’Our last morning upon the Earth, Jack, for many a day to come! Think of it! It scarcely seems possible, does it?’ ’It’s true enough, though, old chap! In a few hours we shall "sail away," as the song says, and shall be winging our way through space!’ ’Fancy gazing down and taking our last look at our own globe! The daring of the thing gives me a bit of a shock, now that the event itself is so near at hand! How is it with you?’ ’Well, I confess, Gerald, that I have to brace my mind up to it, as it were. But it’s always the same when you start upon a journey or a new adventure. One never exactly likes saying good-bye to the old familiar places.’ Many months had passed since the events recorded in the last chapter. King Ivanta had been to Europe and finished the business he had in hand—for it was generally understood, amongst those who knew of his presence on the Earth, that he had come here on his second visit for some definite purpose. What the purpose was remained for the present a secret confined to the Martian monarch himself and the few he chose to take into his confidence. Amongst those who shared the secret Mr Armeath was probably one; for he had grown high in favour with the illustrious traveller, and had been invited to accompany him in the forthcoming trip to Mars and back. He had also been accorded the privilege of taking with him his two wards Gerald and Jack, and his two servitors Tom Clinch and Bob Reid; and the latter, loyal and faithful followers that they were, had not shrunk from the risks of the adventure. There were some other passengers also—namely, Amos Zuanstroom the multi-millionaire (the well-known ’Diamond King’), his son Silas (who was about the same age as Jack), and a much younger lad, named Freddy Whitcomb, his nephew. Why King Ivanta should choose these particular persons from all the millions of inhabitants of the Earth was another matter which was wrapped in mystery, and which, for the time being, he kept strictly to himself. As the engineer Mr Monck had predicted, Gerald had good reason to congratulate himself upon the fortunate chance which had enabled him to render so great a service to the Martian king. The latter had shown himself extremely grateful, and had conferred upon the young fellow many marks of his favour. In particular, he had confirmed the offer Mr Monck had made, and had graciously extended it, as stated, to his guardian and his chum. And now, behold them all, then, on board the _Ivenia_, the colossal ’chariot of the skies,’ awaiting the moment when she should rise in the air and commence her tremendous journey. She lay in a sort of natural harbour in the island, a spacious salt-water lake almost landlocked.