would also be an adventure,' she added, 'which all my life has never happened to me. Will you help me, Donald ?' 'You must not think of it, Princess,' I replied, 'for it would never be permitted.' 'But no one shall know. It must be done on what you call the quiet. I have thought about it, and there is a way. ' Oh, yes, it will 'be quite easy to do.' 'What would happen,' I asked, 'if this little plot came to the ears of the King, your father ?' 'But it must not happen. If you tell no one, and I tell no one, it will remain a secret between us.' 'A princess is different from an ordinary person,' I told her, 'she cannot come and go as she ohooses and keep her movements secret. 'The princess,' she replied, 'can retire to her apartment to rest. The servants shall see her go in. She can tell them that she is going to sleep, and must not be disturbed, and then for a long time who knows if she is there or not ? She can then dress in a robe not very new, and no one would know her.' 'The princess is very much too pretty to pass anywhere unnoticed, no matter how she is dressed.' 'Now, Donald, you are trying to make me vain, and you have not yet promised that you will do as I wish.' 'You have so taken me by surprise that I j must ask for a little time to think it over. It is taking a' great risk, and if it became known we should iboth get into trouble.' For myself, I do not care, but for you it might be very serious.' 'For me,' she replied, sadly, 'nothing matters now. You have heard of the war we ha*e had, and of the conditions to obtain peace. Very soon the prince, our enemy, will come to claim me, and then my life will be over. I do so wish for a little happiness while there is time.' Must this marriage, which you so much dislike, take place ? Is there no way out ?' 'There is a way out. Oh, yes, two, three ways. When the time comes I shall choose one.'' 'Princess,' I said gravely, 'you must not let your thoughts dwell upon such an awful thing. This prince may be better than you imaglae, and perhaps he is fond of you, and in time will make you happy.' 'No, it can never be. His cruelty is known, and he rules his people by violence. He would torture me till I died. His very name caused a loathing in my heart.' 'Does the King know all this ? And the Queen, your mother, does she, too, know your feelings ?' 'Oh, yes ; I have spoken and have cried many times, and they' say that I am foolish, and then tell me that this marriage must take place because it is expedient.' I muttered something under my ibreath, which was neither in the vocabulary I had taught the princess, nor complimentary to the ruling powers, and then and there made up my mini that this sweet little creature should never become a prey to the blackguard prince, even if I had to knock him on the head with my own hands. 'Are you very sorry for me, Donald ?** she asked, and there was an appeal in her big eyes which would have softened the heart of a savage. 'More so than I can say,' I answered, (but you must not give way to morbid thoughts. I intend to do all I can to prevent this 'brutal sacrifice. I will use my influence with the King.' 'No, Donald, no. If the King hears that we have spoken together of this he will be very angry. He will shut me up, and never allow me to see you again. You must not speak of it to anyone. It might bring death to you.' 'Do not worry about me Princess, I am ready to take any risk to serve you, but although I will be guided by what you say and ?Keep silent, I promise you that this Prince shall never possess you against your will, even if it plunges the country into another war.' 'Ah, Donald, you are good and strong, but such a thing must not 'be. The King perhaps is right. It is not much to give one little life to keep the peace of two nations.' 'It would not keep the peace. Nations are like dishonest individuals, always on the look-out for a chance to steal one another's property, and the only safeguard is to maintain a sufficient force to overawe the would--be | aggressor. Believe me, Princess, your selfsacrifice would be thrown away, for it would have no lasting effect.' 'I am like some poor soul drowning In the lake, glad to clutch at anything that floats, but your words have given me comfort, and I see things in a new light now.' 'And will you ask my advice before taking any step in the matter, and trust to my guidance ?' 'Yes, Donald, I would trust you with my life. You are one true friend among many pretenders.' 'Thank you, Princess, your trust is a sacred thing, which I shall value more than all my possessions.' The dozing duenna opened her eyes, and sat up. 'Katata,' said the Princess, 'I was about to waken you, for the lesson is just over, and Donald is going.' 'Till to-morrow,' I said, bowing as I withdrew. When I got back to my rooms, Pyrus was already there impatiently waiting to tell me some news. It appeared that the King had ordered a day to be set apart for the holding of a. grand fete, in which the predominant features would j be displays by the military, sucli as the manoeuvring of warcars, sham fights, racing and trials of skill in the use of arms. Numbers of artisans and others were already at work on the level ground adjoining the palace erecting an ornate pavilion from which the King and his suite could view the different events. There were also to be other stands to accommodate the notabilities and people of substance. According to my friend's description, it was to be a function of great splendor and magnificence, and a time for general rejoicings. 'What hove the people got to rejoice about ?' I asked.' 'From what I have seen, many of them should have more cause to wee p.' 'Have you not heard ?' he asked, in surprise. 'I thought the event -was known to everyone. All this 'great display is to celebrate the coming to iife of the royal egg.' 'The what ?' 'The royal egg,' he repeated. 'My dear Pyrus, T am as much in t.b.n dark as ever. Will you please be more explicit ? In plain language, 1 don't know what you mean.' 'Why do you assume an innocence, which ?would deceive no one ? It does not become you.' 'The King keeps poultry, tperhaps,' I suggested, 'and his favorite hen has commenced to lay. Is that it ?' 'It is not a subject for flippancy. Some time ago the Queen presented an egg to her husband the King, and now the living little one has appeared, and is pronounced by the doctors to ?be healthy and strong. The King has long prayed for a little Prince to succeed him, anu now his prayers have been granted. That is why we rejoice.' . 1 stared at him helplessly, scarcely believing that I had heard aright before I could find the voice to speak. 'Do you mean to tell me that your — your children come into the world in the same manner as birds ?' 'Really, Donald, you must know very little after all, or else you are pretending to be without knowledge. Would you, then, have them born like the beasts ?' 'You have so surprised me,' I gasped, 'that I am quite incapable of giving an opinion on the subject.' 'Why should you be so astonished at a natural law which has never changed since the beginning ?' . 'Because it has never occurred to me that the laws of Nature in your world could be different from those in my own, and yet it Should not seem so very strange after, what I have already seen.' 'Then they are different,' he exclaimed, 'which accounts for your amazement. I am all curiosity to know in what way they differ.' After I had answered his question he - remained thoughtful for some time. 'It is very cruel,' he said, 'that your women should suffer so much ; but it is not a matter for wonder. In those pictures you have shown me they seem to be of unnatural shape. Can it be that they distort their bodies so that all may look alike and thus cause themselves pain ? — for it is not to -be believed that they came into the world in so strange a form.' 'They are under the' ban of a tyrant called fashion, which all obey. But I will not be unchivalrous, so you must answer the question for yourself.' 'I ' am learning a great deal. . Many of the things we do here are foolish and unnecessary, but it is consoling' to know that there are others who commit greater follies.' 'A truly -human sentiment,' I remarked, 'in that at least we are all one.' 'As there is so much trouble and suffering among your women when they become mothers, it is a marvel that the race does not dwindle and die out; for there must be many who look upon it as a thing to be avoided, and have no care for the nation's future.' 'That has j already become a serious problem in some of our countries, for which no solution has been found. Now, it would be interesting to know what steps your rulers would take to remedy the evil, if ft became the practice here.' (TO BE CONTINUED.)
Readers are informed that the characters and incidents in this serial are ail imaginary, the narrative being, of course, pure fiotion, and there cantherefore, be no question of any reference being made or reflection conveyed concerning any living person or any publio body- or company.
CHAPTER VI. (Continued-).
?'Even bore wo have cases of egg-breaking. It is a crime easy to commit and most difficult to detect, Imt 'discovery and conviction bring death. The wrongdoer is treated like a criminal who has committed a capital offence. He or she — it makes no difference— is bound and placed alive in a death globe, and sent oft' to perish miserably in the unknown regions abovt.' ?'Does not the prospect of an awful fate likfe that prevent the evil V' £ 'Not altogether: for there are always some ?i who think they are too clever 10 be found J* out.' X '-lt is a fault pertaining to most of us.' I obJ* ' served, 'if we were all accepted at our own ?_i..' valuation mediocrity would become as rare as ** go.nius is now.' *J \Vi: remained talking on various topics till '?* »?.(? usual mid-day refreshment, was announced, '% and, after a light meal, 1 suggested to Pyrus « that we should take a stroll in the palace IS grounds. My object, was to try. and obtain some ?« photographs. Judging by the reflected pictures .j?- which were common in most of the larger -*-. houses, the first principles of photography were \ -'? already known, but the process of fixing the j '*' image permanently had not yet been discovered. ! J«. There was no lack of subjects. The palace ^J. itself, a group of soldiers, a bit of the lake, all ZJ were of interest, and lent themselves to' pic-' ?t~ torial effect, and, moreover, they were all mi- I IT exploited by the kodak fiend. 1 exposed halfa-dozen plates, in some of which my friend ?£? ligured prominently, and then returned to de~ vise a temporary dark room. 'Z: I had brought with me the necessary chemi- | cals in tabloid form, and with a little contriv- j ing managed to produce some very fair pictures. | : 'When I showed them to the Princess she was j f so taken with them tliar, all thoughts of a les- , '* sou on ihat day were at an end, and for the | ?;t time being 1 became Photograpiier to the Royal \) Family. When the King and Queen had accord? cd me some sitti-gs, I took several pictures of 'Ji iho princess, then came a erouo of the Kine's . -.' councillors, followed by several dignitaries] / and high officials, till my stock of plates was i nearly exhausted: and for a week after I was j kept very busy developing negatives and sup- j Plying them with prints. ,-?-. The King's favorite dancer, a pretty little £; lady whom I had photographed in one of her *»? graceful poses, was most insatiable in her re- j '': quests for copies. She had already weedled me '.-' into giving her over a dozen, aiid still asked' for more, when 1 found she was doing quite .a lucrative business with some of the shopkeepers by exchanging them for artcles of dress and personal adornment: the shopkeepers in return selling them at a large profit. To get rid of her importunities, 1 presented her with the negative, with instructions how to use it, and all the formula for preparing the necessary materials required in the art. She was much cleverer than 1 anticipated, for in a very short time a shop was. opened in the best part of the town where anyone could get photographed for the privilege of paying for it. With the aid of one of the Court doctors, a clever fellow, and the little dancer's devoted admirer, the chemical difficulties had been surmounted, and thus a new and profitable industry came into existence. Singing and dancing were the only amusements permitted within the palace, and a company of the most skilled exponents of these arts was maintained especially to give performances before the King and' those whom he chose to invite. Some of the dances were of an extraordinary character, and always performed by females, who vied with one another in executing tne most dimcult and eccentric movements. They seemed to violate all the laws of anatomy, and left a painful impression on the mind. Others, again, were expositions of undulating gracefulness, and appealed strongly to the artistic sense. The public performances ' were very similar, but in addition short plays were introduced mostly of a light and frivolous description. Among the poorer classes story-telling was the most popular form of amusement. The dramatic recitations generally took place in ihc open air after working hours, and it would be a poor performer who did not attract a large audience. The news of the day was retailed in this man?ner, the tale-tellers striving to outdo oae another in exaggerating the merest trifles into sensational dramas. All the scandals and peccadilloes which they could ferret out they clothed in lurid language, and proclaimed them publicly irrespective of truth or decency. I had now been living amongst these queer people for nearly three months, and their quaint customs and manner of living, together with the novelty of my environment, had filled my life with interest. But every new sensation loses its charm when it becomes an everyday item, and truth to tell I found it growing monotonous. The day of the Fete, however, roused more than a passing interest, r was looking forward to the event as something to relieve the onmil towards which 1 was drifting. Although the sports would not commence till the arrival of the King, about mid-day, carboats wrrr-already coming in from the mainland and neighboring islands filled with gaily robed parties o: holiday-makers. The only articles I ,-ould find in the way of lostivo attire were a bright red necktie and a striped tennis blazer. Pyrus came in as [was dubiously contemplating the things, and it v-is his approval that decided me to wear them '\s ir^K' l° J°H th° r°yal 1-arty' ' 'Passed some M.i savings about my appearance, but mv friend assured mc that the rig-out was not only suitable, but would be much admired. Heaven The arrival of the King was received bv a Rieat shorn lrom the assembled crowds, and -i loud beating of gongs which ceased immediately I The pavilions and stands were twined and I festooned with brightly tinted draperies. Long j streamers floated from painted poles, and huh! dreds of big colored balls attached to long ribbons drifted about in the gentle breeze overhead, the whole forming a kaleidoscopic riot oE : color dazzling to 'the eye. Only those belonging to the exclusive class were permitted to display a ball. This was marked with a device equivalent to a Coat of Arms, and denoted the rank of the owner. Lines of soldiers with their spears held' horizontally, kept the crowd in check, and if any o\xjr-bold spirit ventured to trespass on the reserved space he received a gentle reminder by being promptly knocked on the head and driven back to his place behind the lines. Three beats on an immense gong sounded the signal for the first event, a foot race. There was no handicapping, and at. a word. from the starter the competitors all bounded away together, and seemed to fly over the ground rather than run. 1 did not time the race, but can safely say thai, judging by our own standard of speed, it was a record. This was followed, after a short interval, by a, carboat race. To see these things being punted along a few feet from the ground reminded me of a not unpleasant dream which ] daresay most of us have experienced, where the sleeper imagines himself being borne along ?a foot or two above the ground without any volition of his' own:-' ' A mock fight between two large war-cars was evidently one of the most popular displays, for when the two cars ranged up opposite one another the people, shouted vociferously, and bets were freely offered and taken on the result by both sexes. Even .the King was not above indulging in the general gamble, and backed his fancy in several wagers with his iiiuiuai.es. Kaon of the war-ears carried a crew of twenty-five fighting .men besides the punters. The.v were armed with long staves or poles with padded ends, which they used as spears. When i he cars approached within striking distance a great struggle began, ? the combatants thrusting vigorously at one another with the poles as though fighting for their lives. When one j of them was knocked off his feet he was considered hors-dc-combaV, and took no further part in the game; much depended on the skill of the punters in manoeuvring the cars so that their own side might gain a position of advantage. The .melee lasted for some time, the cars advancing and retreating and gliding round one another with varying fortune, till only two members of the competing crews were left standing, it now became a duel between the two champions to decide the victory, and the ! excitement grew as they thrust and parried with all the dexterity gained by long practice. They, were evenly matched, and displayed marvellous agility in dodging the skilfully-wielded poles, till one of them, by a quick feint, got in a home thrust full on the chest of his adversary which hurled him clean out of the car. The King was mightily pleased, for he had woa his bets, and ordered the victor to be brought before him to receive a reward for* his prowess. The crowd cheered lustily and then broke- out into fresh applause as a party of throwers marched on to the ground. I* had never yet seen this remarkable weapon in practical use, so this event promised to be of special interest. A hundred and fifty paces away two poles were planted in ihe ground about two feet apart, and from a cross-piece connecting them a shield was suspended in such a manner that it could not turn in the wind- This was the target, and to drive u bullet through it from the distance market1, off was the task essayed. Again and again the bullets whizzed through the air, seldom missing -the mark or failing to cut their way through the thin metal. When the King turned to me and asked me what 1 thought oE it. 1 told him that considering the (.'rudeness of the weapons used, it was an amazing performance, and the cleverest display of skill I had witnessed. 'You speak with some show of contempt for weapons,' he said. 'Can you tell me of others which are moVo deadly, or that can be handled wit:h greater .precision ?' 'I can show the King.' T replied, 'a weapon which will pierce six shields at three times the distance.' 'Donald,' lie answered, 'f have noticed that you are sometimes given to boasting, it is a ijiuuii »-whm £,iu*\:-f iiiiu is liut utJUUiUlUa'If the King;will order the shields to be placed in position and the distance measured out I will go and bri.ng the weapon I speak of and prove that my words are no idle! boast.' For the moment I felt annoyed at the King's remark, tout as I made my way towards the palace, whioh was only a few minutes' walk, 1 was forced to admit that the snub was merited, for I had certainly talked a good deal, but had not yet done a.nything to prove the truth 'of my assertions. Now trtiat- the opportunity offered, 1 determined to profit by it, and give them all something to think over. An idea was in my mind, too. that a display rf power might help' me to influence the King on behalf of the Princess, for if I could place tfiis' power in his hands ho could snap his fingers at any enemy who ventured to attack him. When 1 returned to the Royal pavilion with, my rifle and rovelver, which I had previously assured myself were in good working order, the preparations for the shooting Were complete. I showed the weapons to the King, but he could make nothing of- them, further than to admire their workmanship, and when I announced that I was ready to demonstrate their effectiveness, he still remained sceptical. A great luisli came over the crowd as I stepped up to the firing mark, for it had got about that something unusual was to take place, and everyone was en the tiptoe of expectation. I faced the target rifle in ha.:id. Knowing the distance, and there 'beins verv iittln wind it was an easy shot even for a poor marksman. ? I took careful aim and fired. The shields swayed and rattled together as the bullet tore its way through them, and a little cloud of dust far beyond marked where it finally struck the grouad. After putting three shots through them, I requested that the shields should be brought to the King for his inspection. ! a it was amusing to watch his perplexity as he turned them about and examined the small perforations, and then to complete his bewilderment I had one of the shields set up about twenty yards away and riddled it with ihalf a dozen revolver shots fired in quick succession. More than a minute passed before the Kingspoke, and 1 could see then that he was deeply impressed with what he had just witnessed. 'Donald,' he said at length, 'your words were truly spoken. Only that I have seea.it with my own eyes I could never have believed that such a thing was possible. _ When the day's pleasure is' over I should like . to talk with you further, but would ask you- now to let no one see these wonderful 'weapons, for even in the palace itself there are those who seek their ow.n profit before everything, caring .not whether it comes from friend or foe.' The remaining events of the day. aroused tout little interest, for after my contribution to t.he programme the wrestling and dart throwing fell very flat, and'tlie people were already leaving the ground whil^e the last display was i.n progress. ; . ' ' ? . The one tonic of conversation was tha m^T-i-ai which riad 'been done before their.'eyes by the big stranger, and many' were the theories advanced to explain it. While some looked upon it simply as an addition to -their day's enjoyment, there were others who shook their heads, saying that it was a supernatural act, and prophesying that it could only bring evill' The King, however, was more practical, a.nd fully alive to- the advantages to be gained by the! possession of so potent a force. ? Immediately after his return to the palace' he sent for his chief armorer and two of themost, skilful mechanics, to whom I had to explain the mec-iuinism of the arms, and the making of the explosive. Finally I was induced to lend them 'the two; weapons and some cartridges iii order that they might copy them in every detail. \ I had little do ait that their ingenuity would be rewarded, nor was I mistaked, for a few days later T was shown a rifle almost the counterpart of my own. the only part in which ' they had failed- was. the rifling of the -'barrel, I but eve.n as a smooth bore it was a serviceable weapon, and in a flash, as it were, the things which had been i.:i use for centuries were rendered obsolete. Whether it would prove a benefit or a curse was a debatable point which only time cc-uld decide. Already preparations were afoot for making the first cannon, and in all likelihood the time was .not far distant when the nations of this planet would be feverishly building armaments with which to blow one another to perdition, while they preached the doctrines of peace and international brotherhood.
CHAPTER VII.
Femininity is always attracted by the abnormal. Whether it appears in the guise of a mountebank preacher or the perpetrator of a particularly atrocious crime, an African chief with a cannibalistic record, or a loose-jointed, unintelligent giant, it will arouse an interest, which members of the gentler sex fail to find or appreciate in their own friends or relatives. The virtues are of nn nnonimh Tn nrflav tn Violionised it is necessary to be a freak of gome description; a co-respondent in a notorious divorce case, a man with a lurid past, or a millionaire would all' be eligible candidates for the doubtful attention. It was only natural that I, being a curiosity among male things, should be sought after by the wealthy, and idle-minded females as a novelty to help relieve the burden of their social functions. In spite of my efforts to dodge as many of these occasions as, possible, I could not entirely ignore them without giving offence, and 1 can sympathise with the fat lady or the threelegged calf and other unfortunate enormities which go to make up the attractions of a penny shc\v. . To* spend an hour or two in the company of people with whom 1 had no, thoughts or ideas in common, only to be stare'd at and questioned in order to satisfy vulgar curiosity, was irksome and irritating, and it was difficult at times to -maintain an attitude of polite interest under the trying ordeal. All this was bad enough in itself, but I soon became aware that some of my female acquaintances were inclined to be more friendly than our casual meetings warranted. If one of them paid me any little extra attention it 'would be resented by the others present, and they made no ado about quarrelling over the point even before me. There was one little lady, the wife of a wealthy noble, whose shameless attempts at flirtation were most embarrassing. She was a pretty little creature, with the big liquid eyes, common to her race, and was doubtless the l-.troine of many conquests, for she used her r.ris of fascination with all the confidence born oC success. I had no desire to be drawn into an entanglement of this kind, and felt confident that my somewhat stolid reception of her advances had c-urc-d her infatuation; but the mere man has vo:y little knowledge in those matters after ail. 1 had seen nothing of this enchantress for some days, and was hugging myself with the belief that she had given me up as a hopeless case, and was employing her' wil-is elsewhere, wiien one night, on entering my sleeping room, I found her in a negligent attitude, comfortably reposing on 'iy bed, her demi-scmi garments only partially concealing the graceful curves of her shapely figure. For a moment I was toostaggered1 to do anything but start .at this rliiirshnTimis hnittiln of misp.hipf. nnnprtain whp tner to laugh or feel angry. Her composure was in no way ruffled by my presence; .in fact, the surprise 1 showed seemed to afford her some amusement. 'How do you come to be here ?' I demanded, as sternly as my sense of humor would permit. A sound smacking would have been the most appropriate method! of dealing with the case, and 1 told her so. She- stretched her arms lazily above her head without attempting to rise, and smiled compiacently. 'I came in the usual way,' she answered, 'by the door;- the servants let me in.' I thought you would be pleased.' 'It's very kind of you to honor me with a Visit,' I. said; 'but you cannot stay here, you know. You had better get up at once, and I will see you to your home.' 'Why cannot I remain ?' she asked, without changing her position. 'Because it is not proper, or — or — conven-tional;' I ended, lamely. 'Don't you like me ?' ';That has nothing to do with it. Think how compromising it is; your reputation will be gone; the servants will talk,' and' — She interrupted me wi,th a laugh. 'You may he talking sense,' she observed, 'but to me it has no meaning, except to make me think that you regulate your conduct to please the servants. They will only say that the stranger has got a wife. Is that very dreadful ?*' 'H would' be very annoying, and quite untrue.' 'You are not complimentary,' she said, with a pout. 'Is that because you always speak honestly ?' „ 'I try to; but that has nothing to do with the present situation. !Likc many of your sex, you evade the subject at issue. The question is, are you going, or not ?' 'Since you permit me to choose, I prefer to remain. It is comfortable here, and it is also too late now to return.' Further argument was useless. There was nothing left but to accept the outrageous situation, for I could mot very well eject her by force at that hour. 'Very well,' 1 said, 'if you insist upon this mat! idea, you may occupy this room, and I will retire to the roof.' 'The roof !' she repeated. 'Why should you sieep on the roof when there is plenty of room here ?'???. ; ' . 'Because— oh, hang ft all ! can't you see diat there will be a scandal ? . The story of this intrigue will i each the ears of your husband', with all kinds of additions raid exaggerations; you will be shunned by your friends, and then tere will be the devil to pay.' 'You speak in riddles. Who is the devil, an-1 why should my friend's forsake me 1 As for my husband, he has already got another wife.' 'What ! Does the law allow more than 'Oh, yes ! But only one at a time. Of course, the law does not apply to ,the King or any of the royalty; they please themselves.' 'Why, the whole community must be m a chronic state of divorce. How is if managed V 'I know nothing of what you call divorce. Wnen two people wed, and grow tired of one another, they seek -nmoug their friends and acquaintances for a pair who. ate, like themselves discontented. If they are all willing lor tin exchange of wives, they notify the judges who are appointed to attend to these matters. The applicants pay a sum of money, and receive in return a permit, which, makes the new arrangement legal. You see, it is quite simple. 'Is there no further ceremony V' 'Of what use would that be ? They simply -gree among themselves, and are not bound m any way It is left open foV either of the parties to choose another male if they find they are not in agreement. Is that not snore honest than secretly deceiving one another, and then parting in anger, and providing a nasty story for the public to gloat over when it becomes known ?' ' , :?.- ? ,., 'Possibly; but. what becomes of ihe emlurer ?''-.''That 'That is also arranged by the judges. They decide who is to care for them and bear the evnense. according: to circumstances.' ? .
