’Almost all my own invention, father,’ he laughed, as he moved about—’mine and Amaldo’s! We were afraid we should not get it finished and in working order before your return. Indeed, I only took my trial-flight in it yesterday! Is it not a splendid creation’?’ He opened the wings and fluttered them in the sunlight. Ripples of light and dancing colours ran incessantly over the surface, producing effects so exquisitely varied and beautiful as to be absolutely indescribable. ’It is perfect, Alondra! Truly, as you say, a splendid creation!’ said Ivanta admiringly. ’These things, however, are a little too long when folded, as you can see,’ Alondra continued, looking down at them with a critical air. ’I must have them shortened. You can see that if you are not careful you may catch your feet in them and get a tumble.’ In order the better to explain his meaning, he stepped backwards towards Gerald, who was standing near, watching everything with intense interest. Scarcely had the young experimenter uttered the words than he involuntarily illustrated them, in the most practical fashion, by tripping on one of the wings, and rolling over at Gerald’s feet. Gerald stepped quickly forward to help him up, and in doing so was astonished at the youth’s seeming lightness. So light was he that Gerald, in trying to raise him, lifted him clean off his feet, almost as though he had been made of cork. As a consequence, Alondra came near to losing his balance and rolling over again. Then the two stood staring and smiling at one another. ’Why, how strong you must be!’ exclaimed the young prince. ’H—how light you must be!’ was Gerald’s answer. And he looked so very puzzled and perplexed that the other burst into a merry peal of laughter. Then he turned to the king. ’Father,’ he began, but stopped and hesitated. Ivanta interpreted the inquiring look. ’Your surprising creation has made me forgetful of other matters, my son,’ said he. ’I owe an apology to our friends here. These gentlemen, Alondra, are visitors from Lokris, the planet I have been to visit. They are our guests. I need not say more than that to commend them to your attention and care.—My guests, this is my son, Prince Alondra, who, I am sure, is ready to add his welcome to my own!’ ’That I am!’ cried the young prince, his handsome face alight with interest and surprise. ’A warm welcome to you all! Welcome to Zotis!’ ’Ah, they do not know our world by our name!’ Ivanta reminded him. ’They call it Mars.’ ’Welcome, then, to Mars!’ said Alondra. He held out both hands at once; and, as it happened, he caught hold of one each of Gerald and Jack, and they returned his greeting as heartily as it was given. Then he caught sight of Monck, who was standing a little in the background. At once he made a dart for him.