It would be idle for me to attempt to describe our reception because Edmund himself could only make shrewd guesses as to the meaning of what went on, and you would probably not be particularly interested in his conjectures. Suffice it to say that when it was over, we felt that, for a time at least, we were virtually masters of the situation. Only one thing troubled my mind--what did Ingra think and what would he do? At any rate, he, too, for the time being, seemed to have been carried away with the general feeling of wonder, and narrowly as I watched him I could detect in his features no sign of a wish to renew his persecution. CHAPTER XVIII WILD EDEN The next day after our return from the trip above the cloud dome, and our astonishing reception (you will, of course, understand the sense in which I use the term "day"), Edmund sprang another surprise upon us. "I have persuaded Ala," he said, "to make a trip in the car." "You don't mean it!" "Oh, yes, and I am sure she will be delighted." "But she is not going alone?" "Surely no; she will be accompanied by one of her women--and by Ingra." "_Ingra_!" "Of course. Did you suppose that he would consent to be left behind? Ala herself would refuse to go without him." "Then," I said, with deep disappointment, "he has resumed all his influence over her." "I'm not sure he ever lost it," returned Edmund. "You forget his rank, and his position as her destined consort. Whatever we do we have got to count him in." Jack raged inwardly, but said nothing. For my part, I almost wished Jack's bullet had not gone astray at that first memorable shooting. "Now," Edmund continued, "the car, as you know, has but a limited amount of room. I do not wish to crowd it uncomfortably, but I can take six persons. Ala's party comprises three, so there is room for just two besides myself. You will have to draw lots." "Is Juba included in the drawing?" "Yes, and I'm half inclined to take him anyway, and let you three draw for the one place remaining." "You can count me out," said Henry. "If there is another to stay with me I prefer to remain." "Very well," said Edmund, "then Peter and Jack can draw lots." "Since we can't all go," said Jack, "and since that fellow is to be of the party, I'll stay with Henry."