'Does this happy-go-lucky method give satisfaction .?''Of 'Of course. When people cannot agree is it not better for them to separate and find more suitable partners ? Some of them; 'when.- they are both, good-tempered and agreeable, live together quite a long. time. It is also better for the children, for when their elders live in Jiarmony together, without quarrels* or rudeness, the little ones have no bad example to imitate.' 'There are some, I suppdse, who are never content, and flit from place to place until no one wants them at all.' 'Some, of course, are not easily pleased. For myself, I have had three husbands, and the one I have now arranged to live, with is not quite to my liking.' 'So you thought to get me as a substitute 1 It is flattering, btjt in my country it would be, denounced as extremely immoral.' ?She sat up on the bed nursing her knees and regarding me out of the corners of her eyes. 'I am disappointed in *yc-u-' she said ; 'you speak like some of our own people wtto profess to be shocked at the whole system. They assume airs of great seriousness and decorum, and like it to be thought they are so much better than we are. Yet the things they do in secret, which they outwardly condemn, would make us feel ashamed. I know, because, with all their sly ways, they are sometimes found out.' 'Thadk you. I am really afraid that I should not please you as a husband, and that, after all, you will have to content yourself with the one who is not quite to. your liking.' 'it seems so,' she said, with a little grimace. 'Now, if you took a ivif'e in your own country, would it be so very different from ours.' 1 explained the procedure to lier, and described' the mairiage ceremony and tne responsibilities it entailed. 'How very curious,' she remarked ; 'and what a fuss they make about such an ordinarything. Perhaps you already have a wife there, and left because you found it too dull V' . I assured -her that it was not the case, and that when people married they were boundtogether for life. 'What !' she exclaimed, in surprise. 'Do they live, together always ?' ' 'Certainly ; each party to the contract makes a solemn vow to that effect.' 'What happens if they tire of one another? It must be very uncomfortable to live together under those conditions.' 'They have to make the best of it. ? It is their own choosing, and if it does not turn out as they hoped no one is to blame but themselves.' 'Do they always remain, what you call faithfulto one another V' she asked; innocently. / 1 fait* that tVi^ i.Am, + 'i + in« rvf 4-K a .H.-UAln «.A«nnn trial race was endangered, and' determined to maintain its integrity at any cost. 'Decidedly they do,!''l replied, defiantly ; 'you must not judge theni by your own standard of morals.' . ?? ? . ? 'What wonderful people, and how good' theymust tie :'. And then she asked, with a sparkle of mischief in her eyes : 'Are they all as truthtul r.s rou ?' ?.??'?? 'Do you mean- to infer ? ' I -began, but got .no further, for- she burst out laughing, rocking herself with enjoyment at my discomfiture. 'Really,' she said, when she regained speech,. 'I think we should suit each other' very well, after all ; but you should never tell lies .unless they appear more probable, than the truth. Now that you have been so deceitful, I shall ?believe that there is more vice in your country than virtue.' . '.'.... 1 implored her not to be too hard on us, and suggested that I , would now retire, as she might like to sleep, for it was close on midnight, or the hour of silence, as they termed it ; but she ignored my hints, and reminded m« that she had eaten nothing since her arrival. ?''I am very thirsty, too, and do not like' drinking water,' she added, making- a wry mouth. It seemed I 'was -in; for a night of it... I apologised for my neglect, and left her while L went to get so-mc eatables ? from among my stores in the . globe. When I returned with some biscuits, a jar of jam, some'' dried fruit, and a bottle of wine/ she had tidied the bed, and. was smoothing, a- -place for the impromptu supper. ?, . , ? . It is a' truism that, w.e little, know ourselves. None of us cah-.-tell Bjow our actions will bo governed under.'unfamfliar conditions, or what absurdities wc^mayAjeommit when the opportunity offers,., lf-my.^rieDds. could have seen the highly respectable-. Dbnald :As.tor. picnicking on his own bed - at. midnight ;™with a gauzyapparelled siren I'or company, they would have lost faith in their.ro.wn senseof ^vision; but here I was, and rather enjoying the reprehensible situation. My companion was in her element. Although she belonged to the class accustomed to the luxuries: which wealth brings, there must have been a strain of Bohemianism in her nature stronger than the conventions of her bringingup. She ate biscuits and jam as though they were out-of-season delicacies, and, picking out the largest prunes and dates,. insisted on putting llsem into my mouth, quite regardless of my protests or capacity for swallowing. 'This is very nice wine,' she .remarked. 'Of course, you will tell me that your good people never drink too ' much of it and make themselves stupid.' 'Some few, I admit, go to excess.' 'Well, it is something to confess even , to. that. I will be more honest and tell you that among ourselves it is the many who overindulge. It is funny, too, how we go' to extremes. While, some are always sodden and without sense through taking too much, there arc others who will not even taste it, because they cannot trust themselves to be moderate. T am not able to decide which is the most to be despised.' 'is th.'s habit prevalent nucui^ your -wn sex ':' 'Oh, .yes; but it is not so noticeable, because they mostly indulge in their, own homes, and do not parade it in public life, like others. I could point to some whom you have met who a:;peiM- quite nice, and not capable of any vice,' yet they are often carried to bed' by their servants; but they are not so bad as those who stupify themselves with strong drugs. Again, there are others who take their pleasure in games of chance, and lose so much money that they can only repay it by selling themselves to their creditors. They have no serious occupation, and must find something to pass the time. But this wine is making me talk. I must not drink any more, otherwise I shall bo tellingyou things that are better not mentioned, and then you will think we are what you call a bad lot.' 'I could never express such an opinion in your presence,' I said gallantly.' 'You need not hesitate to say what you think to me,' she said, 'although we all like to have nice things spoken to us, even 'when we know they are not meant. Now. I am curious to see you burn one of those little white packets and breathe out smoke.' 'Thank you. I was about to- ask your permission,' I said, producing one of my few remaining cigarettes; and was about to light it wben she deftly took the lighted match from my fingers. 'Let me set fire to it,' she said, perching herself on my knee. 'It will :be a new experience. Oh, damnation !' she exclaimed in English, and then, in her own language, 'I have j burnt myself !' - - ? .j 'Where did you pick up that shocking' ex- I pression ?' I asked. . , I 'It could only come from one source,' she. j said, sucking her finger. 'I heard you say it | once when something had vexed you, and I repeated it to myself till 1 could say it quite well.' 'I am setting a bad example. You will want to smoke next.' -Without a word she. took the cigarette from my lips and. placed it between her own. 'You see,' she said, blowing a puff of smoke in my face, 'I am learning all your nice ways. In a little while I shall be quite like one of your great ladies.' 'I'm sure our ladies would feel flattered,' I observed sarcastically. 'Why, how do they differ ? Do they never say bad words, or drink too much wine, or blowout smoke from their mouths, or — or ? 1' 'Pass the night in a man's bedroom,' I said, 'stuffing him with prunes and sitting on his knee. You must have a strange notion of their characteristics. . They would not even dream ? ' 'Now,' she interrupted, putting her finger on my lips,' you are about to tell one of ^those lies which deceive no one.' * 'We look at these things in a different light,' I said. 'If. one of our women happened to be found out in an escapade of this kind she would be socially ostracised, if you know what that means. She would lose all her friends, and only people of no reputation would, recognise her. 'Oh, yes;, I understand. And if she is not found out, what then ?' 'Well, naturally, if nothing is known against her, she is quite respectable in the eyes of the world.' ? 'I see. And are there many who lose their friends and reputations ?' 'No — in proportion to the population, very few.' 'Then they must be very clever, after all. Do not frown and look cross. Say 'damnation' and you will feel all right.' When I said it, she laughed and patted my hand as though I had achieved something to be proud of. ? I verily believe she would have kept me gossiping till the cloud of light ushered in another day; and it was only after a deal of persuasion that I induced her to go to bed, and even then I had to promise to remain in the adjoining room till she became too sleepy to talk. When Pyrus made his usual morning call shortly after we had ibreakfasted, my lively guest was just preparing to depart. I was to take her in' a car-boat to the house of her new husband. It seemed such- an extraordinary procedure, and 1 felt myself in such an awkward and unique position, that it came as a relief when Pyrus. who was acquainted with both of them, offered to accompany us. There was no need, however, for any scruples on my part. The episode was apparently not regarded as outrageous in any \vay — a little r unconventional, perhaps, but nothing more. We left the little intriguer at her new abode, and oa the way back I related my adventure to Pyrus and how it came about. He showed no surprise, and observed that it would '.afford good .matter for the tale-tellers wherewith, to make a sensatio:^V narrative for the public to gloat over. 'But,' 1 protested, 'there was nothing in it 'at all; 'Fortunately! T am not of an excitable temperament, r nor- prone to be carried away under circumstances of this kind. The time was simply passed in more or less frivolous convcr- . sation which I found, rather entertaining.' 'It is good to know,' he remarked, 'that a philosopher can sometimes find amusement in light conversation— on the roof.' 1 did not like the way he paused before completing the sentence or its termination, and I looked at him suspiciously;, but he was gazing dreamily ahead in an expressionless manner, apparently at nothing at all. He made no further reference to the subject, and when he again spoke it was to draw my attention to the King's car-boat, which was just leaving the palace escorted by his bodyguard,- the soldiers occupying three smaller car-boats, one moving on either side, while the third followed close in the rear. The King, seated within a. kind of deck cabin in the centre of the car, could see, and be seen, plainly through the transparent sides, and looking like an image in a glass case. Two officials, probably inspectors of nuisances, occupied a place immediately behind the cabin; while the captain, standing in the bow, directed the movements of the six punters who propelled the big, white vehicle. It was the custom of the monarch to visit the city from time to time and pass through the principal streets on a tour of inspection. ? The periodical rounds were supposed to have the effect of keeping the citizens on their good behaviour, for they never ..knew when one of these visits would be made: and it was a bad lookout for .anyone, whose conduct met with the Royal disapproval. Curiosity to view the attitude of the people towards, their ruler prompted me to suggest that -we should follow at a respectful distance. . Our car-boat was immediately turned, and we proceeded in the wake of those in front. 'There will be nothing to see,' remarked Pyrus; 'for it is only a formal matter. The news will soon spread that the King is coming, and the people will be warned in time to show due respect. It docs not interest me in the least.' 'I should like you to see one of our Royal processions,' I said. 'It would be something to remember.' 'Possibly, but among the many things you have told me, my mind has been taken more with the printing of books and those wonderful papers which tell the news of each, day than pnything else. It seems incredible that a nation should exist for hundreds of years without such a simple and obvious process occurring to anyone. I am becoming a convert to the opinion you ones expressed that we are only beginning to lc&rn.' 'It is the history of every nation. In tne natural course, knowledge comes by degrees, but I doubt whether its sudden acquisition is not more harmful than beneficial.' 'That may be true, but it would be 'folly for us to neglect using it when it is thrown in our Avay. 1 shall shortly demonstrate my faith in this belief by producing a journal of news.' 'The first newspaper ! What an achievement ! You will become a power in the land, and will have a voice in the guidance of all questions which affect the pulblic welfare; but it. is a great responsibility, and, moreover, a costly venture. Will ycu go to tine moneylenders for the necessary funds 1' 'No one is foolish enough to lend, because the borrower might be dishonest and refuso to repay the loan, and the lender has no legal redress. The money will be supplied by some of our wealthy people, to whom I have explained the scheme, and also convinced them that they will reap large profits. We have engaged mechanics to plan aad .construct the machinery; they understand the principle and, are working out the details, and in a little while I hope to -invite you to view the .result ; of Iheir labors.' 'You have my sincere wishes for its success, but opposition papers will be started and create competition.' 'That has already been guarded against ; the King has been pleased to 'grant to us alone the right to produce and sell a newspaper.' 'Good; there is nothing like monopoly if you want to make money, whatever may be said ? about the ethics of the question. I suppose it is usual to grease the Royal palm before obtaining a concession of this kind ?' 'Of course; you cannot expect to receive without giving in return. This favor cost a very large sum; we shall also have to pay a share of the profits into the treasury. It is the law.' 'Does it apply to all alike ?' 'Everyone who earns money has to contribute according to his state, no matter whether it is much or little.' 'An income tax without exemption to modify its iniquity ! And -ho\v about the wealthy drones who have no need to earn a living ?' ? 'It is the same, except that in addition they are compelled to maintain, as you already know, a certain number of soldiers according to their means, to be always in readiness in the event of war. Now that I have a'nswered your questions, there are some points in connection with this business of mine on which I should like to. ask your advice.' While Pyrus, was still enlarging on his pet scheme with all the enthusiasm of the tyro entering on a new. venture, we were following iu the wake of. the King's carboat, which was proceeding with its escort slowly along one of the main streets of the city.Immediately it was. recognised, moving carboats were .quickly poled to the side of the street, and their occupants stood up, each with head 'bowed, and the left hand touching the ireast. ? Pedestrians stopped as they were hurrying by, end shopkeepers came to their doors to show fry the* deferential sign that they were all loyal subjects. As the cortege was passing the junction of a branch thoroughfare several soldiers of t.he escort suddenly leapt from their carboat and disappeared round the corner. ? By the shouts- that followed,' accompanied by the sound of blows, I judged that a fight of some kind was in progress, and ordered our car-pusher to steer for the street corner as speedily as his natural sloth would let aim. As I anticipated, a lively scene was being jeaacted. A couple of unruly, laborers had been ?quarreling, culminating in a fight. Partisans o£ both, combatants had joined in, till it bad grown into a- small battle between the rival parties. The fray was at its fufi height when the soldiers rushed in and commenced to lay about them with their spear hafts. . It was all over in a few seconds, the mob dispersed ana vanished with the utmost celerity, leaving three or four of their number lying in the roadway. 'It was only a low brawl,' Pyrus remarked, 'for which the participants have received Ji'-r punishment. Surely you have seen enougfc now, let us go to a wine shop and get some refreshment.' 'Some of these unfortunate wretches may be seriously injured, or perhaps dying,' I salQi 'will no- one attend to them 1' 'Why should they be considered ? T*DS* who make trouble must expect retribution W descend, upon them. If they die they w'1 cause no more annoyance, and if they recover they will be' wiser, and may change into useful citizens.''On 'On the other hand, after such drastic and brutal treatment they may nurse a 'feeling o' revenge, and take the first opportunity to gratify it-' (TO BE CONTINUED.)
Readers are informed that the characters and Inol' dents in this serial are -all imaginary, the narrative being, of course, pure fiction, and there oan.^ therefore^ be no question of any reference beinfl ? made or reflection conveyed concerning any Iivinfl person .or any public body or company.

CHAPTER VH. (Continued.)
-Plow would you deal v.-ifn. them ? Would you permit them to go without punishment ?' I explained to him our police organisation, and the sentences and penalties for various off '.-n cos. '!t is vory complicated,' he remarked, 'and your people must be very prone to lawbreakine- to need such a large force to keep them in order. It seems to me a foolish and unfair policy to tax honest people to support rogues. There must be many who prefer to live and be icfl. in your prisons rather than struggle to maintain themselves elsewhere. When one of our people commits a theft or other offence he is made to work for a certain time, varying according to the magnitude of his crime, without any reward except enough food to keep him in strength. If he repeats the offence or commits others to the number of three, he is promptly executed, for it is held that his life is of no further use, and only a source of danger and menace to others.' ?'What would happen in the case of an agitator who tries to promote discontent among the workers by uttering threats against the employers and publicly denouncing the Government '!''Such 'Such a one as you describe would be instantly killed.''So 'So your laws prohibit free speech. We are much 'more lenient, any one can say practically what he likes up to a certain limit, and he will not be interfered with. We recognise that it is better to allow these individuals to air their supposed wrongs than to suppress them, and perhaps make dangerous criminals of them.' 'You temporise by accepting the smaller evil in the hope that it will protect you from the greater, and no doubt you frequently find that the one has led up to the other. Our way is more to be commended, because it effectually prevents both.' 'Its immediate effect is self-evident, but whether it does not create more evil than it cures remains to be seen.' 'It has served so *ar, when it fails we may think of adopting your police force scheme. Why you should require both ? soldiers and police passes my understanding. Have your soldiers nothing to do ?' 'They ? train and become efficient, and in time of war are ready to fight for their country.' 'But you cannot always be at war. Ts it possible that you keep them in idleness ?.nd' burden the taxpayers with their support 1' 'It is considered enough that they live for the defence of their country, and perhaps die for it.' 'They may have to earn their pay or not, just as at happens,' he observed, 'but most of them must pass the whole o£ their lives without doing anything. Our soldiers work. They arc employed in the fields, preparing the soil for the crops, and gathering in. the produc-- when it is ripe. They are always hardy, and i\::jdy at any moment to take up arms.' Although I tried to convince him of the superiority of our. methods, I failed to shake his faith in the greater efficiency of his own institutions. 'This discussion savors of dryness,' he said, 'and we are just opposite the wine shop I have in my mind.' Without waiting for my acquiescence, he ordered the carboat ^to be stopped in front of the open door. Before entering I turned to look at the King's party, which was moving slowly up the middle of the street some two hundred yards ahead. As -my eyes travelled along the houses beyond, they were arrested by an object on one of the roofs, which showed for a moment and then disappeared. I mentiond ? it to Pyrus, and we both, watched for its reappearance. After a few seconds if came into' view' again, and ws both recognised it as a head peeping furtively over the edge of the parapet. 'What can he be doing there 1' I asked, 'his nations look to me suspicious.' 'It is - someone : there' for no good;' Pyrus agreed. .'If he -is observed by the soldiers he ?will be lucky to escape with his life.' . An explanation of tho incident was forthcoming, almost before we had time to think. Just as the King's carboat was passing the house in question' a' dark figure rose above the parapet, and lifting something in both, hands, hurled it into tho street. A great cloud of smoke belched out where it fell, 'followed by a violent, report, which brought the shopkeepers to their doors in alarm, and caused a pa.^ic among the pedestrians who were in closer proximity to the explosion. Although I had never seen a bomb exploded, It was quite clear to me what had occurred, and also the sinister motive for .the dastardly act. As for Pyrus, he was gazing ..openmouthed and completely mystified at' the drifting smoke. . , ? ; . . i 'Come along.' I said, shaking him by the ornj, 'we must, go and see if anyone is -hurt and what, damage has been done.' When we reached the spot it presented a scene of confusion and dismay. No one seemed to know what to do, and it was the general belief that the catastrophe was due to a supernatural visitation.' The King was unhurt, but one of the carboats moving on the flank -of the Royal conveyance had received the full force of the explosion. It was completely wrecked, t'.vn of the soldiers had been killed outright v..iO. threo more severely injured, besides a few. minor hurts among the others. 1 lost no time in infor /'.Kg the rommander of the escort of wh::t wo had seen on the house-top, and a detachment of his warriors was sent to search for the miscreant who had deliberately attempted the life of his Sovereign. We lifted tho wounded into our carboat, and following close behind- that of the King on its 1 way along the streets and across the water, keeping our position till it had safely passed through the gates of the palace. I was suffering from qualms of conscience engendered by the unhappy incident. It was indirectly the outcome of my indiscretion in demonstrating the effectiveness of firearms, and tho making of explosives. Now that unscrupulous enemies of the Government had got noid of the secret and were employing it nefariously to further their own ends almost as soon as it had been adopted for legitimate use, heavea knows -what .it would lead to. For myself 1 COU!d only trust that no accusation co^f me W0Ul(! follow other than by my own CHAPTER VIII. There is a saying to the effect that it is bettor to be a chief in a village than a nobodv in a large city. The remark must have emanated from a nonentity with limited experience, otherwise he would have found that one of the penalties of popularity is unrest. Since the day of the fete my services had been more or less in requisition by the King's armorer and his assistants, and in th-2 light of the late outrage I was already regretting my action in introducing such a potential factor I would have been far better for my peac-2 of mind to have kept those wretched firearms and explosives out of sight, and left the future destiny of these people to the natural process of evolution, for it devolved upon me to perform the double duties of superintendent of construction and musketry instructor, and it was only after some of them had learnt to shoot without shutting both eyes, and had otherwise fitted themselves to relieve me of some of the work, that I had any leisure at all. Like nearly every other innovation, it did not meet with unanimous approval. There was a strong conservative minority who opposed avming the soldiers in this way, looking upon it as a violation of the tradition of their forefathers. There was so much bitterness indulged in over the matter that three of the King's advisors and leaders of the oppositionists were banishe-.T from the court, and I, being the author of all the trouble, was blamed by them for their expulsion. This should have been a warning to me against meddling in the affairs of others; but, instead, I must needs plunge deeper, and muse more discord1 by explaining the principle i-aA mechanism of the steam engine and its vc-ious uses. It soon got about that the big stranger was about to introduce a devilish machine which would cause starvation and misery among tho workers by depriving them of their occupation. I knew nothing of this antagonistic feeling at the time, and only realised the mischief 1 had done when it was too late to remedy it. Although I was in favor' with the King's party just now, my position was daily becoming mere difficult, for I had made many enemies, v.ho would probably plot to bring about my downfall'. The only time in the day I could really call my own was during a couple of hours after lunch; but the evenings were' always at my own disposal. Sometimes I would invite Pyrus in for a chat, or go with him to visit some of our acquaintances on the neighboring islands; but usually I devoted the time' to writing down the events of the previous day, and noting any fresh impressions which occurred to me. One of thfc.so visits, in particular, left such an unpleasant impression that I vowed' 'it should be the last. On this occasion a function, described as a Guzmuk meeting, was to be held at the home of one of the most wealthy exclusives, and although, for the most part, a feminine affair, Pyrus persuaded me that I might find it interesting. Immediately, after our arrival at the house we were ushered' into a large apartment, where some twenty -richly-robed female? were lounging in luxurious cushions before small tables set in a circle in the centre of the room. They all bore the imprint of wealth, anil their inOolent movements and lazy, drawling opeech suggested a life of idleness and boredom. Many of these money-made and Ijejewelled females were nursing their pet guzmuks, while others had these disgusting reptiles on cushions beside them. Most of these brutes were decorated with ribbons, and even jewellery, and others were made- more grotesque by having their tails, ears, and feet colored with brillianc dyes. Servants were in attendance, bringing in choice food, and placing it on the tables. During the process of feeding the loathsome beasts with dainty morsels their owners kept up a constant chatter of inane conversation, vieing with one another in telling anecdotes of their own particular pets, extolling their points of 'breeding, and going into raptures over their supreme ugliness. That these people occupying high social positions should prostitute their intelligence' by indulging in .repulsive freaks of this kind filled' me with disgust, and when one of these filthy, overfed reptiles 'li'sporg-ad in the .lap of its. mistress I could stand* it no longer. Making a sign to Pyrus, we both withrlrow — rather too abruptly for good manners;1 but T had seen enough, and hurried away with' a feeling of nausea, and a strong conviction. that it would be better for the community if these people could be effaced, and their riches appropriated for some useful purpose. As a rule, I was rarely disturbed in the afternoon, for I had ordered the servants to admit no one except the King's messengers, who iuvariably rapped' three times on the song in the corner of the room before- raising it to enter. One day. while dozing over a tedious sox story in one of the magazines 1 had brought with mo, the signal came quite unexpectedly, and 1 looked up in surprise to find a ; female standing before me. She was veiled for going out, and her features were quite hid'den. ; Without speaking she took' a scroll from her satchel and handed it to me. It proved to be a message from the Princess, asking a little favor of 'her good friend, Donald.' 