The pursuing airships now came up, and while some forged on ahead, the others closed round in such a manner as to hem the robber in. Alondra, who had been following the heavily burdened thief without any great effort, made a sudden spurt, and, sweeping round, passed close to it. There was a flash of light, and a sharp, crackling sound. [Illustration: There was a flash of light, and a sharp, crackling sound.] Then the spreading wings drooped, the gigantic bird seemed to stagger and shrink, and finally it collapsed. Robber and prey fell together into the lake, and the waters closed over them. There were a few moments of anxious suspense. Was Gerald injured? Would he be able to swim? These and similar questions were in the minds of the spectators as they scanned the surface of the lake. Jack had turned his airship downwards as he saw Alondra make his rush, and a moment or two after the bird’s fall the craft alighted on the water and lay gently rocking within a few yards of the spot. Jack and Clinch both sprang to the side, and there were two splashes as they dived almost simultaneously. Just, however, as they disappeared from sight beneath the water, two other forms emerged. One was the krondo, which floated motionless; the other was Gerald, who was swimming vigorously, seemingly none the worse for what he had undergone. A great cheer went up from the assembled crowd, which was renewed again and again as first Jack and then Clinch reappeared, and, catching sight of their friend, hastened towards him to offer their help. Just then the king’s yacht descended close to the swimmers; a ladder was thrown from her side, and Ivanta himself stepped down and assisted them to climb on hoard. He soon satisfied himself by actual examination that no great harm had been done. Gerald had some nasty scratches, and the muscles were bruised in places; but otherwise he was unhurt, and was inclined to make light of his adventure. ’It’s an experience that no one on our own planet can boast of,’ he observed with a smile. ’No one since the days of Sindbad the Sailor has ever been carried off by a bird.’ ’I am thankful that it has been no worse, my lad,’ said Ivanta, and in his tone there was a note of deep and kindly feeling. ’It is an unpleasant variation of our usual sport.’ ’I confess I was on tenterhooks the whole time,’ said Armeath, who was one of the king’s party, ’and I am more relieved than I can tell you.’ ’Oh, it’s all right, sir!’ answered Gerald cheerfully. ’I am none the worse, and I am quite ready to go on with the hunt. Don’t let me spoil your day’s sport. Besides, I want to get a bit of my own back. Those feathered brutes have hunted me; I want to hunt them before I ’ve done with them!’ ’So you shall!’ returned the king. ’But you must first put on some dry clothes. Go down to my cabin, and Alondra will find you a change.’