'The bearer of the message,'.' it went on, 'is to transact some-business tor the Princess which she wishes kept private. Will Donald therefore take the messenger in his own carboat to the city and see that no harm befalls her ?' It seemed' a simple request, yet there was a suspicion of mystery about it which I did not quite like. There was nothing to indica'.e whether the messenger was a friend of the Princess, or merely a servant. As she volunteered no information I forbore to question her, and it was with some misgivings that I asked .her to accompany me to the place where the carboats were Roused. While we were being borne over the lake tny companion was Very silent, only answering in mosiysyllables to my efforts at conversation, and on our arrival at the other side she merely suggested', leaving the carboat, stating that she preferred to walk. ? As we made our way slowly along a narrow street which led to the main business centra of the town I looked down slyly from time to time at the little figure walking by my side, wondering what- secret business the Princess could possibly have entrusted to her, when something flashed into my mind' which caused me to stop abruptly and gaze at her keenly. . A smothered laugh came from beneath the veil. 'Princess,' I said, trying to speak sternly, 'this must, not be; you are taking too great a risk. Allow me to conduct you back to the palace:' ? 'Do not be angry, Donald,' she said. 'We will go back in a little while. No one will recognise me. Why, even you with whom I have spoken, nearly every day did not know me.' .' 'There is danger,- Princess. If you were with one of your own people it would not be so great, but as you know, I cannot go anywhere without attracting attention and exciting curiosity, and they will naturally be eager to find out who is my companion.' 'Well, as you see, I am just an ordinary person whom .no. one -will bother, about.' 'But, Princess. — ^'-'- ' '' . -? 'You must not* call me princess, for if you arc overheard it will make trouble. Call me Nunena, it is one of ^ny names, and means 'a disappointment.' ' . 'Why should you have a name like that ? ' 'Because the King, my father, had set his heart on having a Prince, and when I came to life, and he found that it was not as he wished, he was very vexed, and gave me the sad name.' 'Well, Nunena, I feel inclined to pick you up and icarry you back to the carboat by force. How would you like that ? This escapade is bound to become known sooner or later,- and then, heaven knows what will happe'h ! ' 'To be 'carried, I think, would be rather nice ; . but, ah ! Donald, I feel already like a prisoner set free. Let me enjoy liberty for just a little while. It will be something to think of when I am back in the palace — my prison. There is a picture of a part of the town on the wall in one of the King's rooms. I have looked at it many times and have longed to be amongst the people moving about in the streets, and now that it is coming to pass it would be cruel .to disappoint me.' 'It is not for me to deny you any pleasure.. Nunena, and the only sin you are committing is one of disobedience. Would that foe treated as a very grave offence ? ' 'The King is very strict in matters of that kind,' she admitted. 'Yes ; I should surely be punished if he knew. But it is too' late now. 1 have already done the wrong in coming here, and to stay a little longer will not make It worse.' . ?I had not the heart to refuse ; she had. displayed a good deal, of ingenuity in carrying out her plan, and after all I might 'be exaggerating the risk of discovery, for it was most unlikely that anyone would associate the little veiled figure -with the Princess. Once among the shops and bazaars Nunena acted up to the reputation of her sex, flitting from one to another, and buying odd trifles which she had no use for out of sheer enjoyment of a new experience. For half' an hour or more I followed her wherever she chase to go, and my pockets were already bulging with an assortment of knicknacks which she had handed me to carry. _ On our way through the moving streams ot pedestrians and carboats, it crossed my mind more than once that I was toeing regarded by many with something more than the mild curiosity which my appearance in public always roused. Cold looks and scowling faces frequently met my eyes, and even some, of the shopkeepers seemed inclined to be surly and uncivil. While waiting outside a shop for Nunena, who had gone in to buy a trinket which had taken her fancy, my old friend lpidao touched me on the arm. I noticed that he appeared anxious and asked if anything had occurred to- causs him trouble. 'Nothing has happened yet,' he replied ; but there is a threatening cloud gathering which may burst at any time. My fear at present is chiefly for you. Accept the warning of a friend and do not visit the city more than is necessary, for at any moment your life may be in peril. Even 1 do' not. venture hero now except on important business. But I must not speak of these things in the public street. Goodbye, Donald, I. am in taste, and remember the words I have spoken.' He hurried away, leaving me completely mystified, and quite at a loss to conceive what this threatened danger might be which he had so darkly hinted at. It could be no idle canard, lor the grave lpidao was not one to make capital out of a mere rumor, and the veiled hostility which I had already experienced went far to confirm his words of warning. It made me anxious to get Nunena back without any delay, so when she rejoined me I hastened to tell her that an urgent message ha;i just been delivered to me which made it imperative for us to return at once. 'Is it known that I am here ? ' she asked, m alarm. . ,, 'Oh ! no ; it doesn't concern you m any way, I assured her ; 'but we must not linger, for I have a matter of great importance to- atten-l to ' I looked about, for a carboat, but there were hone in sight, and rather than risk any further delay, decided to walk to the landing plac-i. Nunena was only too pleased, although she demurred at what she considered unnecessary hurry We had but a short distance to traverse and soon found ourselves in a narrow stree., which led directly to the water's edge. A.bout half-way down 1 noticed that it was ?partially blocked by a crowd gathered round someone who was talking excitedly. I did not giv» it much attention, concluding.it was only a storyteller recounting the latest scandal, but as we approached the orator stopped abruptly, and pointing directly at me,, cried out: 'See the evil one ! Ho is here ! To the death globe with him !' . ? The crowd immediately took up: the cry. 10: the death globe with the evil one ! Death to the monster !' . It came so unexpectedly ,that for a moment I was completely taken aback. 'What does this meaa ?' I called out. 'Have you all gone mad to offer me this insult ?'
A storm of yells and violent abuse was tno only reply, and among the .babel of voices I could distinguish cries of : 'Down with the monster ! Kill him ! Kill him !' Then they began to advance in a menacing manner, and 1 saw that many of them had stones in their hands. Nunena who had been clinging to me trembling with fright, uttered a little cry, and her hold began to relax. Fearing she would faint, I lifted her up. and, telling her to grip me round the neck, I drew my revolver and pointed it at the excited math. 'Clear out, you fools,' I shouted, 'or I will destroy you, every one !' The effect was almost ludicrous, for they immediately turned and ran, tumbling over one another in their frantic efforts to escape from the deadly discharge.. As they were disappearing round a corner, one, bolder than the rest, turned suddenly and threw a stone at me, and then made off. The missile was well aimed, for it struck me on the shoulder, and Nunena started with an exclamation of pain I was so exasperated that I fired after the retreating figure. The shot must have' taken effect, for he jumped as though he had inadvertently sat. down oa a tack, but it did not stay his progress. Doubtless for the next few days ho found a standing posture the least painful. I now gave my attention to Nunena, and 1 found that one of her fingers had been injured by the. stone. ? It Was nothing serious, and now that our molesters were out of -sight her courage returned, and she was able to walk the little distance to where the carfboat was in waiting. She was very silent as we pushed off and left the city behind. I tried tc- make light of the adventure, and to ! divert her thoughts by a little mild banter. 'Nunena,' I said, 'was it nice to be carried ?' ' ' ? 'I was much too frightened to notice, anything,' she replied. 'But do not tease me — I feel too sad. All my enjoyment is blotted out by the memory of that awful scene in the street, and now I shall always dread the time when any pleasure comes to me in the fear that it will be followed by some calamity.' 'You must not take it so seriously, Nunena. We will hope that your next experience will be a more fortunate one, and leave nothing but happy memories.' She shook her head. 'No, Donald, I have seen enough. I. should not have come. We will not speak of it any more.' 'It shall be as you wish , Nunena, but I am now anxious for your safe return, and for you to regain your apartments .without risk of discovery.' , ; ' ? 'Do not let it. troublei 70U. I shall let myself into my own private garden, where no one is allowed without my permission, and walk about there for a little, then remove my veil and go back to my rooms. If anyone should see me they can only think that the Princess has been taking a little exercise. Will it not be quite natural ?' - ? 'Quite,' I agreed, and could only fervently hope that this .foolish, escapade would end without further mishap. When we alighted from the car-boat she laid her hand on ray arm. : 'Donald,' she said, very seriously', 'you have many enemies, and I fear for your -life. Will you promise me to be very careful, and not run into danger when it can bo avoided ?' 'Do not fear for me, Nunena. I think I can take care of myself.' ? 'Ah, yes, the strong always say that but it is the secret foe you must guard against.' 'Very well, I promise to be as careful as possible, just because you have asked me.' She looked up at me wistfully for a moment, and then tripped away without another word. When I got back to my room I emptied my pockets of the various trifles- which Nunena had purchased, and put them away in a safe place till slio claimed them, and then sent one of the servants with a message to Pyrus asking him to come and see. me at once. He joined me a little later, and, like lpidao, seemed worried, from which I guessed that something had cropped up quite recently, leaving me quite in the 'dark. As one of the King's advisors I should .have been informed of anything of public importance taking place, 'but as nothing had been said I could only infer that the trouble, whatever it was, concerned me personally. I- never hesitated about speaking freely with Pyrus. for he had proved himself strictly honourable, so I plunged into the subject without any prelude by asking him to tell mo what was on his mind. It appeared that a number of the newlymade guns had been stolen from tho armory, and the thief or thieves could not be found. There were a great many malcontents among the workers, and the surmise was- that they were secretly plotting and arming themselves to overthrow the Government' and those of the upper class. , The agitation had been so cunningly contrived, and the members of the revolutionary party were so clever, that not one of them had yj3t been caught. I told Pyrus that I was not in the least surprised, and- .half suspected that some trouble of that kind Was brewing. 'But,' I asked, 'what has all this to do with me ?' ' 'A great deal,' ho replied. 'It is known that you have sympathy with the workers, and have spoken of trj'ing to improve their condition. At first your words only stirred up discontent among a few. but it is fast spreading, and threatens to end in fighting and bloodshed.' 'And how does the King regard me?' I asked. 'The King has almost been persuaded that you are the real leader of this movement, a.icl that it was at your instigation that the guns were abstracted.' 'Groat Scott ! Perhaps he thinks that I stole them myself. Why doesn't he keep them safelv guarded ?' 'The keeper of the, armory is suspected of corruption. Ho is to be executed. It will be 'Poor devil : And what about me ?' 'Nothing, has been proved against you yet.; but, as I tell you, it is thought that you are the cause of all the mischief. Your movements will be watched, and at any moment you ms.y be condemned. In telling you this I am risking a great deal, but I value your friendship and would do much to keep you from harm You are in great peril.' 'Pyrus,' I said, 'yc-u are a true friend, and I feel more grateful to you than I can express.' Do not speak of it. We only act as it is ordained when life is instilled into us.' 'All the same, I thank you. I. must tell you that I have already been warned and only today I was attacked in the public street ' I then gave him an account of the affair leaving, out all mention of Nunena, and letting him infer that I was alone at the time. 'That is bad,' he said, looking very solemn, for it only adds to your difficulties. ' Those people belong to another faction that resent any change. The arming of the soldiers with new and destructive .-weapons has irritated them, and they fear that you may introduce some of the labor-saving devices of which you naves spoken, and thus,,deprive them of their means of living.' 'What foolishness !' I exclaimed ; 'and yet ,V* °n!£. another casc of history repeating itself. The would-be reformer or* benefactor no matter how pure his motives, is invariably looked upon as an enemy by those whose burdens he tries to lighten. . It seems- 1 am between the devil and the deep sea. Tell me Pyrus if you were placed as I am in this un. enviable position, what would you do ?' 'I should not wait till something happened haste°'e m?m01lt- tout woald so away' in great 'Make a bolt of 'it, in fact, without anv attempt to justify yourself ?' J «r'ofh'0U ValU° Y°UV Hfc morc than thc opinion of others, you will go, but obstinacy is sometimes mistaken for courage, and it is unlikelv that you will profit by my council-yet If you desire to stay longer, it will be safer for yoi' not to profess more knowledge than others fort only arouses envy and creates enemies '' ' Your advice is sound. Pyrus, and I am inclined to act upon it and leave this world and its troubles for my own sphere,, but I could not go at once, for there are many things to consider, and. I must have a little time to think them over. Tn the meantime I shall go about as usual, and profess to be unaware of anything you have told me.' ' Pyrus nodded. 'A cupful of deceit,' he said sometimes contains more wisdom than a deep well of truth. You may depend upon m- to let you know of anything that comes to' mv knowledge which may effect vou ' I thanked him again, and suggested that 1 , should ask for an audience with the King and I demand a full inquiry. 'No, Donald,' he said, '1 think it would bo. unwise. There are too many against you, and it might 'bring about a catastrophe. * Let them make the first move, and you will then know better how to act.' 'So be it. I will abide by your advice and moreover, as you have shown so much interest in my welfare I shall make no move without first consulting you, for I recognise you understand the temperament of your own people far better than I do.' ? 'That is well. Your trust shall not be to your loss. I must now leave you for a time 'for my scribes and calculators are busy on an important matter, and may need my presence.' After he had gone I gave myself up to some very serious thinking. Apparently I had been living in a fool's paradise, and the short popularity which I had enjoyed had fostered the belief that it would be lasting. I wan egotistical enough to think that my efforts to improve the lot of these almost primitive people by giving them the fruits of a more advanced civilisation would be thankfully received and appreciated. Thc experiences which history resords, where the results of new inventions were looked upon coldly and' with suspicion, and oftentimes destroyed by i ignorant andi angry mobs, should have taught nie to be cautious in introducing anything which would upset the old order of things. The paramount question now to be considered was one of self-preservation. My safety was threatened, and at any moment my life might be in jeopardy. I felt half inclined to act on the advice of the philosophical Pyrus, take French leave of my friends and embark on the journey back to earth. It would have to be attempted sooner or later, and I asked myself the question : 'Why not now ?' The memory of that awesome journey, although somewhat dulled by time, was still sufficiently vivid to fill mo with dread. I realised that my reaching this planet at all was a matter of merest chance, for I could only attribute my having passed the rieutral point between the two worlds where the attraction is equal, to some accidental influence, and it was not likely that the same chance which befriended me then would serve me a second time. Fortunately the neutral point was in the air zone which hung between thc two planets, and 1 had already devised a piece of mechanism which I hoped would carry me safely over. It was a simple device, consisting of a light propeller attached to a short shaft running through bearings which could be easily screwed on to the door frame of the, globe, and worked from inside by turning a. wheel which was geared to a smaller one on the shaft of the propeller. I submitted drawings of the apparatus to a mechanic, who, after some trouble, made an ex- ! cellcnt job of it. Several tests proved that it served its purpose well, and by vigorously turning the wheel, could be made to drive tho globe at a moderate j speed. In order to keep it on a straight course 1 I had a fin, or rudder, made, which could be attached and manipulated from within. Altogether I was well satisfied with the contrivance. It. seemed to have solved a problem which had caused me much anxiety, and enabled me to contemplate the return voyage to my own world with renewed confidence. With the exception of the things required for daily use, all. my belongings were stored inside the globe. I now took the precaution to see that the supply of provisions was adequate and properly stowed, and refilled the tanks with fresh water, for I knew not at what moment an emergency might arise which would compel mo to flit. Thc globe, 1 had removed to the roof garden, deeming it safer there than in one of the outbuildings below, and, moreover, I could gain access to it directly from my room. I carefully planned a means of escape in case of a sudden attack or an attempt to take mo prisoner, and after a few rehearsals found I was able to reach the elevator and rise to -.he little tower above which led on to thc roof in thc space o-f a few seconds. Pyrus returned just afs I had clsscenii'!'! for thc sixth time. He had nothing further to report, and merely Cropped in to inform rao that the. execution of tho unfortunate cari!f.:;!-:er would take, place in less than an hour. ' Nothing would satisfy him bur. I must go with him to witness it, and although pcones of a painful nature always upset me, I was ax. length persuaded to accompany him. 'Wo will take a carboat to the place.' he said, and then rise up to a position about 30 feet from the jrrcund, which will enable us to see in comfort.' 'My dear Pyrus,' I said, 'surely you are- not -co callous that you look upon thc death of a flllow-creaturo as a form of amusement. Tt is a theme for sorrow rather than enjoyment. 'We try to delude ourselves into that belief, but it is all hypocrisy. There is a fascination about a spectacle of horror or bloodshed which attracts us even against our will. A fight, an accident, a fire, anything where life is endangered, will draw a crowd immediately. People will leave their business or their amusements to look upon something which is painful or revolting. They shudder and feel sick, but they still remain and look till the end. It is not callousness, as you suggest, nor curiosity, but part of our nature, like hunger or thirst, which must be satisfied.' 'You infer, then, that we are all savages ?''' 'Most certainly. Only that we are governed by lavvs and kept in check by fear of punishment it would become apparent at once. The crowd which is now flocking to see this miserable wretch lose his life is proof enough. Come, let us join them and satiate our natural blood-thirst.' As Pyrus had said, hundreds of people were about, all hurrying towards the same objective. Carboats were out in great numbers, their occupants, both male and female, thc latter, in fact, predominating, chatting and laughing together as though on a holiday. It presented a weird sight as they gained their chosen points of vantage hovering in mid-air round a platform which had been set up in the centre of the market-place. A death-globe rested, on one corner, and the structure was surrounded bv soldiers.' I noticed, by the way, that i.hev were all armed with guns, and were regarded' v/ith a good deal of curio3ity by tho waiting throngs. Thc black disc of the earth encircled by :ts flashing rins of light, like an eye set in the heavens, seemed to look down reproachfully upon thc pigEij' scene. Presently a party of soldiers appeared on tho outskirts of the crowd, driving the people to light and left and maiang a ciear passage \.v the platform. Then -amid a murmur of excitement came a carboat — bearing the condemned being with hands tightly bound and guarded by o soldier on either side. When the carboat came to a standstill the criminal was hustled up the steps and made to stand in the centre of the staging in full view of the crowd, while an official standing on the steps cried in a loud voice at intervals, 'Behold the evil-doer, who is about to die. Let anyone who would break the laws of the King take warning,, for the penalty is death.' Many of those in the crowd echoed the last word, 'chanting it in different tones' till the air was filled with the dismal refrain. Another official now mounted to the plat[GTm: and, -standing before the prisoner; recited the charge on which he was condemned. ? The poor wrofnii whn hnrl StCinr! st.oHtllv thl*OUSll tllC lll'Orcedings without any show oC emotion, was now roughly seised by four attendants and thrust into the death giobe, the door was closed, and for (ho space of a minute the hum of voices was hushed. Then at a given signal the globe was released and shot upwards, bearing away another soul to join the multitudes which had gone thc same way to drift for ever in the eternal silence. 'A very neat send off,' remarked Pyrus, cheerfully* as our car descended, and was being propelled carefully through the dispersing crowd, 'you must allow that our way of executing criminals is far superior tcr the bungling ?method practised in your country, -which, from your description, must be a revolting sight.' 'I agree with you ; but our executions do ncrt take place in public. They are conducted within the walls of thc prison, and only witncsso.l by a' few officials.' 'It is a mistake: for that which is actuaily seen impresses itself more strongly on tho mind than if it is only spoken Of. Thus thc object lesson which has just concluded will have more effect- -in deterring 'woiild-'bc offenders than if they merely heard that it had taken place.' 'There is something in your argument I admit, but look at all these people talking and laughing as though they are enjoying themselves. Do you think it good to encourag-3 these morbid tastes ??'
'As 1 have said, they cannot help theL* nr.turcs. It is better tcr have an appetite satisfied, even if it is for something bad, than to be always hungering.' 'That is all a matter of education. Turn their desires into a higher channel and their tastes will become morc refined.' 'Words, Donald ; mere words. They are amusing, too, fcT- you do not believe them yourself. Education is like a finely-woven robe, giving distinction to ell who wear it ; but it is only an artificial covering under which we may hide our natural instincts. It will not change them. Whether it' produces more good than' evil I am too' unlearned to say, for the educated rogue is more dangerous than thc ignorant, and thero are many rogues.' . 'There is one thing for which your peopla ;'.re to be commended, and that is their respect, for one another's property. The recent stealing : of the guns is the only case of serious '?fybery' which' has come to my knowledge. Non-; of my possessions have been, interfered with in' any way, which speaks well for the honesty of the servants, and others who have many opportunities of tampering -with them.' 'Trust is a beautiful thing; but it is safer to conceal yo\ir goods in a secure place before indulging' in it, for temptation often turns an honest person into a thief. Those who trust no-'oody lose- the least. You have a higher opinion of our people than I who know them better.' '.. ... . ? . ? 'Well, I only speak of- them as I have fouijd them. Perhaps if I stay here much longer I may have to modify my. views.' '. 'Without a doubt,' he answered, dryly. I was feeling very tired and somewhat depressed when we got back, for the time was considerably past our equivalent to midnight, so, bidding good-night to Pyrus, who promised to see me again after we had both slept, I let myself into my quarters. The servants had all retired and the stillness was only broken now and again by distant voices wafted faintly across the lake from parties returning to their bomes. There was nothing to scare away sleep ; yet, after getting into bed, I became so' wakeful that it seemed out of the question. The more I tried to compose myself the less prospect there appeared of gaining any rest. After tossing about uneasily for some time, I gave it up in despair, and tried to soothe my nerves and at tho same time induce a little physical fatigue by pacing about the room. Presently growing tired of this monotonous sentry-go, I stepped into the elevator and ascended to the tower on the roof. I frequently spent ar: idle hour there watching the coming and going of thc csrboats between the islands and the town, and the changing effects on land and water. But now, at this hour, there was no sign of life. Th'e streets of the sleeping town were deserted, and the surface of the lake was unruffled by breeze or splashing paddles. Thc ring of flame was sinking in the sky, and in a few hours another day would dawn. I wondered if it would ever he my lot to return to my own world, which seemed only like a beautiful memory, far away and intagible. My meditations were interrupted by the cat rubbing against my legs and mewing pitecrusly. She seemed restless and ill at ease, running to and fro as though troubled about something. I tried to coax her to lie down but she would not be pacified. 'What is it, Fortuna ? Are ycru homesick, thinking perhaps of the sunlit garden where the first' happy hours of your life were spent, and are you longing to get back there, away from this uncanny place, so full of mystery and lurking danger?' ' ; . 'Patience, Fortuna ; in a little while, if all goes well, we will soar away together to find peace and security in our own home. Come, we will inspect our travelling carriage with the mournful name, to see that everything is in order.' . ? I left the tower with Fortuna trotting on in frcnt. and walked along the roof to satisfy myself th£t the globe was in readiness for the' projected voyage. I had taken hut a few steps when I came to a sudden stop and stood rooted to the spot, gazing dumbly at the vacant place where the globe had hitherto- rested. It had disappeared with.. all it- contained. (TO BE CONTINUED.)
Readers are informed that the characters and inoi« dents in this serial are all imaginary, the narrative being, of course, pure fiction, and there cantherefore be no question of any reference being made or reflection conveyed concerning any living person or any publio body or company.
CHAPTER IX.
It was gone. Spirited away during my absence, and leaving no clue, by which it could .be 'traced. When I realised this the magnitude of 'the calamity forced itself upon me, for its loss would mean death to all my hopes of ever returning to earth.'? ? To obtain another globe would be an easy , matter, and even to store it with unpreserved ? .provisions which would last the journey might : be managed, but the item of vital importance ' fwas the air supply, and this I had no means of ?replacing. I could have wept when I thought ;of those precious chemicals, which had served ?.me so well, and cursed my folly and carelessness [?in not taking better care of them. If the thing r~'had been merely removed and hidden away S. somewhere, there was still hope of its recovery; :';but, on the other hand, if the miscreants, for 1 Utelt sure that it was the work of more than one, ihad applied the negative power, and sent it off ? into space, all hope of ever seeing it again would ?'?be at an end. i; Needless to say, all idea of sleep was banished [?for the time. I could do nothing but wander '-restlessly about, waiting in a fever of impatience j.for the approaching day to throw some light on ithe mystery. When it came at last, my first ; move was to send for the servants and question ? them closely, not that I suspected any of them, ?but to ascertain if anyone had called, or been seen about the place while I was away. All ? my inquiries elicited nothing which could give me ia clue. It showed that the theft had been committed after they were all in bed. ; Before taking any further steps, I determined to consult Pyrus, in whose astuteness I placed *very confidence. One of the servants brought :in my breakfast, and was much concerned at my poor appetite, and. just as I had sent it away almost untouched my friend was announced. 'I felt dubious about coming so early,' he said, 'After our late excursion I half expected to find you in bed.' 'There is no occasion to give it a thought,' I replied; 'for you are always welcome. As a matter of fact, I have not been to bed at all.' 'Sleep is too valuable to be. thrown away without cause. Surely something has happened.' I offered him one of my few remaining cigarettes, and Tvhile I poured out my tale of trouble he smoked thoughtfully without speaking. 'The loss itself,' he said, after a short silence, 'is a thing to be deplored, but the reason for the theft is a matter for grave consideration. It may be that it is the silly act of some of our ?wild youths, who give themselves pleasure by doing mischief to others, but I am^nclined to think that you will have to go deeper for the cause.' 'You think, then, that it has been done deliberately for some set purpose?' '?A reason can be found for every act if you trouble to seek for it. It is my belief that the outrage has been committed by a certain faction, who aim at getting you into their power.' But why should they steal my property ? Because they think like many others that you have secrets hidden away in that globe from which you draw your knowledge of so many strange things, and by securing it, they will not only possess them and so lessen your power, but will prevent your leaving and thus place you completely at their mercy. 'You do not think then, that it has been destroyed or sent off, and that it is still in existence ?' s 'I believe it is in a safe place and will be found, but you must lay the matter before the King without delay. He will be very angry, for he promised that your property should come to no harm, and this robbery, therefore, is an offence against his authority. f'I will ask for an audience this very day Maybe 1 shall be able to ventilate one or two other matters at the same time.-' Usually no one could obtain access to the Royal presence except through one of the Councillors, but the King had been pleased to make an exception in my case, and all I had to do was to write my request and send it In by one of the court messengers. I lost no time in doin£ this, for the King held a meeting of his advisers daily, and I hoped to be summoned to attend that, afternoon. In this I was not disappointed, for a reply came requesting my attendance, the time fixed being about half an hour before' the meeting closed. When I was ushered into the chamber the King regarded me keenly, and from the illconcealed constraint which some of the councillors showed, it was obvious that one cf the subjects which had already been Crscussed was myself. As Pyrus had foretold, the King was extremely angry when he heard the story of my loss, for he took it as a personal affront, ana there was a very black prospect in view for .the author of the deed should he be discovered. The upshot of it was that the case was handed over to one of the advisers named Abadun to unravel. This Abadun had always been most friendly and affable towards me, but there was an effusiveness about his manner which somehow did not ring true. Although we were outwardly very good friends, I could not bring myself to trust him. and I fancy he knew it. 1 had noticed, too, while the King was charging him with the responsibility of my affairs, his lips curled momentarily in a faint smile, and he flashed a quick glance at one of his .companions sitting opposite. It was a very small thing, but it set me thinking, and 1 resolved to keep closely in touch with friend Abadun. When the King rose, which was the signal for terminating the business of the day, he ?was pleased to express the hope that 1 would be free from further annoyance in the future. I took this for what it was worth, for it might mean anything or nothing, but he had granted me bare justice and I could only trust ..that the- animosity against me in other quarters was not shared by the King personally. After the King had left the council chamber I asked Abadun if he had any clue, to the whereabouts of my missing property, but he was not to be drawn. 'In those matters,' he said, 'it is better to say nothing till something definite is known for it might only be misleading.' His evasion only strengthened my belief that he knew more than he cared to admit, so I said no more about it, and shortly after took my departure apparently on the best of terms with them all. Abadun lived on one of the islands about a mile from the palace, and his house was plainly i.n view from the tower above my rooms. With the aid of my field glass, which was among the few things I still retained, anyone on the island could be clearly seen. I am not naturally inquisitive, but must confess that I now speat a good deal of time in the tower with the glass focussed on the house and grounds of my amiable friend. Although nothing but a vague suspicion induced me to act as I was doing, I was fully persuaded that Abadun held the key to the mystery, nail if any clue was forthcoming it would not come from him voluntarily, but might tie obtained by watching his movements. Outwardly he was most assiduous in his efforts to trace the missing globe, but without result. His failure, together with his expressed opinion that it was no laager in existence, caused me to doubt his sincerity more than ever. I was beginning to despair of ever seeing it again when an incident happened leading to an adventure which nearly cost me my life. The cloud of light was just dipping below the horizon, and distant objects were growing dim as I turned the glasses once more towards the island which absorbed so much of my attention. A car-boat with three or four occupants was just leaving a little bay below the house. This was nothing unusual, for Abadun received a good many visitors, but what struck me as peculiar was the fact that it was making for a very small island about a mile beyond, which showed ao 'signs of habitation. It was little more than an isolated rock jutting up from the water, like a neglected orphan in its loneliness. ? ' I followed the course of the car-boat as it swept rapidly over the lake, and finally came to rest on the island. I could just distinguish some moving figures when the cloud of light disappeared, and the brief period of darkness Slotted out the view. I waited, and as the ring of flame rose in the sky the scene was once more visible in the soft light. More than an hour passed before the car-boat left the island and returned to the spot from which it had started, and I watched till it was safely lodged in its shed, and the participators of this nocturnal jaunt had disappeared. Under ordinary circumstances the incident would only have impressed me as being somewhat strange, but I was becoming suspicious of everything and everybody. Possibly this distant scene I had witnessed did not concern me in any way, but rather than let any chaace slip I resolved to explore that little spot of land within the next twenty-four hours. Pyrus was the only one with whom I spoke of the projected excursion. I thought it better not to explain the motive which was taking me there, and let him think it was merely an outing for pleasure. 'No one resorts there for pleasure,'' he said. 'It is a place to be avoided, for it bears an evil reputation.' I inquired what he knew about it. 'Very little,' he replied. 'There is a tradition that Jong ago a criminal was about to be executed for killing a favorite of the reigning king. Ho was placed in the death globe, end sent off in the usual manner. Whether he broke his bonds and thus regained the use of his limbs, or it was carelessness on the part of the executioners, no one knew ; but instead of going straight upward the globe only ascended a little way, and then began to drift with the wind, till it was seen to settle down on the spot you propose to visit. Some soldiers were sent off in a car-boat to bring back the offender, but they never returned. Others followed, with the same result, and again more, but no one was ever seen again. The place was pronounced accursed, and it has remained so to the present time. Now you have heard the story you will surely abandon this foolish trip.' 'On the contrary,' I replied, 'for my curisity will not permit it, and I am more eager than ever to see it for myself.' 'You are beyond understanding,' he replied, with a gesture of despair. 'I can only think that you are possessed with an evil spirit which is tempting you to destruction. To venture alone to such a place is something apart from sanity.' 'All right, Pyrus,' I said laughingly. 'I am not surprised that you think it madness, but it is not without some method. I shall be back before the dark hour, and you will laugb at your fears.' It was late in the afternoon when I adjusted the negative force in a small car-boat and started off alone. Constant practice with the paddle had given me full confidence in the management of these craft, and I frequently dispensed with the services of rowers. J.r-. order to deceive anyone who might be watching, I took a course nearly at right angles to my ultimate destination, intending to make a sharp turn and so approach the islet on the side farthest from Abadun's domain. It was quite calm, and my strenuous work with the paddle soon brought the craft near enough to obtain a good view of the goal. There was nothing picturesque or inviting about it, just a mass of rocks about a hundred yards long and piled up to a height of forty feet or so, probably the result of a volcanic upheaval at some remote time. It was quite bare of vegetation, and the last place that anyone in search of enjoyment would choose to v.'sit. Before landing, I took the car-boat along the ?whole length of the island to ascertain if it was inhabited at all, but saw no signs of any living thing, so I brought the little craft gently down on a ledge of rock near the water and stepp6d out. A few yards further along there was a cleft in the wall of rock. I peered cautiously in and found it was the entrance to a natural passago or tunnel, and from the amount of light within concluded that it led into the open air again at the' other end. A sound like the rushing of water seemingly coming from underground filled my ears with a monotonous humming. After some hesitation I ventured to ent.ei', and stumbling along a bed of loose stones, taking a turn to the right and then another to the left, emerged into a small open space which from the height of the perpendicular cliffs surrounding it. 1 judged to be near the centre of the islet. Dry white sand covered the ground tearing the impress of many feet. Immediately /before me was a largo hollow or cave in the face of the cliff, and the thought of probing Into its depths gave wo a thrill of excitement, for I felt that I was on the verge of some discovery. There was no sound of life or movement, only the .subdued rush of water disturbing the stillness1. I rigust confess to a feeling of trepidation v/hen \l found inyself within the. gloom of that cirear^W cavern. It was like entering a vault, and i! Li struck a match, remembering the legend V™ating to the place, I half .expected to &-?e Uhflvsr inning skeletons of those who had so n.yster.^usly disappeared start out of the darkness; bu'Y the light revealed nothing .;t first but rough Wiflls of rock, against which were piled a number \of packages like, lODg rolls of cloth. From thei]* shape I. had an inkli&jj ofr what tlie-y contained; nor was I. surprised at finding that each package consisted of a do^en or moro spears wrapped round with cloth, -probably to protect them from the damp. There was,- one parcel, however, which looked different from the rest, and an exclamation escaped me when, tin- examination, it proverl to contain a number of-guns, evidenrlyvthoKe which had been stolen from the King's armory.^ Close lieside them were several metal pots filled with cartridges, and a large collection at knives and darts. ? 'So, my plausible friend,' I said to. myself, 'you are a traitor, and arc plotting against the T-'iiig, whom you profess to serve. It is 'clearly my duty to have you and' your gang arrested before any real mischief is done.' This secret storing of arms could only mean that a revolution was contemplated, and I strongly suspected that some of the King's confidential advisers were at the head of it. On second thoughts,' I began- to question whether it would be advisable to interfere, for- a policy of reform was sorely needed, and it w:is more than likely that any change would bo for the better, and receive the support of the masses. The present autocratic system, Avhere the few who constituted the ruling powers, iivins?, :n idleness and luxury, holding the whip over the people, and. enforcing tyrannical laws from which they themselves were exempt, was bouiid sooner or. later to be. swept away by ilio irresistible tide of public feeling. I persuaded myself that it was far better to let events shape themselves, for any interference now, although it might check the movements icr a time, would only postpone the ultimate fclimax. But there was yet something more contained in the hiding place, for when I turned and threw a light on the other side, the .first thing my eyes rested, on was the missing globe/ with all its contents intact. ' . ' I was so pleased at finding it .that ' Abadun and his knavery were for the time forgotten. My only desire now was to get it 'back to the pflace without any more loss of time. : This I could do by using the propeller. But there was the carboat as well; it was not advisable to leave it there, and it would be a difficult matter to navigate the two at once. ? ? As I stood perplexing over the little problem, something struck me a violent' blow on the back of the head. Objects danced and whirled before my eyes,' darkness came down, I felt myself falling, and then, knew no more. After a period of unconsciousness, how long I could not tell, my scattered senses began slowly to return. I fancied I could hear voices, and that I was being lifted up. Then came a great splash and a roaring like thunder.' With a sudden shock my faculties came back, and I found myself struggling in the water like a drowning man. 'I am a fairly strong swimmer, and soon had my head above water endeavoring to find out what had happened. The island was barely fifty yards away, and I struck out for it, determined to seek out the authors of the foul deed, and give them something to remember., I was enraged, and swam vigorously; but in spite of all my efforts I seemed to be drifting further from the land. A strong current was running in the opposite direction, and a few more strokes convinced me that it was fruitless to try and breast it. A glance round told me that the nearest 'land was more than a mile away, far beyond my powers to reach, with a throbbing head and saturated clothes. My plight seemed so hopeless that I ceased making any effort, except to keep atloat, letting the current bear me whither it would. A long way ahead a mist hung over the water, and moving toward it was a small floating object which I h id not previously, noticed. As it turned in an eddy I could not iurboar a shout of joy, for I recognised my own carhoat. it would only be a matter of a little time to overtake it, and as I confidently threw the water behind me my troubles seemed already over. A stern chase is a long chase, and distance is deceptive, but I was perceptibly drawing nearer, praying that strength would not foriake me till the struggle was over. And now I was conscious of a strange sensation. The water was getting warmer, and the further I aavanccd the more the temperature increased. Every few minutes 1 looked ahead. The carboat still had a long lead, and it would require all my endurance to roach it. Beyond, the mist was continually rising and dispersing, and the water was becoming too warm for comfort. , It was now that a story told by Pyrus, and . which I had' regarded as a fable, flashed into my mind, and in a moment the horror of my position dawned upon me with a sickening dread. One day, while conversing with him on the subject of climate, I had expressed surprise that it remained so temperate, and the water of the lake was not extremely cold. Considering that it received so little external heat, it would be enly natural to suppose that a very low temperaure would prevail. He then told me that there were certain spots where the water was always hot, sometimes it would be . calm and of moderate temperature, but more often 'iz was boiling, and thus the water was never eold enough to freeze. I concluded from his remarks that this planet was not ao far advanced in the process of cooling as the earth, and that the warmth emonated from the interior, probably still in a semi-molten state. This, then, was the explanation of the increasing heat, and that which I had mistaken for mist was steam rising from the agitated v/r.te*. The awful truth was now apparent I was hurrying to an agonising death with deadly certainty. The prospect of such a fate turned me sick: Better, I thought, to drown, than su£ter the tortures of being boiled nlly,-. I could sec the carboat being tossed and whirled about like an cggphell in a seething cauldron and I dumbly threw up my arms to end my life with as little pain as possible. Imagine my intense relief when, instead of filling a watery grave in the unknown depths my feet touched bottom, and I was standing on the firm sand, with the water a few inches below my chin. As I stood there recovering breath, and resting my tired limbs, I realised with what devilish cunning my assailants- lia-1 carried out their plan for my removal Thl' empty car-boat, which had acted as a bait to hasten my destruction, would probably be found and the natural surmise would be that I had perished through my own carelessness, without a shadow of suspicion falling on anyone. That they were assured of my death I had no doubt for only the merest chance, such as had now befriended me, could save anyone from the irresistible force of this moving water for it was a silent highway leading to certain death. Even temporary security was much to bo grateful for. It had come at the last moment like a reprieve to a condemned criminal, relieving the mental agony and reviving the dying senses. J s Refreshed by '?.he re'st, I commenced to move in a direction which I hoped would take me beyond the influence of the current, making sure of every step as I went, for the danger of losing my foothold and being carried into deep water behoved me to be very careful. Once my progress was. impeded by a 'mass of long weeds, and with difliculty -I freed myself from their insidious embrace, and thrice I slipped into holes and came near drowning before regaining my feet. It was like a prolonged nightmare, keeping me in constant dread lest at any moment I might meet some new and unseen horror. But fortune must have been in a smiling mood, in spite of the many dangers and difficulties which threatened me, for as I plodded on the pressure of the stream slackened until it flowed no longer, and I knew that all danger from th'at source was passed. Still I kept on, the water growing shallower at every step- It was now only waist deep, and I was buoyed with a faint hope that it would continue so until I could get within swimming distance of one of the islands. But it was a vain illusion, for after proceeding some distance farther it began to deepen again ; a few more steps, and only my-head was left above the water. Was this to be the end ? After all the hardships encountered and surmounted, was I doomed to . perish a£ last by drowning or slow starvation ? Rather than meet such a fate, I determined to use my remaining strength in a last effort to reach land. It was just possible that a lucky chance might lead me over more shallows, affording resting places by the way, and thus enable me' to accomplish the distance by stages. If not — well — there was little to choose between dying where I stood or a little further on. Depressed and weary, I started off like a man setting out to attend his own funeral. The exertion I had already expended had exhausted me more than I thought, and 'before a tenth of the distance was covered I knew that unless help came in some unforeseen way I was inevitably doomed. A couple of car-boats came into view, bu; they were too far off to notice my feeble signal of distress. Several times I dropped into an uprigHt position seeking a foot-hold, but they were wasted efforts, for the water might have been as deep as the sea. My resources were at an end. I had reached the limit of my powers to go forward, and barely had sufficient strength to keep afloat. A few minutes more and the end would come, for unconsciousness was already stealing over me. Suddenly a shout quite near set* my pulses beating with a wild hope- A small car-boat, not a hundred yards away, with a single rower, was making towards me. Was it real, or merely some hallucination of a distressed mind ? On it came, and settled down on the water be- N side me. A few moments later I was huddled in the bottom of the craft drinking some strong spirits, which sent a tingling through my body to the finger-tips, and Pyrus, with my binoculars strapped round his shoulders, was trying to make light of his exploit in saving my life. 'How did you find me ?' I asked, when I could speak coherently. 'I watched you going away,' he said, 'tillyou were no longer visible, and then I waited, still watching for your return. You did not appear, and I had fears for your safety. I could see nothing. Then I remembered that wonderful instrument of yours which brings distant objects near- Necessity made me regardless of everything. I entered your rooms and found it, and from the tower saw you in the water, it was enough. I came with all speed, and you are alive.' 'Thanks to your courage and promptitude,' 1 said.. 'But it was a narrow' squeak, and one experience of that kind in a life-time is sufficient. Yet I do not regret going, for I have made an important discovery.' 'Of what use would it be if you had met your death ?'? he asked, reproachfully. 'Something comes into . your mind, and you risk your life to prove that it exists in reality. Is it not better to live and let things discover themselves than to gain your object and' die before you can benefit by it? A dead man is only a nuisance to his fellows.' I told him the same might be said of many living ones with equal truth. . 'But there is always some use for— the -liv-ing,' he said, 'even if they are objectionable to others.' 'It is a questionable fact. Suppose a man devotes hjs life to preying on other people, stealing their goods, and otherwise causing them annoyance, would you say that he was serving a useful purpose ?' 'Certainly. Too much goodness would grow tiresome- , Bread is a good thing, but if you cat nothing else every day you will soon be longing for a change, and will take something that is unpleasant and does you harm rather than have none. Without evil, life would not be tolerable.' 'It is a safe doctrine, whether it be accepted or not, for we are hot likely to have the opportunity of living under any other conditions.' We were drawing near our- destination, and Pyrus, who was working manfully at the paddle, was somewhat astonished when I asked him to stop. 'I thought you would be in a hurry to get back,' he said. 'So I am, but something has just occurred to me- For a day or two I should like it to be thought that I am dead. Do you think that you can contrive so that I may reach my rooms unobserved, and remain there for a time without it being known ?' He looked at me in perplexity, evidently thinking that the late ordeal had turned my head. 'Believe me,' I urged, 'there is a very strong reason for this course, and if you will help me 1 shall be eternally grateful-' 'Your mind is full of strange fancies,' he observed, 'which I suppose must be humored. If we succeed you must thank the good spirit which seems to follow you everywhere, for I marvel that you are still living.' It so happened that fortune favored me again. No one was about when we landed, and the resourceful Pyrus agreed to share my rooms and supply me with food while I kept out of sight. He asked me no questions, knowing that I would tell him the reason for this freak later.

CHAPTER X.
'Nature's sweet restorer' had done wonders for me when I opened my eyes on the following morning. Except for a bump on the head where I had been struck, and a slight stiffness in the limbs, I suffered no ill-effects ,froin the adventure of the previous day. I was more concerned '.about my clothes than anything else, for it was the only complete suit in my possession, the rest of my garments being stowed away in the globe, now reposing in that awesome cavern. Pyrus brought me a robe which I put on over my pyjamas, and also a stock of provisions to. last till his return at the end of the day, for I wished to avoid the risk of being seen by anyone. When he had gone I betook myself to the roof arid spread out my sodden things to dry in the breeze, and then shut myself in the tower to while away the1 time in any way that might suggest itself. I tried to write' an account of the last few days' events, but the shadowy possibilities of the future weaned my attention from past realities, and an hour slipped by bearing no material record but a half-written page. I put down the pen, and, lighting my pipe, looked out idly over the island-studded lake, and back to the gardens below. On the level plain at the back of the palace a number of soldiers were congregated round some object which was creating much interest, and I now remembered a i message which had been awaiting me on my return from the previous day's expedition, requesting my presence to supervise the testing of the first cannon. This message I had purposely ignored. Like the rest of humanity, they were ready to take all they could get, and then discard the giver like an empty pea-shell. It was quite plain that my non-arrival was causing them some uneasiness, for the event would be inscribed as an epoch in their history. They were still waiting, when presently another figure appeared making rapidly towards them. He was evidently the bearer of some news, for he was excitedly telling them something which, from the way they crowded round him, was of great interest. I smiled to myself as they eagerly listened to what he was saying, for it was quite obvious to me that he was reporting my disappearance and supposed death. Certainly Abadun and his satellites had lost no time in making it known. It was soon evident that my absence was not going to interfere with the firing of the , gun, for they were already preparing for the experiment^ and shortly. after a puff of smoke, followed by a loud report, announced that the first shot had been fired. In all probability that first puff of smoke was destined to mark the commencement of a new era, and I amused myself by picturing the changes which would accrue from it within the next few years. Peaceful gardens uprooted to make room for frowning forts, weapons now in use relegated to the limbo of curiosity shops, and big aerial cars armed with new powers of destruction, causing consternation among the hosts of a still primitive invader. Who knows what wonders may come to pass in the future ? Communication with the earth might be established, and regular trips to and fro organised by some enterprising tourist firm, extensively patronised by those seeking change of air and scene. The. word impossible is becoming obsolete, and will soon lose its place in the modern dictionary. But just now my own affairs concerned me far more than the problematical destiny of a nation. The recent attempt on my life had shown me that I was living on the crumbling brink of a precipice which might at any moment give way, and now that the secret of Abadun's treachery was known to me, my death had become almost a necessity to tUe success of his enterprise, for it was within my power' to_ denounce him and his partisans to the King. My present temporary concealment was part of a plot I had conceived by which I hoped, to regain my stolen goods and ensure their safety for the future, and at the same time instil som-j fear into the hearts of the would-be assassins. While indulging these fanciful dreams and considering future plans, my attention was claimed by the sound of subdued voices coming from below. Some argument appeared to be going on'-, but I could not catch the drift of it. . Presently the talking ceased, and I 'concluded that the matter had been settled and the participants gon.e on their way. In this I was- mistaken, for a. car-boat rose up to the level of the. garden parapet, with three occupants.: They all peeped over, doubtless to satisfy themselves that the place was deserted, and then, while one remained in the car, the other two lifted out a large box and set it down against the low wall within a few yards of my place of concealment. It seemed very heavy, and they handled it with a good deal of care. 'It will be quite safe here for a time,' said one, 'for the big stranger has got his deserts, and is no more, and, as you see, the place is unoccupied.' 'I like not this -delay, Mudak,' said another. .'If I had my way that box would be at the bottom of the- lake even now.' 'What !' exclaimed the one called Mudak, 'with the cloud of light still in the heavens, so that prying eyes could see what we do ! You are a fool, Zalla. In a little while, at the dark hour, we will come back and finish the work without risk.' ? 'Have it your own way, and boast of your wisdom afterwards. I shall remain here to see that no mischance comes to our prize.' ' 'The wine you have drunk has gone to your head, friend Zalla. It is more, like that you will sleep instead of keeping watch.' ^ 'You speak of wine-drinking as though you found no .delight in it, and yet your legs can scarce support the fullness of your skin; if v;e had not draozed you from the wine shop by force, you would be there still, lying like a stone on the floor, without sense.' » 'Peace !' interrupted the one in the carboat, who had not yet spoken, 'this wrangling can serve no useful purpose, and may lead us into trouble. If Zalla elects to remain here lei him. It is of little consequence whether h9 watches or sleeps, for the place is forsaken and as dead as the big stranger himself. Come, Mudak, there is no profit in staying here; we will return when darkness falls and complete our task.' 'And see that you keep your heads clear, an4 are not late,' observed the grumbling Zalla. 'We shall be in time to disturb your slumbers,' retorted the other, as the talkativ? Mudak got unsteadily into the carboat. ? (TO BE CONTINUED.)
Readers are informed that the characters and incidents in this serial are all imaginary, the narrative being, of course, pure fiction, and there carptherefore, be no question of any reference being made or reflection conveyed concerning any living person or any public body or company.
CHAPTER X. (Continued);
No sooner had his companions gone than the creature called Zalla, having selected a pieoe of ground thickly overgrown with moss, threw himself down and, as i had anticipated, was soon sou.nd asleep. There would be no trouble . : in dealing with him should he awake, so without waiting any longer, I left my hiding-place ? aud made straight for the box. ? I was impatiently curious to know what it contained,, for tho whole business appeared so shady aad suspicious that my lingers were itching to- open it and get at the root of the mystery. 'A robbery, and this is the swag,' T surmised, as I quickly undid the knotted thongs, that bound it. My efforts at guessing were wide of the mark, for on throwing back the lid 1 was confronted with the huddled-up figure of a female with a cloth bound over her mouth, and an infant lying in her lap. At first I thought she was dead, but her eyes slowly opened and looked up imploringly, and 1 then noticed that the little iluffy infant was breathing regularly.
r warned ner to keep silent, and then removed the gag and undid the cords that bound Iter wrists and ankles. Her first thought seemed to -be for tlie little one, and wheel sins was assured it was unharmed, rose to her feet and showed great anxiety to be gone: but 1 led her past tho somnolent Zalla into the tower, ?when she would- have gone down on her kaees to thank me for her deliverance had I not prevented her. She took the seat T offered her, and then ?began io talk hurriedly of her late terrible experience. 'You have stived my life,' she said, 'and 1 tha-nk you; but that is of no importance. It is in the name of the little Prince, who is in my charge, and who is more precious than life, that 1 thank you.' 'The Prince !' I said, surprised; 'do you mean that this is the — er — ch*ild of the King born recently 'It is even so.' 'How c-ame you toto the clutches of these robbers I asked. 'Every day it is one of my duties to carry the little Prince into the King's private garden j to give him needful air. The place is very quiet, for no one dares to venture there without the King's: permission. The Prince had just gone to sleep in my arms when I was seized from behind, and before I could cry out my mouth was stopped and my hands and feet tied so that 1 could make no movement. The ?wretches then earned me a little way and forced me into the box, and one of them placed the little Prince in with me, using great care so that he should not waken. You have rendered us a great service, for I fear they meant - to destroy us both. 'Things like this are generally done for gain,' I observed, 'and I do not quite see their Dbject in committing such an outrage.' 'It is ;io matter,' she said, rising quickly. 'The Prince is safe, and I must take- him back it once before my absence is noticed.' 'You will inform the King of what has happened, 1 suppose, so that those ruffians can be brought to justice ?' 'No ! No ! 1 dare not,' she said, terrified at the bare idea; 'it would be deemed carelessness on my part, a-nd I should pay for it with my life. I also implore you to be silent and speak no word of what you know.' I readily promised to say nothing about it, and the little nurse being impatient to get away with her charge, 1 conducted her through . my apartments down to the exit, and after once more expressing her gratitude, she sped away like a frightened hare.
Whether this outrage was the outcome of a far-reaching plot or merely an act of revenge, committed by pome malcontents for wrongs they had suffered, it was satisfactory to have upset their plans, and 1 now resolved to get to the bottom of the affair by questioning the one aow sleeping in the roof garden. As an aid in loosening his tongue, I took with me a bottle containing some brandy, and placed it with a couple of drinking cups ia the tower, and then proceeded to give him a surprise. He was still in a sodden sleep when 1 shook him roughly and dragged him into a sitting position. 'Begone, Mudak,' lie mumbled, blinking his .eyes, 'cannot you' let me rest till the appointed time ?' and then seeing a strange figure ' bending over him his jaw dropped, and I could not forbear laughiag at his comic expression of consternation. 'You seem rather upset, my friend, at such an unexpected meeting ?' I said, 'would you mind explaining your presence here ? for 1 presume it was rot to see me or through a desire for cha-ngo of air?' He rose unsteadily to his feet, staring at me all the time, but uttered no word in reply to my ironically polite enquiries.
'Have you got nothing to say,' I asked, 'not | even a lame cxcuse to offer ? Perhaps you I throat is too dry to articulate, so come with me ! and moisten it. Since you have elected to be j my guest, 1 must offer you what hospitality i . I can.' I All the time [ had been guiding him towards I the tower, and once inside he sank limply on j to a seat. j 'Here, friend Zalla.' I said, pouring out a stiff measure of brandy and offering it to him, ! 'drink this ; it will steady your nerves and ! perhaps give you speech.' | The neat spirit brought tears to his eyes as ' he swallowed it greedily, and he set down the cup gasping for breath. The effect, how- i ever, was disastrous to my scheme, for the i brandy acted as the last straw to the load of ; his previous potations, and instead of stimulating his vocal powers made him too helplessly | drunk to speak at all. He made two or three I ; feebie efforts to rise, and then rolled over on : ? to the floor, where he lay without sense or movement. This was a denoument I had not bargained ?? for, but it suggested an idea which appealed to \ my sease of humor and justice, aud I felt no compunction, as 1 dragged his . inert body out i and dumped it into the box from which his I prospective victims 'had been liberated. As I I closed the lid and re-fastened the thongs, the [ act seemed only one of just retribution, aad I went back to my retreat with a clear, conscience to await further developments. Pyrus found me impatiently waiting his arrival, when he came in just as the light was fadiag. He was looking very solemn, and I gathered from his expression that he had something to tell me. 'Let us stay here in the tower,' I said, 'and we can talk without interruption.' 'It is best,' he replied, 'although my news can be told in a few words. It is too unpleasant to prolong.' 'Where I am concerned it would surprise me to hear anything that was not unpleasant. It seems to have become part of the daily routine. My death, then, has already been reported?' 'How can you know that? You surely have not been out in that laughable costume?' 'Certainly not, but I have observed signs that my surmise is correct.' 'It is quite true. Even now the tale-tellers are recounting it to crowds in the streets, each sivine his version of ho-w it came about, one trying to out-do the other in inventing horrors j which would turn your blood to water if you could hear them.' 'Have you seen Abadun?' 'No; but it was one of his fishers who found the empty' carboat and brought in the news. It is thought that you perished in one of the boiling springs.''Of 'Of course. ^ To-morrow I intend to come to life again, and' go out cn a little surprise visit to some friends of mine, who will not be too pleased to see me.' 'Is it not enough that you live in constant danger, but you must go out and seek fresh calamities ? If all the people of your race are filled with the same reckless spirit, to dwell among them would be a great punishment.'
Never mind, Pyrus; there is only one ot them here, and by the look o-f things he will not be I here much longer. How did the King take the news of my death?' 'I hear that he is much relieved in his mind.' 'What! glad to be rid of me. A nice return for all I have done for him.' , 'Perhaps it would have been different, only a story has come to his ears quite recently which has angered him against you.' -'Another story. The place seems full of them. ? What is it this time?' 'Tt to nno in whio.Vi tho Prinopss ia imnlicated.
You were seen with her walking in the town, which no princess is allowed to do. Only your supposed ignorance of the law has saved you, for an ordinary person would have been condemned and executed for such an offence.' 'Who could have recognised her, for she was closely veiled.' ''It was that double-tongued, G-uzmuk Katata, her guardian. She was always present when you taught the Princess your language, and picked up a word here and a word there when you both thought her asleep, till she was able to understand many things you said. She overheard the Princess express a wish to see. the town, and was always on the watch. She followed you through the streets, and nothing escaped her vigilance.' 'If she knew all this,, why did she not speak , before?' 'She would have said nothing, only there was a little quarrel between her and the Princess, and she went away in a temper and told the king all.' 'And the Princess?' 'The Princess has confessed everything, taking all the blame upon herself, and is now shut up and guarded, awaiting the king's pleasure. There is a rumor that she is to be given to the foreign prince as soon as it can be arranged.' 'It must be prevented,' I exclaimed, hotly. 'She has already expressed her loathing for the union. It shall only take place by her own free consent.' 'You speak as though you had an army at. your back. What can one do against so many?' 'Much or little, according to' the circumstances; but tell me, do you know where the Princess is imprisoned?' 'That I know not. It will be somewhere near the palace itself. It has been kept a close secret.' 'As scon as I have arranged this other matter I shall make it my business to find out.' 'Yet another affair,' remarked Pyrus, with a sigh. 'Your time will be fully occupied, and 1 hope you will enjoy yourself,' he added, sarrt-icfinoliv 'And wVion vnii Out tO-WOn'OW. aud, as you say, come to life again, it will be wiser to leave those seeing glasses with me. They will help me to find you again.' 'All right, Pyrus,' I said, 'but you need not rub it in ; I shall be more careful this time.' Pyrus smiled. 'Everything we do is a hazard/' he said ; 'whether we are prudent or reckless makes little difference to- the ultimate result, for it is all governed by chances which we can neither control nor regulate. We can never be absolutely sure of anything.' 'There you are mistaken,' I said, 'for I can tell you for a certainty what yonder box contains, although it is securely tied up. Those who brought it. here, and are coming presently j to remove it are equally sure, but they happen to be mistaken. As 1 do not wish to meet my visitors, I will ask you to remain a prisoner with me in the tower until they have carried it away, and to amuse you I will relate what has happened during your absence.' Just as 1 had concluded my narrative and it was s rowing dark, two heads appeared peeping over the parapet. I motioned Pyrus to be'silent and not let himself be seen. 'I do not see that wine-soaker Zalla,' said cne, as he climbed over the wall, '.but I will seek him out and shake some sense into his sleepy head.' After walking round the garden and peering into every corner, he came straight towaid-s the tower. 1 had taken the precaution to fasten the door, and- we now crouched down behind the moii tnhlp as his face appeared at one of the ' apertures in the wall. The interior was almost in darkness, and he went away quite satisfied i that no one was there, to rejoin his companion. I We could hear them talking excitedly to' gather, in which the object ot their fruitless | .search came in for a good deal of abuse for his . supposed desertion. ! His absence compelled them to bring the car: boat over into the garden before they could i set the box on board. This w-as doiie with ?much grumbling and threats of punishment -for j the unfortunate Zalla when they got hold of I him. I As the carboat rose over the parapet and ! descended, with its load on the other side, and ! the occupants were just thrusting off for their j journey across the lake, some - movement cfr noise within the box must have roused their suspicions, for, letting the carboat settle down on the water they began hurriedly to undo the fastenings, and their consternation and chagrin, when they raised the lid and found their missing mate snorting and struggling within, gave us something to laugh over. They dragged the intoxicated Zalla to his feet none too gently, and began to ply him with questions, while he, too dazed, to realise his position1, and probably thinking that he was in the hands of his enemies, -struck out wildly with his fists, lurching and' staggering about and trying to free himself from the others, who were making frantic efforts to secure him.. The upshot of it whs that the whole three of them overbalanced and splashed into the water in a tangled heap. The cold plunge sobered the pugilistic Zalla, and as they scrambled back intp the .carboat he abused his companions roundly. 'What trickery is this, you miserable traitors ?' he cried. 'Abadun shall knorw of this folly and the way his orders are carried out. What have you done with the Prince ?' 'We ask you thit question, you base thickhead. What has become of him, and how came you in' the box 1' The confused Zalla rubbed his head and | stared stuoidly at his questioners. 'I know nothing,' he replied, sullenly ; 'it is for you to explain. ' 'How can we explain things we know nothing about? If you had drunk less, sleep would not have closed your eyes, and this strange thing would not have happened. Now we shall have to confess our failure, without even a good lie to excuse it.' 'It will be a marvel if we do not lose our lives over it.' 'I, for one, will not take the chance,' growled Zalla. 'I shall hide somewhere until it is forgotten. This place is accursed, so let us get away at once before some fresh evil' befalls us.' This suggestion met with immediate approval, for without another word they commenced to ply the -paddles, and were soon swallowed up in the 'gloom. 'A nice little plot,'' I said, turning to. Pyrus, 'and, I venture to say, rather neatly frustrated. What a pity- your ? newspaper is not; yet in existence : think of all the valuable copy this episode would make, going to waste, instead of feeing devoured by sensation-loving crowds.' 'I cannot look upon it lightly as you do,' he said. 'It is another step towards the end. For a long time past there has been restlessness and discontent, and at any moment a great blow may be. struck. Everyone knows it, yet nothing is done to avert it. The King's enemies grow bolder every day, and this plot serves to sliaw how implacable they are. They will not be content with deposing the king, but by killing the Prince aim at preventing any successor to the Throne. 'Every country experiences these upheavals at one time or another,' I observed; 'and their trend is generally for good in the end.' 'You are more hopeful than I am,'* he said. 'There will be dissention and violence and bloodshed before the existing system can be altered. The workers have been so long in subjection to the nobles that they naturally look upon them as enemies. You cannot change in an instant what has become part of theii' nature.' 'And what about the aristocracy ? The wealthy idlers who enjoy life's pleasures and shirk all its responsibilities.' 'They must take care o'f themselves.- Even now many of them are concealing their treasure and preparing to flee at the first sign of an outbreak in the hope of returning when all is at peace to the positions they formerly oc| cupied ; but I would sooner be one of the humblest workers than change places -with any one of them.' » 'You are up against a problem that has never yet been solved satisfactorily, and never will be. Even though the form of government adopted be by what is called the will of the people, there are bound to be oppositionists who think they can do better. Class rule will always obtain, no matter what party is in power. Every country is ruled by might, whether it is swayed by inept aristocracy or rabid socialism.' 'Of course, everyone cannot be pleased, but it must be better for a country to be ruled by the voice of the majority than to be in tho hands of a few who only seek their own interests.'
'True ; but environment and change of circumstances often upset the best resolves. An individual's convictions will fluctuate according to the magnitude of his worldly possessions. A poor laborer earning just enough to keep him from starvation will naturally be imbued with socialism, and want to share with his more prosperous fellows, but give him riches and he will try to hide his toil-worn hands and become a more bigoted votary of the class he previously condemned than those born to it. He may get. into power through the support of his own humble followers, and then, under the spell of gilded affluence, turn and rend them.' 'That is a danger impossible to guard against. As I have already said, everything hangs ou chance ; it has much to do with a nation's prosperity or downfall, with life and death, and most of all, with the happiness or' misery of those who wed.' -'Is it your firm belief in the last item that deters you from making the venture ?'' 'Partly ; but discouraging reasons are in such abundance that I am amazed so inany-fall into the snare. I have questioned numbers of those ?who have had exoerience. hnt.h mnls .nnri fnmnlr. and the sameness of their replies is a weariness. The wives having little to lose and much to gain, prefer their present lot to living with their parents or working to live.- They have more freedom, are provided with food and clothing, and enjoy the pleasure of spending money they do not earn. Tfiey consider theif husbands as useful things, and their chief aim ?is to get all they can out of them. They exexpect them to supply all their wants, and to bear all their responsibilities, receiving little or nothing in return. But the husbands are not so satisfied. They grumble, and wish they were free again. They think of the time when they could conduct their own business and seek their pleasures when and how they chose, without interference. They always had money in plenty to robe themselves in choice garments and enjoy many luxuries that now are denied them. Many submit, rather than their name should become a theme for public scandal.' 'Surely some of them 'are cotitented ?' 'Very few. Only that the law against killing is death, wife slaughtering would become quito common. Of course, the husbands are also to blame, but they are often what the wife makes them. If she cultivated sense and, rarer still, sense of honor, they would both enjoy greater happiness.' ? He gave his views. on the subject with all the confidence of one who has mastered an abstruse subject that has never been exploited before, and was quite satisfied with the soundness of his own deductions. 'Well, Pyrus,' I said, 'if you should ever change your mind and take a wife, you will at any rate do it with your eyes open.' 'If my mind changes,' he said, 'I shall be no longer ?ane.'
CHAPTER XI.
The following day was well advanced when I put on my clothes, by this time quite dry, al though they looked somewhat worse fo- the soaking, and oiled and re-loaded my revolvet which had been in one of the pockets du/inj; my struggles in the water. I was now rondy fur a second venture, but in a different direction. My object was the large island where Abalun and several others lived. He had not yet left the palace, and my object was to reach his house first and wait. Ins arrival. He always landed at a a hod !''oi;i viu-'h a path led up to the house ; but mo-'.ead nl' there I made a little detour and left the carboat hidden behind a clump of thick vegetation, and | then looked about for a place of concealment for j myself. Aoout nair way aiong tne patn was a sm£ii kiosk or arbour, an excellent pluoe for the purpose, for it 3vas covered with vines and commanded a view of the whole lea^c'a of the pathway, effectually screening anyeuo within from the passer-by It was here that 1 took up a position and waited for the unsuspecting Atadun to make his appearance. Half an hour passed, and then the diutant splash of paddles tol'l me that h-2 was approaching. I heard him give srune orders to his rowers as the car groined, and I lion saw i-im coming slowly towards my place of concealment. I noted with satisfaction that he was alone, and appeared very pleased with himself. When he was within a f?w yards -if my hiding place I walked leisurely nut and ci=) fronted mm. une glance was sui:.i:ienr. to ten me '.nat he was one- of the parr.i-jipatovs m His attempt on my life, and it would be difficult to convey in words the effect produvsl :-y my appearance before him. Apparently the news of my .'scape had not yet reached him, for amazement and fear seemed to have bereft him of sense and speech, and by the way he involuntarily waved his hand towards me as thoug.i to ward off some threatened danger, showed i li.it ho b'-ltcved himself to be in the presence of an apparition. 'Well, my friend,' I/said nftably. 'HoW goes. it ? You seem, none too glad to see me.' 'I— I thought you were d£:id he gasped. 'I — I ' am pleased to find t':at the report is untrue.' I laughed aloud. 'Abadun,' I said, 'voa are a humbug, and' worse. Let us adjourn to this picturesque Summer-house of yours where we can have a quiet chat without fear of ? interruption.' ? He hesitated, looking anxiously about as if for assistance or some means of escape, for he evidently believed that it was my- intention to kill him. 'If you do as I wish no harm shall come to you,' I told him ; 'but if there is any attempt to get -away or call for help I will not answer for your life,' and I took the revolver from my pocket,' pretending to1 make sure that it was loaded before replacing it. 'You use strong arguments, which admit of no denial,' he said, with the ghost of a smile ; 'but they are not necessary. Please .consider yourself my guest for the time being,' and he motioned me politely to precede him into the kiosk. He had quite recovered from the first shock of surprise, and i could not help admiring his courage as he sat down and calmly waited for me to speak. 'I am going to ask you a few questions first,' I said, 'and please do not waste time by prevaricating, for it will not serve you.' 'Proceed,' he said, with a nod. 'In the first place, 1 want to know why you j stole my property ? ' 'Because you possessed knowledge of which we are ignorant, and which gives you advantages over us. It also seemed that you were ambitious, .and by using your advantage would, in time, become the ruling power. It is generally believed that the source of this wonderful knowledge is hidden in the globe which brought you here. It -was, therefore, removed to defeat |your 1 plans, lour anxiety about it seems to verify the belief.' 'You are mistaken,' I said ; 'but we will let that go. Not content with doing me this injury you then attempted, to kill me.' 'Your death was necessary for the safety o£ others. I will be frank, arid then you will understand. /'For 'For some time the people have been dissatisfied with the present form of government and tho time is nearly ripe for a change. Everything is in readiness for a sudden rising, which is to sweep away the idlers who grow rich on the labor of the poor, to abolish stupid and tyrannical laws, and to set up a government which will seek to give everyone a just reward for services and industry. And now it is within your power to ruin everything.' 'So you thought it expedient to put me out of the way ? ' 'Most assuredly, for you had already done our cause harm by showing the King those deadly weapons. It was only his suspicion of coming danger which made him so eager to arm his soldiers with them and thus give him strength to crush all opposition. Only that this happened the revolution would have been accomplished.' 'I must confess that from your point of view my removal was well — judicious ; but what chance will you have now' against the King's soldiers ? ' 'If you do not interfere it. will be as it was before, for our party is not idle, and there arc mrfny .skilful mechanics outside tho King's worKsnops. we nave menus even mere, anu in the palace itself. And, moreover, there is disaffection among a large portion of the retainers in tho service of the nobles, and they arc only awaiting tho signal to rise and fight for the cause.' 'You mean that you are actually able to manufacture guns secretly ? ' t 'Why no-t ? it is simple, now that we have) the patterns to imitate.' ! 'Supposing I(, went straight to the King and, told him all about this conspiracy, what do you think would happen ? ' -'It would bring death to many,' he replied, after a pause, 'and suffering to others who are innocent. The realisation of our plans would be delayed, but only for a time. It must come sooner or later. If hot to-day then to-morrow.
Nothing can alter it. 'Why should you strive to upsot the present order- of things ? Surely you who enjoy wealth and the King's favor have no grievance.' 'None whatever personally ; but when a house falls into decay and threatens to fall it is better to destroy it and build a new. one.' 'And who is to govern the new household ? 'The names of two have been mentioned, and doubtless the most, able one will be chosen.''And his name is Abadun, I presume ?' 'The names will not be divulged till tho time comes,' he answered, with a knowing smile. 'it looks as though someone is going . to have -a bad time,' 1 remarked., 'for when, the successful candidate is elected, the supporters oi'. the other will probably side with tbe King's party, and make ao end of. trouble.' 'That has already been forseen'. I have no fo.iv th.it the wisdom and power of the new ruler will be more than a match for any opposition that mav arise.' 'Well,' 1 said. 'I did not come here to talk high, treason with you, but now that I am so far committed 1 will go a little further, aad compound a felony. All this that you have told me is no business of mine, and it shall remain a secret, so far as I am concerned, on one coadition. ' 1 want the return of my property. To-night, when -the ring of flame begins to decline, I shall expect to find my globe with all its contents undisturbed in the exact spot from which il. was taken, and moreover 1 shall hold you responsible for its safety in the future. Is it a bargnin V' _____'It shall be as you desire,' he said, evidently much relieved. '1 shall not fail to see your wishes carried out.' 'The King will probably compliment his loyal subject Abadun on his cleverness in fiading my property so soon, and restoring it to its owner, and will doubtless be interested in .hearing the fable which his loyal subject will invent, describing how the task was accomplished.' The old villain chuckled, and seemed delighted that he had been let off so lightly. 'Would you like to hear a piece of interesting aews ?' 1 asked. 'It is no affair of mine., but. seeing that I have been made an accessory I in these plots -.-.nd machinations, I have nothing to lose in telling you.' 'Anything of value to our .cause is always acceptable, ' he replied, 'but it is impossible for you to know the working of our plans beyond what I have just told you.' 'Do not be too sure.' I said. 'Even the best-laid schemes sometimes fail. The fact of my being here alive and talking to you should convince you of that.' He shrugged his shoulders and tried hard to conceal his curiosity, but I could see that he was troubled and eager to know what I had to tell him'Have you seen anything of your retainers, Zalla aad Ivludalc ?' I asked, 'or have they failed to report themselves 1' He was quite taken off his guard. 'What, do you know of them ?' he questioned, sharply. 'Very little, except that they did not succeed in capturing the infant Prince as they were ordered. and are now wisely keeping out of the way rather than face the wrath of their employer.' iHe He stared at me hard for fully three miautes without speaking. 'You are really wonderful,' he said at length. 'I would prefer to have you as a friend rather than an enemy, and if i could persuade you to join our party, and use your powers on its behalf, our success would be assured. Do you find no temptation in the lure of riches and tho command of an army, with servants and retainers to obey your word, in fact. ? all tho state and perquisites that a King enjoys ? You havn but to say the word, and all these things are yours.' '1 caanot help feeling flattered,' I said, 'but you overrate my ability. In my own country S. am just au ordinary mortal, one among tens , --' thousands, and should' certainly not be eho| sen for a high aad responsible office. My tastes do not lie in that direction, and t 'would consider it a far greater ^ichievemefit to originate something that .would benefit my fellowbeings, or even to create an eaduring work in out- of the arts, than play a part that is de pendent in a great measure on pomp and outward show.''I 'I had hopes,' he said, 'that you might be won over to us, but I see now you have no likiag tor it. I can only trust that if the King's party should attempt to draw you to their side, tliey will succeed no better than I have done.' I assured him 1 had no intention of joining either party, nor of meddling in their affairs at all. It was quite plain that his offer was not disinterested. It might have been one for me, but it was certainly two for himself. Like many others, he believed I was capable of exercising some supernatural power, and was astute enough to see that I might be of vital use in furthering his ' schemes. Whatever disappointment he may .have felt at my refusal, he was obviously relieved at my decision to remain neutral.
vvnat you have taught us already has showa us that we are in darkness,' he said, 'but our eyes are opening, and knowledge that has been hidden and unthought of will come to light and sweep away many things that have served as hitherto. The results of your teaching are already manifest, and I would give' much to study under -such a master.' 'No, Abadun, it cannot be done. I am resolved for the future to keep silent. The outcome of new ideas given by me to the people of this sphere has brought more harm than good. Highly seasoned food disagrees with a system that is only accustomed to the plainest fare, and I am not inclined to risk anv further experiments which might prove indigestible.' » . I It is a pity that knowledge should be kept locked up,' he said, 'for it is sometimes worth more than a King's treasure, but I am thinkful for the few seeds you have cast among us ; they will germinate a.nd grow, and in time bear fruit well worth the picking.' Pie would have kept me talking there for hours had I been so inclined, possibly in tlit hope of leading me to explain some of the wonders of my own world, but I had no wish io prolong tne conversation. He thanked me for my patience and forbearance, and would have placed -his car-boat and rowers at my disposal had I so wished. '°?° I*13* word,' I said, rising to depart. Under the circumstances I forgive you for attempting my assassination, but don't try any more games of that kind with me. Take my advice and you may probably live to a good old age.' 'He offered me some refreshment which I politely declined, and I left him congratulating myself on the success of the interview and feeling perfectly sure that he would not play ' me false, for he had too much at stake to go back on his promise. Later when Pyrus had gone to bed, after satisfying himself that my mission had been accomplished without misadventure, I rose softly and ascended to the tower. it was darker than usual, for the ring of flame was obscured by clouds, and a light rain was falling. My glance travelled quickly over the roof, and there like a 2host. in- tho -rlnnm -wns my treasured globe resting in its accustomed place. Abadun had carried out his part of the pontract to the letter. Freed from anxiety on that score. I was able to enjoy a few hours unbroken sleep. As a matter of courtesy, it was necessary to inform the King of ,m;f safet-. It was not difficult to invent a plau- ] sible excuse to account for my absence. A written report describing the accident followed by indisposition 'would easily explain it. ?My thoughts were principally concerned with. i ne iiuiccos Aunena, and hoy to extricate her from the trouble she was now in. It galled me to think of the poor little soul debarred of her liberty and suffering the indignity of being watched simply because she had broken a law by indulging in a youthful freak whic(h was quite natural and harmless. As I was responsible to a certain extent, I persuaded myself that it was my duty to make an effort for her release. It was a matter requiring caution and diplomacy, for a false move might only make thinks worse for both of us. After much cogitation. I resolved to make an appeal to the King, it could do no harm anyway, and if it failed, then some other plan would have to be adopted. The next evening there was to be a performance of a new dance which was to outrival anything that had been previously attempted. The King in all probability would be in a good temper. He frequently chatted with the performers for a few minutes after the entertainment, and on special occasions, when j ?well pleased, distributed presents among them.
It was then that I proposed trying to gain his indulgence to my request. I will- refrain from describing this particular dance, as some of our own exponents of the art might be tempted to imitate it, and thus shock the susceptibilities of the many good people who use their opera glasses . to detect impropriety in mixed bathing, and see no incongruity in dressing a statue of Mother Eve in a flannel petticoat. There were some among the audience who professed to be scandalised, but immediately on hearing that the eccentricities of the new cance had found favor with the King, they 'were the first to extol it, and lavish their praises on the very movements they had previously condemned which all goes to show that the cult of humbug is not a terrestial monopoly. The King seemed none too pleased to see me.
He bnquired politely after my health and conversed pleasantly enough on conventional topics but when 1 broached the subject of the Princess's captivity aud urged1 him as a special favor to grant her release, he froze at once. 'The affairs of the Princess are not for discussion,' he said coldly. 'It will be well not to r.cfer to the matter again.' With that, he rudely turned on his heel and signified to hio attendants that he was about to retire. The deliberate slight so annoyed me that I lost my temper completely and forgot for the moment that 1 was in the . presence of a despotic ruler. 'Even if the King is displeased,' I blurted out, 'he could express himself without an added insult.' 1 % regretted my hastiness immediately the words were spoken, but it Was too late to recall them now, and in the tense silence which followed my outourst, 1 heard the King give some order to his bouy-guard. In a moment I was surrounded and seized by several of his wiry little soldiers. My temper was at white heat, and 1 struck out with my fists right and left, knocking them over like ninepins. A scene of the wildest confusion ensued. Shouts and cries mingled with the noise of shuffling feet, and the overturning of seats was like a strike riot or. a scene in the Australian Legislature. £ut they were too many for me. No sooner had 1 flung one of them orf than another took his place, till 1 could no longer maintain the unequal contest. They were hanging on to my arms-. One of them had me fast by the legs, while another with his hands clasped round ray neck was pulling ine oai»vndiu. -v few more futile struggles on my part and they had me on the floor. I half expected to be knocked on the head off-hand, but their orders were' evidently to secure me alive, for in 'less than five minutes 1 was bound so effectively, that I could move neither ha-nd or foot. By this time my anger had completely evapo ? rated and as tliev nlaced me on an improvised stretcher, and lilted it preparatory to carrying me away, the humor of tho situatica appealed to me so strongly that I burst out laughing which so astonished the gallant warriors that they came near -dropping their burden. That laugh, however, proved the means of my salvation for the time being. It was a general belief that when a persoa acted m au eccentric manner, he or she had become possessed by the spirit of one of the dead. This belief was iso strong that even a criminal was immune from physical injury till he returned to' his normal state of mind, for they feared that the spirit which had. chosen him for its abode might be made to suffer, a contingency which was supposed to bring trouble and illiiiot to all those concerned in disturbing it. I knew nothing of all this at the time, and fully expected to be despatched with a spear, oi thrust into a death globe without being allowed to make any defence. My captors, however, carried me very carefully out of the room and along a passage. A door at the end was opened, and I was deposited on the stone floor ia a little room beyond. Not a word was spoken, and when, I was safely lodged in my prison they all silently withdrew and securely fastened the door. For three weary hours I was left to vainly regret the. folly which hald brought me to this pass, and to speculate cn my future fate. My limbs were growing stiff with the pressure of the tightly-drawn cords, and a parching thirst was torturing me almost beyond bearing, when the door was slowly opened, and a squad of soldiers filed in, followed by a little grey -feathered being, whom I recognised as one of the Court doctors. He looked me over very .keenly, and then began asking me a number of Irrelevant questions which I was i i no mood to answor. 'If you will loosen these cords and give me something to drink I will answer any question you like to ask,' I said. | As ha hesitated, I added an assurance that I would aot resort to violence or make any at; tempt whatever to escape. He seemed satisfied, and motioned one of the soldiers to unbind me. Food and wine w--re placed beside me, and after I had relieved my thirst and replied to his foolish catechism, they all marched cut. This farce was repeated a few hours later, and on the following day. At each visit they brought me food, but refused to give me nay reason for this strange proceeding, which convinced me that it was only the prelude to some further action. My premonition of some calamity came about with a suddenness for which 1 was quite unprepared. If I had knowa that my sanity was in question I- might, bysimulating madness, have escaped the horror which followed. Towards the end of the second day of my confinement the Doctor and his guard came ia as usual. He asked me in a matter of fact way if 1 would like to be free. Before I could make any reply the soldiers were upon me. Previous experience had taught them a more effective mode of attack, for in less time than it takes to tell I was once more bound and helpless. I did aot laugh this time, for I could read my death sentence in every ' face, and they seemed eager to get the business over: Like a bale of goods I was carried out and into a small courtyard. Here they paused, while one of their number raised a metal lid which covered a trap or hole in the centre of the paved yard. Without the least hesitation or show of compunctioa, they thrust me feet _first into tho hole. A final push sent me sliding down a sloping chute, and as the light v. as shut out with the clang of the closing lid my feet struck a slimy stone floor at the bottom. I lay quite still, 'fearful of moving lest I stumbled upon some hiddea danger, for I knew not, what the, darkn ess_m i ght conceal. ?
It was fortunate that my pockets had no been exploited, for they contained among otbei things a loaded revolver and a box of matchc-5. 1 got at the latter after some trouble, for inj wrists were tied together, and succeeded w striking one. The light revealed a cin-jlir chamber about six feet in diameter, like a well, with no visible means of egress except the chute. Unless my limbs could be freed I was absolutely powerless. I was in despair, when the sight of the burning match gave me an idea. Striking aaother one I stuck it upright in a little heap of mud and held b.j hands so that the flame could attack the cord; which bound them. After a little persevcranci and the expenditure of half a box of mat -he; the last charred ligament snapped and I was able to use a pocket knife to complete ray release. I had scarcely got rid of the last 'J mj' boads when a strearn of water began it pour in through an aperture which had mysteriously opened in the wall near the floor, and ii was already swishing round my ankles before I realised its devilish purpose. (TO BE CONTINUED.)
CHAPTER XI.— (Continued). ^
Tho prospect of drowning by inches in this horrible death-trap filled me with dismay. There wns iio time to lose, for the rapidly rising water would soon cut off the only loophole of escape. 1 scrambled into the chute, and, with liauds and knees on the slippery surface and back pressed against the wall above, commenced to worm my way laboriously up the treacherous incline.
Before,! had proceeded half-way up, the water had overtaken me, and my chances of reaching the top began to diminish. Still I crawled on with the utmost care, knowing that one backward slip might be fatal. As the water found its level within two l'ect of the top, a final effort landed me, panting for breatti, on a narrow stone ledge. It was a close race, and I could . only attribute my salvation -to my height and length of limb, which enabled me to press against the upper side of the chute, and thus prevented myself from slipping. A little rest enabled me to breathe freely again, but before venturing further I raised the cover a few inchcs and peeped out into the courtyard. One of the soldiers was still there, standing near a kind of windlass, which was, no doubt, used for opening the sluice at ths bottom of the well. 1 threw back the lid of the trap and, covering him with my revolver, ordered him to disarm, for I had no wish to do him any injury. But the fates and his own folly ordained otherwise. He turned quickly, paused for a second, and then caine at me with his spear poised for a deadly thrust. It was his life or mine. Even as I pressed the trigger it was not my intention to kill him, but my late exertions and the excitement of the moment must have affected my aim. for as the revolver spolve he staggered forward and then dropped down in a heap. The b-.iilct had struck him in the centre of thc forehead, and death must have been instantaneous. It was neccssary to remove all traces of the tragedy without delay, for should the body be found lying there, my life would not have been worth an hour's purchase, so I hastily dragged it to the mouth of the chute and sent it down into the watery darkness which had been destined to .hold my own mortal remains. r climbed thc wall of the courtyard and hurried away. The unfortunate soldier would soon be missed; then would come the discovery of my escape, followed by a hue and cry. I 'was too conspicuous a figure to pass anywhere unnoticed, and concealment could only give me a temporary respite. My own quarters would probably be the last place they would think of looking for me, and once there it was within my power to leave this planet immediately the threatened danger appeared. '!he first part of the programme was successfully achieved. In my own room I breathed freely once more; but I was so fatigued, both in mind and body, that all else became subservient to the one desire for rest. I flung off ray wet and mudstained clothes and, without a thought for any perils which might arise even during the next few hours, went off into a dreamless sleep.
CHAPTER XII.
'Emotions,' said' Pyrus, 'are exhausting; during your absence my mind has been a prey to many, culminating in grief for your sad fate. Now I find you calmly sleeping, as though this juggling with death is merely a pastime. 'Hy dear Pyrus, I could do nothing else, for 1 was almost too tired to stand.' ''But now that you arc rested, you will surely not let vanity overcome prudence and- attempt to remain here ? Your death was decreed, and thc- King's order carried out, ye; by some marvel you are still alive. You cannot hope to escape again ; already it may be known that ycu are again at liberty. If so, the search has commenced, and they will not give up until you are found.' '1 am afraid you are right, my friend, and 1 have definitely decided to go. To-night, when the ring of flame is directly overhead, 1 sh.ill start on my lonely journey.' 'It is well, though wisdom is coming to you late. For myself, I would wish you to stay, for 1 shail miss your companionship. It liar, been a delight which will dwell in my memory always.' 'Ami, with the exception of the Princess Xumena, you, my friend, are the only soul with whom 1 regret parting. It is a sad affair altogether, but it was bound to come eventually, for i am dreadfully homesick.' 'The mention of the princess reminds m? that I have a note fcr you. It was brought the day after you were imprisoned.' Opening his wallet, he produced a tiny scroll tied with white silken cord, and handed it to me. 1 knew that it wan from Nunena without opening it. It was written in English, in he.' own quaint handwriting : 'To my True Friend Donald, — I am writing this through my tears, grieving at the eru-~-i misfortune which has befallen you, and not knowing whether you will receive it or not. 1 ?was told you were taken away bound like a prisoner ; but 1 cannot find out v.hat th r intend to do. The uncertainty is dreadful. They have set me free, but 1 am watched, and do not venture beyond my own garden, where I waik for a little while jusL before the setting of the cloud at light. ? If this scroll is returnee! to me befcrc two days I shall know that the worst has happened ; but i prav that it may not come back, for that will mean you have gained your freedom. If so, you must use it . to escapo altogether. It is bard not to sec you once more, but it must not be. When you have gone back to your own people 1 shall be very ? lonely; but my mind will be at peace, knowing that your enemies can no longer do you harm. Farewell, my friend. You will think of Nunena sometimes, even though she is of a different race, and dwells in another world. For ever, farewell.' A great sadness came over me after reading her poor little letter, and I sat for some time unable to ^peak. She was unhappy, and- there was an appeal in her written words which touched a sympathetic chord, and made my proposed action in leaving her without a word kindness or consolation appear selfish and cruel. No, in spite of my resolve I could not bring myself to do it. Some 'way must be found to see her, even if no good came of it than to quieten my own conscience. 1 was so absorbed with the idea that for the moment the presence of Pyrus was forgotten, and when he spoke I started like a man suddenly awakened. 'Donald,' he said, 'your attitude tells me that' you are meditating some fresh folly. It is difficult enough to avoid the pits we dig for ourselves, but when the opposite sex is concerned the danger is increased. Their snares are so cunningly contrived and appear so innocent and attractive that both *the wise and the foolish alike fall into them.' 'You surely don't mean to infer that the princess is setting a trap for .me?' 'Not consciously, for she would suffer herself rather than do you harm. It is always the guileless who are the most dangerous, for they will do things in innocence and bring trouble upon their friends which those with a little knowledge of evil would avoid. 'You would dissuade me then from attempting to see the princess?' 'Most assuredly. If you will entrust me with a letter, I will see that it is delivered into her own hands. No good can come from an interview unless ? ' He stopped, and looked at me curiously. 'Unless what?' I prompted. 'It cannot be possible that you have an affection for the princess?' 'I am not in love with her, if that is what you mean. I only look upon her as a dear friend for whom I would go out of my way to do a service.' 'Ah, that word friend! It means so much, or so little. But it matters not either way, for the Prince who is to make her his wife has already arrived to claim her.' 'That decides it then. I must speak with her once more to know if she is content. The prince, I suppose, will not take her away immediately.' 'No, for there is to be feasting and a great fete held in his honor. He will not even be permitted to see his future wife until the time for his departure. It is the custom.' I could not forget the distress Nunena had shown on a previous occasion at the project of being wedded against her will, and her dark threats against herself as the alternative. It was this that determined- me to see her at all hazards. A few words of comfori might perhaps avert a tragedy. 'I shall go, I told Pyrus, even if it is to be my last effort. If the Princess tells me that she is satisfied with her lot it will remove a load from my mind, but I must hear it from her own lips. And now, my dear friend, wc must say goodbye. I have 'be.en keeping you here in idle talk i at a grave risk to yourself. If it became known j that you. were in the company of an outlaw like myself you would lose the King's favor and perhaps be punished. Leave me now to work out my own destiny alone, and accept Hiy thanks for all you have done for me. I can make you no adequate return for your many kindnesses, but should like you to keep these few trifles. They will serve to remind you of one who, though a stranger and an alien, will always remember you with affection.' I indicated a small collection of articles which I had placed together — my camera, watch, and field-glasses, books and magazines, and some other things I thought he might like to keep. Thc poor fellow was quite overcome, and there were tears in his eyes as he wrung my hand when wc bid one another a final farewel.. Nuncna's garden was merely a part of the palace grounds; a small rectangular space enclosed by a wall, with a line of tall shrubs growing round just within, their tops showing above and completely screening the enclosure from an outside observer. 1 It was only through one small gate set u.'Q.dcr a portico that a glimpse could be obtained of winding pathways, vine-covered arbors and lawns of soft moss. My plai1 was to wait until evemag approached, the time when the Princess took exercise, before making any move, then to slip quietly out and 'gain the sheltel* of thc portico, when X could remain concealed and at the same time watch for licr appearance. It was only a distance of a few hundred yards, and the way led trough the palace gardens, where one could ofte.n wander for hours without seeing a soul. I could only hope that fortune would be kind on this occasion and keep everyone but thc Princess indoors. It seemed unlikely that my escape from the well would be discovered for some little time, and for the prcseat I fancied myself comparatively secure. The day seemed endless, and my patience was sorely tried waiting till it drew to a close. As the cloud of light was slowly declining, I cautiously crept out and turned my steps towards thc little walled garden, walking quickly and dodging behind every shrub and clump of vegetation on the way, finally reaching tlie portico without misadventure. I peeped through thc latticework of the gate, and found myself looking straight into the dark eyes of tiie Princess herself. She was standing against a background of large hanging leaves, and looked like a little white spirit in the fading light. Without showing any surprise, she came slowly towards me and touched my hand. 'How good of you, Donald,' she said; 'you are like one risen from the dead, come back in answer to my prayers. I have been so miserable and have 'waited so long. But you mtfst only stay one little minute, and then run back swiftly, for I seem to see eyes everywhere. 'I could not go away without seeing you,' I said, 'your letter did not tell me 'all I want to know.' 'Ah, you mean about the Prince, Vho has come to take me away. Some time ago I told you I would never wed him. You must forget my words, they were spoken foolishly.' She spoke quickly, in a low voice, and kept lAstirinc* ohnnt fnvHvAlv thnucli that:some eavesdropper might be near. Do you now regard him with favor, and think you will- toe happy with him ?' Few know, happiness, but I shall be content. At first the idea set me in revolt, and I could not think of it without a feeling of sickness. It is no longer a thing to be dreaded, and will come to pass as the King wishes. 'I have been anxious about you, Nunena, fearing that you might be forced into this marriage against your will, but now that you as|. sure me that it is not repugnant to you I shall be able to think of our friendship with a clear conscience. 'Are you glad,' she asked, looking up at me wistfully. 'I am pleased that you are satisfied,' I replied. 'I think you have chosen the wisest course. The union will doubtless meet with general approval, and may help to promote a friendly feeling between the two nations.' 'That will be a fine thing,' she said with a sigh, and of course everyone will rejoice. Even now I begin to feel of great importance.' 'You Vill make a beautiful Queen, Nunena, and will be beloved and respected by all. I should. like to stay and be one of the first to pay you homage.' 'Do not think of it,' she said, in alarm. 'Promiso me, Donald, that you will go away to-night, . for although it grieves me to part with my friend, his death would darken my days forever.' 'Pod bless you, Nunena. I will obey. In a few hours — 'Hush !, The deceitful Katata is in the garden, and is coming this way. She will suspect something if she sees me at the gate. You must go, Donald, quickly. Good-bye, my dear friend, good-bye, good-bye !' Again she touched my hand and turned away. I waited till the little white figure glid'ing along the winding path had disappeared, and then hurried back by the same route I had travelled less than a quarter of an hour before. In spite of Nunena's assurance that she was ? reconciled to this marriage, I still fe!; uneasy about her. That sho should so soon change her mind seemed out of harmony, with what I ) knew of her disposition, and there was something in her manner during the .brief interview which jarred like a false note. I could only hope that my premonitions -were groundless., lor even if she needed help it was out oi my power to render it. There was nothing to do now but wait in the ? xi iy own rooms until the time was --r.rtnn* for starting on the lonely journey through the frigid darkness of space which was destined to restore me to home and friends, or perchance to end in disaster and death. To gain my apartments it was necessary to pass through an outer doorway below and along a corridor, and then turn into an arched recess near the end, where an elevator led to the floor above. I entered, as usual, carefully fastening the door behind me, and then walked slowly towards the archway. Once within my own sanctum above I could rest secure in the knowledge that no enemy could approach from outside j without some warning, which would give me ample time to get to the roof and so away . It 'Was a matter of self-congratulation that I , had so far come through the last desperate situation unharmed, and I pictured in. my mind the King's astonishment and chagrin when he learnt that his murderous scheme had failed. The thought of his discomfiture amused me, and I was still chuckling over the notion when a sharp word of commaAd rang out. There was an ominous rattle, and a sound of shuffling feet, and in a second I was facing the muzzles o| half-a-dozen rifles, their butts pressed to the shoulders of as many of the King's soldiers, with sinister eyes glancing along the barrels. The ambush was so unexpected and managed with such celerity that resistance was out of the question. , I was so completely taken un- j awares that my senses seemred to have gone astray, and I could only stare stupidly at my captors standing just within the archway. One of them stepped -forward and spoke : 'Wo obey the King's commands,' he says. 'You are a prisoner till the King's pleasure is made known. If you attempt to escape or make ! any show of resistance our orders are to kill you instantly.' . He was evidently determined not to- take any unnecessary risks, for, with a menacing gesture, he demanded the surrender of a.ny weapons I had about me, and I was forced to, hand him my revolver and pocket-knife. The door was now thrown open, and with a guard on either side of me and the rest immediately behind, we marched out. It all seemed like a horrible nightmare. The shattering of my hopes when just o-n the point of realisation j filled me with depression, for I felt that I was going to certain death. More thau once I ?was tempted to make a wild dash for liberty, but one glance at the silent, alert figures around me, and my defenceless conditio.!!, were sufficient to 'banish the idea. There was nothing left but hope that my previous good fortune would not desert me, and once more turn thc tide in my favor. Once again I was thrust into thc cell where I had spent the time previous to being thrown into the well, and I fully expected a reenactment of the diabolical drama. This time my limbs had been left free, for which I was thankr ful, but the faint sound of voices and footsteps in the passage o.n the other side of the door betokened that my captors were keeping vigilant watch.The The room was absolutely bare, with the exception of a small log of Avood, placed there apparently to serve the purpose of a pillow for unfortunates like myself. The smooth stone walls were unpierccd by windows, the light falling through a small dome in the ceiling some fifteen feet above. I paced the floor till the monotony of it began to get on ray nerves, and then sat down in a corner waiting for the curtain to rise on the next act. I felt for my watch, and then remembered that it was among the things I had given Pyrus. All count of time was lost, and to add to my discomfort a growing hunger suggested the grim possibility that it might be the beginning of tho end. This, however, was not their intention, for food was brought in by an attendant later, and placed on the floor beside me. He was a pleasant-faced little follow, and appeared rather proud of having such an unusual prisoner under his care. I spoke to him, a.nd soon found that he was not averse to a little gossip.
What do you suppose tney mtenu to uo wnu me ?' I asked. 'The manner in which you aro to, die has not yet been decided,' he replied, 'but I will bri.. you word when I hear it.' He spoke as though my interest in the subject was a purely impersonal c.ne. 'You arc sure I am to be killed then ?' 'Certainly, thc death of thc coldier 'whom you slew must be avenged; it is the law.' 'Supposing the soldier had killed me, would he have suffered death ?' 'No, because you were already condemned for the crime committed against thc King, and it was the soldier's duty to slay you when he found you had escaped just punishmc-nt.' 4 'Surely I shall be permitted the justice of saying something in my own defence.' 'What could ycu soy You offended tho King before an assembly of his people, which is punished by death, and then killed this soldier who was c-uly doing his duty.' 'Are many people thrown into that horrible well ?' 'Only those whom the King wishes to remove privately. It has always been considered a very safe method, and you are thc only one who has ever been known to come out of it alive.' 'Do you think that another ^attempt will be made to destroy me in the same way.' 'It is not likely, it may be that you will be executed in public, for air those who have killed someone are sent off in that way.' 'Until that time shall I be treated well ?' 'Oh, yes. 1 shall bring you food at regular times, and there is plenty of air to breathe ' 'Everything, in fact, that one could desire except liberty and comfort. The first, of course, is out of the question, hut if yoa could find me something a little softer than these stones to lie upon I should be grateful.' 'It is against the rules,' h-j said, shaking his head; 'but you are different from those- who have been shut in here before, ;uiJ I will sec what can be done.' I thanked him, anil ,he nodded pleasantly as he went out. Stranded in a strange world, a condemned prisoner among beings at variance in many essentials with u;iy terrestrial race, I was like a stray bird cut off from its mates and at the mercy of a flock of resentful sparrows. The chances of escape were so remote that my doom seemed inevitable. There was a possibility of my goalev being susceptible to a bribe, but I had absolutely nothing to offer him, and even if he could have been induced to leave the door unfastened the guard would have made short work of me had I ventured outside. When a youth the dread of death used to inspire me with terror, but familiarity with danger had dulled the sense of- fear, and now with the dark figure actually hanging over me I could contemplate the end with calm indifference. When my garrulous goaler again made his appearance he brought an old cushion and a much worn rug, which were very acceptable, for I was longing for a little sleep. 'You are to be honored,' he said. 'The Prince who has come to wed our Princess has heard of the big stranger, and is coming to look at you.' ' 'That is very kind of him,' I remarked, 'our f curiosity will be mutual.' j 'That is not all,' he continued; 'you are to take part in the great festival which the King j has arranged in the Prince's honor. At the | end of the day's pleasure, when the sports and games are over, and everyone, has feasted, you j will be brought out before all the people and taken in a carboat to a high stage which has been put up especially for you. Ah, yes, it will be a great send-oft'.' 'Send-off V' 'Certainly, you will be placed in your own death globe, for the King is persuaded that anything belonging to you will bring misfortune, so he has decided to send you and all that is yours, where every evil-doer goes, so that you may never return.' 'You mean that 1 am to be publicly executed 'Yes, it wq.s the Prince s idea, and found 'favor with the King at once. It will finish up the holiday very nicely.' 'Most enjoyable, 1 should think, especially Tor me.' 'You should feel very proud. Think of the multitudes who will come to see you, of the great applause, and of how they will talk of it after ycu have gone. For a time you of more importance thah the King 'himself.' 'It is really very good of the King to permit me to enjoy so much popularity, I said, gravely, 'and when is this pleasant function to take place 'To-morrow, at the hour always fixed for thc departure of the wicked.' 'Thank you for telling me -all this, It will give me something to think over.' 'I should like to tell you of many choice things which the noble ones will eat, and of the wine they will drink, but too much talk is not permitted, and I have other duties. . Tomorrow the preparations will be complete, and you shall then hear what has been done.' A little later I received ah official intimation of* my fate, when a pompous individual came in, and read it out to nfe in a solemn voice. A condemned criminal is usually credited with enjoying a good night's sleep on the eve of the day appointed for his execution. I certainly cast no slur on his reputation, for, thanks to a sound digestion and the luxury of a pillow under my head, I was only awakened^ by being prodded none too gently with the butt-end of f spear, and opened! my eyes to find a number of soldiers in the room. I muttered something not very polite, and sat up. In the doorway stood one who was a stranger to me. He was young, and richly clothed, with a good-looking though dissipated countenance. He stood regarding me with a supercilious grin, as though I was something far beneath his class, but at the same time rather amusing. This was evidently the Prince whom Nunena was to wed. I was in no mood to be polite, for the sight of the fellow annoyed me. I leisurely rose to .-i retching my arms, at which he backed a pace o.r two, and then deliberately yawned, as thougK quite unaware of his arrival. He said something in a strange language to one of his attendants, scowling at me all the time. One of the soldiers now called my attention to his presence, and I looked round in pretended surprise, and then made him an effusive bow. After this little pantomime fie staggered away, apparently uneasy in his . mind, as though uncertain whether he had been fooled or flattered. It would' have relieved my feelings to' have assisted his departure with a kick, and my gaoler, coming in shortly after with some eatables, was quite, shocked to hear my opinion of his Highness, lie seemed perturbed, and nearly emptied my breakfast on the floor while putting down the tray. 'Ycu are excited,' I said. 'Has my little tirade against the Princc upset you ?' 'The Princc is not in my thoughts,' he j replied. 'It is another matter altogether. A dreadful thing has happened, causing the K^ng I great distress. The Princess ? ' 'What about thc Princess ?' I asked, sharply. 'She cannot be found. When her guardian Katata came to her room this morning her bed was empty. They have looked for licr everywhere without finding any trace of where she has gone.' This news distressed me exceedingly. Poor Nunena ! Since that brief interview with her at thc garden gate I had thought of her often, and always -wit-h a dread inkling that her apparent contentment was only assumed to hide her real feelings, and now her disappearance almost on the eve of her marriage seemed to bear out my worst fears. Better, perhaps, that way, I thought, than a life of unhappiness. 'The Princc showed no signs of grief,' I said. 'Has he been told of this misfortune ?' 'No ; it is only known to some of those in the palace, and the King has commanded that no one shall speak of it to the Prince in the hope that the Princess may be found.' 'How can he be kept in' ignorance where so many know of it ?' I asked. 'Because he speaks a tongue which only a few of our scholars understand, and can only be spoken to through them.' 'All the day's pleasure, I suppose, will be cancelled ?' 'Not at all. The festival is to take place as though nothing is wrong. It. is the King's orders. They will come for you at the appointed time.''Shall 'Shall I have to submit to being bound ?' I asked. He replied that I would, and intimated that it would be very thoroughly done, too. It had given me intense relief to know that my . own death globe was to be the vehicle for the approaching 'send-off' ; but the prospect .of being bound was* like a douche of icv water, sending my hopes down to zero. With lim.bs rendered useless, my chances would be worth little, for, unless I could get free quickly, a terrible death from cold was the only alternative. In spite of this dreadful prospect, the fate of the Princess was uppermost in my thoughts. That she- had taken her own life seemed the only explanation of her mysterious disappearance, yet there was a gleam of hope flickering in my brain, which I nursed until it grew into a fixed .belief that iShe was still alive. It may have been that the suspense of awaiting my own fate had made my nerves more sensitive to occult influences, for I felt conscious of a wave of 'mental telepathy affirming the truth of my conviction. A- dreamy indifference to all material things was gradually stealing over my senses when the door of the cell was abruptly opened, and a squad of soldiers filed in, and the one in command briefly announced that his orders were to conduct me to the place of execution. From the way they menaced me with their weapons, they must have anticipated some resistance, and showed surprise when I listlessly allowed myself to bo boUnd. They first tied my wrists together, and then a cord was passed round my arms at the back and tightly secured. In this condition I was marched out to a large carboat and made to take a seat between two soldiers, the others occupying places immediately behind.An An immense crowd was spread over the level ground, where, on-a former occasion, my shooting had created such a sensation, and as the carboat passed out through a- gateway in the outer wall the hum of voices rose into a dull roar. We were met and accompanied by a body of soldiers, who roughly kept the people back while the' little procession advanced towards a platform erected opposite the King's pavilion. Thc military stationed round it and in close proximity must have numbered some thousands, a&d, with the exception of the King's bodyguard, in their white kilts, were all retainers drawn from the establishments of the nobles. It showed a great trust on the King's part in the integrity of his subject's, and probably he wished to impress the Prince by making a display of his resources, but to me it was an ominous sign, kriowing what I did of the storm which had been brewing in secret and was ready to burst at any moment. The whole scene, although reminiscent erf the previous one, was more elaborate in its decorative details; colored balls and waving streamers were lavishly displayed, and, . above all, hung the big white sphere, the emblem of the King's sovereignty. ' As we were passing a' brightly decorated stand where many of the nobles and councillors were gathered, I . noticed 'Abadun among them. He looked hard at me without a smile, and then dropped his left eyelid. It may have been an involuntary movement, but I could almost swear that the old traitor deliberately winked. The carboat was brought to a standstill at the foot of the stage. I stepped out, and, mounting the short ladder, stood facing the Royal enclosure. Looking out over a. sea of heads I could distinguish the King in his white robes, with the Prince beside him, among a gailydecked retinue of attendants,, and I wondered if he would find it in his conscience to stop the tragedy he had come to witness even al the last moment. It was. a vain speculation, for a couple of ruffians were already fastening a ligament round my ankles, and another was unrolling a lens^ of cloth which they then proceded to wind round my body, till I was swathed from neck to hceis so effectually that I was unable to move a An official then read out to the assembly a ? description of the offences I had committed, and the death sentence which had been passed. Immediately this rite was concluded the crowd, according to custom, began to chant their lugubrious refrain of death! deaths. ! death! and to this dismal accompaniment I was lifted like a roll of carpet and dutijed into the deatn globe. The small sliding door was scarcely closed when there was a movement among the soldiers drawn up around the platform. They seemed to be obeying some preconcerted signal for with a wild shout, a large body of them charged through the crowd and made straight for the pavillion occupied by the King and his suite, while another detachment attacked the stand where the nobles and councillors were already in a state of panic.' A strong force remained in reserve with arms ready to repel any attack1 But it was needless. The King's guard were hopelessly outnumbered and went down before the irresistible rush of the others. The crow stampeded in every direction. Shouts and cries mingled with the report of firearms rent tiie air, aud fierce fighting was going on where an? resistance was offered. Amid 'the indescribable scene of turmoil an! confusion and. seething excitement I had almoJl forgotten- my own awful predicament, when suddenly the globe was let loose and commenced to ascend rapidly. As it rose in the air I heard a great shout of triumph, and in the last glimpse I obtained of the struggle below I sa« the big white insignia of royalty, which iad floated so arrogantly above the King's pavilica being hauled down. (TO BE CONTINUED.)
Readers are informed that the characters and In''* dents in this serial are all imaginary, the narrative being, of course, pure fiction, and there cantherefore, be no question of any reference beinJ made or reflection conveyed concerning any living person or any public body or company.

CHAPTER XII. [continued]
The final act was accomplished. Amid the ex.cilemcnt of the warring mob it was some moments before . I realised what had happened, i but the rapidly receding ground and the shouts ?of the combatants now sounding faintly and far , away told me the terrible i^utli. ! Like a corpse in its winding sheet awaiting the last rites, I lay stretched out bereft of all power to move.
The swiftly ascending globe would soon pass out of the atmosphere and speed on its unresisted course through the airless and frigid regions- abcrve. Before very long an icy pall would envelop me and the gaunt spectre of hunger would stalk forth and add its tortures to the remaining hours of my life. Even if the air within the globe did not become too cold to maintain life, exhaustion of the oxygen would soon rends t it unbreathable and cause death in another form. I could do nothing but lie there like' a man in a trance whose senses are still receptive to the gruesome preparations for his funeral, but unable to make any effort to prevent his doom. All hope was extinguished and I resigned myself to meet death with as much fortitude as I could command. A thousand fancies danced in my brain ; at one moment I was' back in the dark planet, seeking a means of escape from my enemies, and the next brought a vision erf my own homo oil the far-distant earth, where the sun was shining and all was brightness and warmth. And then a dull grey fog would descend and lift again as another film of moving pictures flickered across my aching vision. , In the midst of it all I heard a voice calling my name and through half-closed eyes saw the little white figure of Nunena standing beside me. One arm was outstretched, and her hand held a sheath knife which I recognised as my own prcrperty. This hallucination I thought is a stage of de- I liriuih and the prelude to insanity. Perhaps the good God would be merciful, and by destroying my reason first save me from feeling the physical agony of a lingering death. In pnother instant I felt a hand pulling at my wrappings and heard the tearing and ripping of the material. The dark mist lifted from my oppressed brain and I realised that it was no fantasy, but. the princess herself — busy with knife and fingers removing my bonds. * 'Nunena !' I gasped. 'You here ? ' 'Do not speak,' she replied ; 'in one minute you shall be free.' - As she deftly cut the lagt cord I staggered to my feet and took her hand. She was shivering, for the temperature was falling rapidly, and it was becoming unpleasantly cold. Without a word I pushed her gently on the settee and turned my attention to the stove. When the glowing asbestos began to radiate a comforting heat I sat clown beside her. - 'Nunena,' I said, 'you have saved my life, tlow such a miracle came to pass I am at a loss to understand ; but we must lose no time. I will take you 'back to your people before it is too late.' ? She started up with a cry and clutched my Krm.
' 'No Donald ; no !. I will never go back ; it would he worse than death.' 'But you told me that the Prince was no longer distasteful to you, and that you would be content to marry him.' It was not true. Ah ! Donald, you must understand. I spoke those lies because I feared that if you thought I was being forced to wed the Prince against my will you would remain, and perhaps lose your life in trying to serve me. No, it can never be ; your unselfish friendship puts me to shame.' 'But think what it means to leave your own 'people for ever. You may regret it when it is too late, and find that you have sacrificed something which you can never recall. We ? will go back whilst there is yet time and you 'will live to thank me for restoring you to your father and to the country which claims you.' She clung to my arm as 1 rose to carry out my intention, and then seeing that I was determined on returning, flung herself on her knees - at my feet, her aVnis wildly outstretched, and one little hand tightly gripping the handle of the lcnife. 'I will not go she cried. 'If you attempt to take me back, this knife, which gave you your freedom, shall give me mine, for I will kill myself here at your feet.' I paused, and looked down at her in astonishment. A sombre shadow had come into her eyes, making them appear unnaturally large, and there was no gainsaying the sincerity of lior tragic purpose. Further argument was useless in the face of such opposition.. I gently raised her, and took the knife from her hand. 'So.bc it, Nunena,' I said ; 'you have chosen against my judgment, and it shall be as you 'Donald,' she said, 'you have lifted a weight ef misery which was crushing me, for now I shall never see that dreadful Prince again. Where you go I go, and when we meet death I shall still be content.' 'You must try and regard things in a brighter light. Although this journey is attended by many risks I am hopeful that we shall get safely through, and live to talk of it for many years after.' She looked perplexed, and I explained the method of keeping up the supply of air, of generating warmth, and of preparing food. 'This that you have told me sounds like a tale-teller's story, for I thought it could only end in one way, and I was quite reconciled to it.' 'Are you not glad ?' 'Yes, oh yes, for your' sake.'
i 'And for your own 1' 'No one likes to die, although it is sometimes chosen. Yes, I am glad, but if it- comes I shall not fear it.' 'You are too young to entertain morbid thoughts. Come, tell me how you got here. When you stood beside me like a little white ghost your appearance seemed to me supernatural, and even now I cannot account for it.' 'A mystery is, always interesting. It would be a pity to spoil it by explaining.' She laughed when I made a gesture of impatience,. and then patted my hand. 'When I have told you it will appear very ordinary, and will no longer be of interest. This is what happened. 'Our farewell at the garden gate left me very desolate and unhappy. The future looked so black, and there seemed nothing to live for. I cried a good deal, but the tears brought no relief. My ears were filled with dark whispers telling me to kill myself, when they were silenced by a big voice pointing out a new way. I laughed, because the idea pleased me, and in an instant I had made up my mind to carry it out. I saw Katata coming to meet me, and I smiled, and told her that I was about to retire, and asked her not to disturb me. She 'Was very glad, for I know she would go out to the city directly my door was shut. I waited till the servants were in their sleeping-rooms ' and everything was very quiet, and then ma^e up a little parcel of food and crept out into the garden. I opened the gate,' and ran through the palace grounds, and when I came to your aoor X could scarcely breathe. To my great joy the door was unfastened. I entered without any noise, for I was fearful you might find me and insist on sending me back. I reached the roof without any misadventure, and stepped into the globe. The black creature you ke^p there stared at me with its green eyes, and I was frightened ; then it sang to me, and was very gentle, and we became friends. There were two big boxes inside ; one had only a few things in it, so I took them out and packed them in the other, and found that I could hf quite comfortable in the empty on-.?. No-w I only had to await your noui'ng, for yen had promised to leave at the hour of silence.' 'Good Heavens !' I ex-jlaimod ; 'you must have been here for two days ' 'Yes, for two days I livad in this globe. When you did not come I was m despair, and when everyone was sleeping I went down to your rooms. You were not there, and the stillness terrified me, so I hastened back, to my place of concealment on the roof. Still I waited, and in the morning I heard some of the servants in the courtyard below talking of how -you had been trapped and taken away. I was distracted at hearing of this dreadful happening, and all that day I listened in vain, hoping to hear more news ; but on the day following two of the Kipg's dancers on their way to the palace, stopped in passing to look at- the place where the big stranger lived. They were gossiping about' the Prince, and they both laughed as one of them showed a costly ornament which he had bestowed upon her. Then they began speaking of you, and my ears were strained to catch their words. I learnt then that you were to be sent off like a common criminal this very day. It was now that the idea came to me to remain hidden in one .of the boxes. How I trembled when they came to remove the globe, and how my heart was beating with excitement till I thought the wretches would hear it thumping, and drag me out.' 'You are a; brave little thing,' I said, 'and managed everything, very cleverly ; but it. was extraordinary that you were not missed before.' 'Katata must 'have known. She comes to my room every morning. When she found I was gone she must have kept it secret for fear of being punished for her carelessness, and finding I did not return, had to confess.' 'Poor old Katata. She must have had a bad time, and, like many others, has ? paid the penalty for her sins.' Nunena looked up quickly. 'Of what others do you speak ?' she -asked. 'Just before the globe was released did you not hear a great noise of shouting and clash of weapons ?' 'I heard a roar of voices, but indi.sc'.nctly, for I was shut up in the box. 'I thought it was the people crying out against you.'
'It meant far more than that,' I said, and then told her. what I had seen: the troops 'rushing towards the King's pavilion, his bodyguard falling back before them, and the lowering of the white emblem of royalty. There was no need to explain the meaning of it to her, for she understood at once. 'What I have feared has come to pass,' she said, with a sigh. 'For a long time there has 'been signs of unrest, but the nobles, thinking themselves secure in the support of their soldiers, only laughed and jested whea it was spoken of, and new they will, suffer for their folly. Even the King, my father, made little of the reports that came to his ears.' Two big tears rolled down lier cheeks, and she stifled a sob. 'I am tired, Donald,' she said, wearily, 'very tired.' 'It is thoughtless of me. I will prepare a little refreshment, and then you shall sleep.' 'This is all very woaderful and like a dream,' she said, as T handed her a cup of cocoa. 'I hope I shall not wake and find myself in the palace with Katata watching all my movements.' While she sipped her cocoa I. laid a mattress and pillow on the floor between the two boxes, where the improvised 'bed would be screened from ihe electric light should 1 have occasion to use it. 'A sound sleep will banish all sadness,' I said, 'and you will wake up refreshed and cheerful.' The reaction after the late excitement had left her tired and listless. As her head sank down on the pillow I covered Jier with a fur rug, and' in a few minutes her eyelids drooped and closed. What was to become of this straage little being, so human and yet so different from ordinary mortals, who had chosen to link her fate with mine ? How would she fare in a world where all things were at variance with those she had been accustomed to ? There would only be oae way' to account for her, and that was 'by telling the truth. I could picture the polite smile of incredulity with which society would greet my story, and the sceptical science in its unimaginative stronghold, proving by a sum in arithmetic that I was an impostor aad my companion a freak. We s.hould both become notorious, and theatrical agents would bid for us to amuse the audiences of cheap music halls. These were only idle thoughts after all, aad there was nothing to be gained by speculating on what might happen. I was now her sole protector, and it would be my sacred duty to smooth out any difllculties that might arise which threatened to cause her pain or discomfort. As I iad prophesied, when Nuenena opened her eyes after a prolonged sleep she was quite herself again, and she laughed as she shook out her long Jiair preparatory to rearranging it. 'Must I go without washing myself,' she ? asked ? 'You will not be able to indulge in a swim,' I replied, 'for tie water supply is limited. Our little black friend the. cat is giving a lesson in economy in that respect.' 'Do you then- propose that I should lick myself it certainly would be a novelty, but i'n virtue of being a princess I will be liberal and allow you a cupful of water.' While she dubbed the precious liquid on her face and hands I set about getting breakfast ready. It coasisted of sardines and biscuits, with cocoa and dried figs. For tlie next meal tinned salmon would usurp the place of the sardines, with the .addition of sofme rice, followed by prunes or dates, and some excellent wine. , I varied the me.nu as much as circumstances and the capacity of the larder would pe:-mit, but 'even then there was a sameness w.hich was not . conducive to appetite. Nunena diet not complain, although I fancied at times there was something on her mind 'which troubled her. The world she had left was only a faint grey disc in the infinitude, and sho seldom reverted to it in conversation, but 'she was curious to learn all I could tell her about the world Ave were bound for.
I repeated of having given away most of my books a.nd papers, for' Nunena found great interest in a couple of , illustrated magazines she had unearthed, and would pore over them for hours together. 'W'hen we reach your world, shall I have to wear clothes like these ?' she asked, with her linger on the picture of a fashionably dressed woman. 'Something of the kind,' I said. 'And carry one of those fuany big things about on my head ?' 'Well, you see, the fashion may have changed by this time. When I left they were wearing all kinds of grotesque shapes. You will choose the ones that suit you best.'.' 'Will they make a picture of me in one of those books ?' 'It is quite possible. They would have very bad taste if they did not.' 'It would only be 'because I was different from your people — what you call a curiosity. I understand quite well.' I rummaged among some things for a pocket mirror, and then turned to a page in the magazine where a popular actress, renowned for her , beauty, was depicted. 'Nunena,' I said, holding the mirror before lier face, 'look in this glass and compare the picture you see there with the one in the book.' She looked critically from the reflected image to the printed picture several times as though both possessed only an impersonal interest. 'Well,' I said, 'what is the verdict ? which do you consider the most beautiful ?' I 'It is. not just to compare a living person with a picture,' she said, 'for the living one can change her expression to please the judges while the picture remains always the same, and perhaps expresses a bad mood.' 'You are as diplomatic as you are pretty,' I said, 'and need not fear rivalry; who knows, the Princqgs Nunena may one day become famous.' She shook her head and smiled, I thought, rather sadly. 'Let us talk of something else,' she said. 'Tell me about the big cities and the wonderful things they contaia, so that I shall not show too much surprise TVihen I see them.' She was never weary of listening to my descriptions, and I to her quaint comments upon them. It served to relieve the tedium of many a long hour, iadeed, the time slipped by so rapidly that I was quite taken by surprise when a faint rushing noise and a perceptible swaying of the globe told me that we were entering the air zone. 'What is it,' asked Nuneaa, with wide open eyes; 'is something going to happen ?' I reassured her, and explained that the first half of our journey was over, and that our progress would be very slow till the centre of attraction was passed and we came within that of the earth's influence. Previous experience had taught me exactly what to expect. . I opened the door to let in the natural air, anl then got the propeller into position ready to work immediately the globe came to a standstill. I had just screwed up the last clamp when Nunena drew my attention to a large object towards which we were drifting. By the light of the stars I could see a strange shape, looming out of the darkness. As we approached it grew and took form till iz appeared like a colossal bunch of grapes. Nunena clasped her hands and uttered a cry of horror. 'It is the abode c(f death,' she said, in a hushed voice. 'The bodies of the wicked', who nave been condemned and sent off for their sin.-j have found a resting-place here. See how they are clustered together, the evil of generations, as though seeking one another's protection from an avenging spirit.' It was indeed as she said. Hundreds of death globes, each with its ghastly contents in various stages of decay, and drawn together by mutual attraction, had formed a huge mass suspended between the dark planet and the earth. Perchance this gruesome collection was destined to form the nucleus of a new world. Growing in bulk year by year, and surrounded by air, elemental organisms would form which time woulS develop into life and the evolution of ages would complete the work. An astronomer in the far distant future searching the heavens would announce the discovery of a new body, and learned discussions would take place as to its origin and composition. As our globe grated against the huge pile of its fellows and came to a standstill, I removed the disc which generated the negative force. Nunena covered her face with her ban da. 'It is the end,' she said, with a shudder.
'Do not let me see it. I do not fear to die, but to know that we are for ever doomed to he part of this dreadful crowd makes it hard and cruel.' 'Courage, Nunena,' I said ; 'there is nothing to fear — in fact, this bunch of iniquity will be a help to. us.' With the hatchet I split a long strip of wood from the side of one of the boxes. With this I thrust against the horrible-looking things, keeping in touch till I had brought the globe to the further side, where a few turns of the propeller sent it clear. Nunena looked out timidly, and joyfully :cla'pped her hands when she saw the grisly monument of crime slowly receding and growing fainter in the cold starlight. Presently the' globe rocked and slowly turned, and then j went on with ever-increasing speed in the direction of the earth. I removed the propeller, which had answered its purpose so well) and then, as the air was becoming more rarified, closed the door. . 'The' uncertainty is at an end,' I told Nunena, 'and we are now falling straight towards your future home.' 'How long will it be before our journey ends V she asked. 'If all goes well,' I replied, 'we shall very likely b.e dining at some hotel in a space of time represented by five days from now.' 'Ah, if all goes well,' she replied. 'Are there then more perils to meet on this journey through perpetual night ?' „ 'Nothing more than that we are in a position which no one/ has been in before. Two living atoms, enclosed in a small case, rushing through space at a speed which, if not checked in time, would end in annihilation. But have no fear'; the globe has been through the test before, and will obey my hand to the last.' Of the chance of being struck by flying meteorites I said not a word, although that was the only real danger I dreaded. Nunena smiled without making any comment. She appeared to have full confidence in me, and accepted anything I told her without question or doubt. Since leaving the air zone she had ?become subject to varying moods, sometimes restless, as though under some suppressed excitement, and at others she would sit without movement or speech for an hour or two' together ike one in a dream. ' To help pass the time, I would read to her, and then try and draw her into discussing tile various characters in the story, and the reasons or circumstances that governed thei/ actions. She would be alert and responsive for a time, 'hnd then gradually lose interest and lapse into silence. 'Of what are you thinking, Nunena ? ' I asked on one occasion. 'You have not. spoken for quite a long time. It must be something very serious to keep you so quiet.' 'My mind is filled with vain and silly ideas. Just then I was wishing that I might be one of your race, or you of mine, and wondering how you would regard me if such had been the case. It is a foolish thought, because it is impossible ; but it gives me pleasure, and oftentimes pain to weave fanciful dreams which only melt away when reality speaks.' 'I would not wish you to be any different from what you are,' I said ; 'and it even, seems to me like sacrilege that you will have to discard your artistic dress for one less becoming.' 'Clothes make so much difference,' she said, musingly. 'Perhaps if you saw me in one of those strange garments which your women favor I should appear ridiculous in your eyes.' 'Never !' I answered, stoutly. 'Whatever you wear, you will always be the same Nunena to me as you are now.' iitin^vs tho samii. nn better, no worse. You are very good, Donald, but if ? ' She broke off with a sigh, her fingers trifling with the ornament which held the two thick strands of her hair together on her breast, and then buried her face in the cushion beside her in a paroxysm of weeping. 'I cannot help it, Donald,' she sobbed, when I ' tried to comfort her. 'Let me cry. I have tried to be sensible, and — and — it has ended in tears.' I sat beside her waiting till the outburst had spent itself, and it was a relief to my distress when her sobbing ceased. It passed like an April shower, and she began to blame herself for giving way to such a weakness. 'It is only natural,' I said, 'and I am surprised at your courage. The confinement in so -small a space and the suspense would strain the nerves of anyone-' 'Yes. it must be that.' she asreed. with a wistful look in her eyes. 'There can be nothing else to account for it. But it is all over now, and I will have more sense in the future.' As the time went by, she seemed to have recovered her normal disposition, and Lhowcd increased interest in my occupations. 'That is a very wonderful thing,' she observed, as she watched while I re-charged the air cylinder, afther having released a fresh supply of oxygen. 'Do you always keep some stored in that funny looking case ?' 'It is best to be prepared for emergencies,' I said, 'although it is not likely that any will occur.' 'What would happen if the door came open?' 'The air would escape, and we should both perish through having none to breathe.' 'Is it very cold out there in the darkness ?' 'So cold that no living thing could exist for more than a few seconds.' 'If we were unhappy, and wished to end our lives, it would be a quick death without pain, and then our poor bodies would fall till they were dashed to pieces cn the earth.' 'I do -not think they would ever reach the earth, for they would gain such momentum that when they struck the air the friction would generate heat and they would be consumed. She pondered over this for some time before replying.' .. . 'I see,' she said, at length, as the meaning of it dawned upon her. 'If you rub a piece of wood or metal it becomes warm, and if you could rub it hard enough it would catch fire or melt.' ' 'You have described it exactly. There are many small bodies which fly towards the earth, and are only prevented from striking it hy the air which surrounds it-' 'Plow will you know when we are nearing this danger ?' 'I cannot tell with certainty, for even if I knew the distance we have yet to go, there is no way of telling the speed at which we are falling. But I shall act in time. When tho faint halo of light which you see below is blotted out I sha.ll apply some repelling force, and gradually reduce the speed. It is only a matter of hours, now.' Nunena cast her eyes downwards as I spokeThe moon's rays falling upon the edge of the great world formed a grey crescent merging into dark shadow, outlined by a faint halation from the sun on tho far side. 'How black it looks !' she exclaimed with a shiver. 'It frightens me.' -'The side you see now looks ,cold and forbidding,' I said. 'It is what is called night, the , time' for rest and sleep. But on the other side ] the glorious sun, which you have never seenf is shining, and as the world' turns the darkness will be dispersed, disclosing great cities full of life and movement, and tracts of beautiful country, with shining rivers flowing down to the sea. What now appears dark and dead will be transformed into light and vitality.' 'How you love your world, Donald, and how glad you must be to return, after the treatment you received at the hands of my people. 'Let us look into the future ratHer than the past. When we set our feet upon the earth it will be like awakening from a bad dream, and we shall laugh together in the sunlight at its vanishing terrors.' 'I am so glad you are going to be happy,' she said, 'but you will have a little thought for Nunena sometimes, will you not ? 'Nunena's welfare shall always be my first care. She shall not be denied anything I am able to give.' In reply she gently patted my hand. 'Have your people any sign by which they express friendship or affection for one another ?' she asked, hesitatingly. 'What do they do when they meet after a long' absence, or when they bid each other farewell ?' 'They usually kiss,' I said. 'I do not know what it is,' she said, 'but we must kiss.' - , -I took the delicate oval of her face between my hands and gently kissed her lips. 'It is a vow that I shall always have a place in your thoughts/' she said, gravely, 'and now I know you will not forget,' and she kissed my hand as I smoothed her glossy ha;ir. 'Donald,' she said, 'you are tired to _death, and must sleep, for in a little while you will have much to do. I am wakeful-nd refreshed, and will rouse you when necessary.' It was useless protesting, for I was in- truth fagged out, so I let her have her way, with the understanding that I was to be awakened in two hours. 'Call my name twice,' I said, 'as you have done before, and I shall, wake up instantly.'
I remember her bending over me and touching my eyelids with her lips as they closed, and in the last moments of drowsy consciousness her voice softly murmuring words in her own tongue which recalled the simple prayers of my childhood. I seldom slept for more than two or three hours at- a time, and was thankful that theso brief snatches of rest were undisturbed by any grotesque imagery of a restless brainBut in this last sleep the darkness seemed to solidify and shape itself into a threatening figure pressing upon me with irresistible force. I tried to move and cry out, but limbs and voice seemed to be paralysed. A great black hand was at my throat, when a voice, as though coming from a distance, called me twice : 'Donald! Donald!' Tlie dreadful vision melted away, and I started up, gasping for breath. The oppression increased, and in a flash I knew that it was something more than a dream. I rushed to the escape valves, but they were closed tight, and then by the light of the crescent moon I was horrified to find that the door was open a few inches. I drew it close and fastened it, and then let out a supply of air from the cylinder. In less than a minute the atmosphere was restored to its normal condition. 'Nunena must have felt sleepy and retired to her rest,' I told my self, 'otherwise this would never have happened.' I turned on the electric light and peeped over at her sleeping-place. The rugs and pillow had not been disturbed, and the bed was empty. With a sickening feeling of dread I examined every possible place of concealment, and then I flashed the light round the interior, through tlie transparent walls. It fell upon something white a few feet away in the outer darkness. One glance told me the terrible truth. I gazed out dumbly, too grief-stricken to even weep. The poor little thing must have called me as she opened the door to leap out, and then with a last thought for my safety have attempted to close it from without when death laid its cold hand upon her. Poor little Princess. It' might be that a feeling of loneliness and isolation had prompted this last dreadful act ; a fear that in the strange world, among beings of a different race, and unfamiliar surroundings, she would be looked upon as an outcast, or, as she had expressed it, 'a curiosity,' and this had so preyed on her mind that death seemd preferable. This was only surmise, for who can analyse the subtle reasonings which spring from the feminine heart ? Death must have been painless, for her eyes were closed as though in peaceful sleep. One arm rested on her breast, and the other, outstretched, seemed to be invoking aid from the stars. And so, still side by side; the living and the dead dropped down through the .void till I could bear the haunting presence no longer. As I turned away and fixed the negative discs in their places, thus reducing the speed of the globe, the body of the little white prlnceao passed on and faded away like a wraith in the night. 'Farewell. Nunena ! May your soul dwell for ever in peace. Perhaps it is better so, for- the world, beautiful as it appears to some, is a hard place for the weak and friendless, and has little sympathy for those who cannot buy what it has to offer.' With the exception of the moon and the stars, 'nothing was now to be seen. All traces of the earth below were veiled in inpenetrable darnness, and there was no knowing how far off it was. It might be a few miles only, or it might be hundreds or even thousands, The shock of Nunena's death had left me listless and depressed, caring little what happened except to escape from what had now become a hateful dungeon, and quite regardless whether I struck the land oc fell into the sea. Yet I could not refrain a shout when I observed a- little patch of light rising out of. the gloom, for I knew it must be a city of some. size. Next came a faint rush of air, and it was necessary to ., slow down still more. A big grey expanse came into view, bordered 'by a winding streaic of a darker color. I could discern irregular blotches which grew and formed into trees and buildings. I stretched out my hands towards them, and the ground seemed to be coming up to meet me. I gasped' out a heartfelt 'Thank God !' and a few moments later a smart shock nearly threw . me down. In that supreme moment I hardly noticed it, for with a loud hurrah l pulled back the sliding door and . blindly stumbled out, falling upon my knees in- the loose sand. An exile who has been restored to friends and country after a period of suffering and danger will readily understand the feelings which for a time usurped the place of reason and common sense. I laughed while on the verge of tears, plunging my hands in the sand and letting it run through my fingers, and tossing it about like a child at play on the seashore. , The sound of voices recalled Jny wandering senses. I rose soberly to my feet, and looked about me. Two or three straggling groups -of men and women were making their way over tho deep . sand, laughing and chatting as they went. A little distance away a great symmetrical mountain of stone towered up from the sandy plain, tapering to its apex nearly fivt-hundred feet above. That I should drop into the ancient land of the Pharaohs seemed a fitting termination to my amazing journey, falling as I did almost at the foot of that stupendous casket of hidden mysteries, the Great Pyramid itself. In the delight of once more feeling the familiar earth beneath my feet. I had quite forgotten the globe which had carried me hither. It puzzled me to know how I should account for it when the light of day revealed it to inquisitive tourists and suspicious officials. Finally i decided to communicate with the trustees of the Boolak Museum and ask them to take charge of it for the time being. All this cogitation was, however, thrown away, for when I turned with the intention of putting my things in order, the thing was nowhere to be seen. In the middle of the smooth hollo^ it had made in the sand Fortuna was calmly seated gazing intently at something above. Away up in the dark bluegrey of the zenith I could just discern the dim form of my late dwelling-place like an ascending soap bubble, gradually lessening till it was lost to sight. In my eagerness to get crut, I had not only left Fortuna to take care of herself, which was unpardonable, but omitted to remove the remaining discs, and the globe, released from my weight, had immediately . left the ground, leaving me destitute of everything excepting a sum of money I always carried in my belt, and the few things in my pcckets. It gave me- a pang of disappointment to see the photographs and cherished collection of curios I had hoped to exhibit to the world spirited away without hope of redemption. The only tangible memento besides this manuscript of my sojourn in the Dark Planet was a small -photograph of the Princess, which I had kept in my pocket-book. It showed little more than the face ; the lips slightly parted, and the big eyes eloquent with a gentle sadness. The little picture shall be set in gold and treasured as a sacred relic. After all, there was more to be thankful for than otherwise, and it seemed like ingratitude towards a kind providence to accept the loss other than philosophically. A craving for the companionship of my own kind led me in the direction the tourists had ; taken. They were evidently on a midnight excursion to the Sphinx, for I found them standing in noisy groups round the inscrutable ?monument, drinking coffee. While some were I discussing a proposed trip for the next day, , ;l overheard a pretty American girl speaking of ;a brilliant meteor which had been observed ithat night. Various theories were advanced by her companions to account for these phenomena, land I could picture the jeers and laughter if I jhad told them what I knew, that the falling =istar .was the consuming body of a being from lanother world who only a few hours ago had lived and laughed like themselves. ' As I turned 'sadly away Nunena's gentle Ivoice seemed to be calling me, and with the cat :rtucked comfortably in the hollow of my arm ' .1 wandered on like a man* in a dream, i Again I was dwelling in the dark planet a Stranger in a strange world, menaced by hidden [perils and faced .by death, and once .more I .lived through the dramatic incidents of the dark 'journey back to earth: f It was only when the .first rays of the glori;ous sun edged the minarets of the citadel [mosque with gold, that the shadows, in my brain |were dispelled, and the exigencies of ordinary iife claimed my attention. ; There is little .more to relate. In Cairo I jvisited a barber and purchased some, clothing ifor present needs, and a neat basket for For'tuna, arriving in Port Said just' in time to secure a berth on a steamer bound. tor Sydney.. The voyage was uneventful, and immediately cm landing I transhipped for a vessel going nonh, for my only desire was to get home. And so, like a ship which has been blown and rulfeted about by wind and sea I rode safely into port at last, to flnd a safe anchorage in my cuvu easy-chair. Ah ! Jack, I can endorse all the rhapsoiics which have been voiced in praise of the little word 'home,' and the simple lines of tbc- immortal song will have a new meaning for me now. My days of wandering are over. 'I can quite understand your feelings,' said Jack ; 'but surely you will make these amazics facts known?' 'No, Jack ; I daren't risk it. Proofs would be' demanded, and they have gone to join the accumulating city of unburied dead out in tho infinite. My bald statements might be acccptcd and prjnted by some enterprising magazine editor ; ,but. I should probably be branded as a 1 worthy successor to Ananias.' |- 'Perhaps you are right, Don, but it seems !liard that the fame you are entitled to should | be snatched away just as it was within yuur grasp. 'A man who seeks fame often achieves [ only notoriety and jeopardises his due measure of happiness. I am content. I hava tested the utility of my invention in a way undreamt of, and shall now be able to introduce it with the utmost confidence. It will occupy my time and keep me out of mischief 'Who knows ? The little winged god may ba sharpening his dart to pierce your epidermis unawares.' 'It is too tough now. Possibly ten years ago, if I had met a 'Stella,' I should not b9 acting best man at your wedding next week. I shall miss you, Jack, as much as Major f)unlop will miss his daughter, but we two oil fogies will console ourselves with the assurance that Heaven' has blessed you both.' One bright afternoon a week later, tho visiting clergyman found for once that his Iittb wooden church was too small, and he realised the unflattering fact that a wedding was aiora attractive than his own sermons. It is needless to speak of the bride as looking charming, or allude to the tasteful and artistic decorations the occasion brought tor:.'-, for all this and mucb- mcrre besides, was recounted by the editor himself in th'.' wed weekly paper. Jack and his wife waved -a final farewell as they drove away to catch the coach, the fiuesis dispersed, and Donald, after ' heartily ahak'CS hands with the Major, walked slowly ha-: 'a to Ms own home. As he closed the gate the cat cania gravely down the path to meet him. 'Well. Fortuna, my friend, now those young peopl-! are launched on their journey, you and I will have to settle down to a quiet life'. I'0'1'0 '3 a beautiful thing, with all its sighs and tears and disappointments, its pangs of jealousy ana disturbing emotions, but you and I, Fortuna, must content ourselves with other things. We. will be orthodox and divide our dap into more or less equal portions of work, recreation and' rest, for we are too old in our amazing experience, for Cup to favor us win his attentions. What say you, Fortuna, will j this simple menu agree with the tenets of you? i feline philosophy ?. Fortuna yawned. (The End.)
Readers are informed that the characters and inol* dents In this serial are all imaginary, the narrative beinjj. of course, pure fiction, and there cantherefore' be no question of any reference beinO made or reflection conveyed concerning any Hvir|3 person or any public body or company.

Item sets: Vintage Science Fiction from Australian Newspapers 1901-1939 (Australian)