’It’s no business of mine, sir,’ Jack went on modestly, ’and perhaps you will think I have no right to say anything; but I can’t help seeing that keeping them locked up is causing a great deal of ill-feeling. I know that Mr Armeath thinks—and I feel sure that he is right—that it is a pity they were ever brought here at all. But since they have been brought, it does seem a bit funny that so much time should be allowed to go by without any one being allowed even to see them.’ ’It is the king’s will, and that is all I can tell you. I may just hint to you privately, however, that I have an idea—it is only my own guess, mind you—that the king wishes to defer taking any decided step till after his return from his visit to Kondris—that is, to the planet you know as Saturn.’ Jack whistled. ’Oh, oh!’ he cried, nodding his head shrewdly. ’I see! Then he is really bent on making that trip?’ ’Undoubtedly. At least, I believe he is now completing the necessary preparations.’ ’Mr Zuanstroom—he won’t like that, will he?’ ’He will have to wait the king’s pleasure.’ ’I suppose he will; but he won’t like it. And you will find he will begin to kick if something isn’t done soon. I have heard hints to that effect. Silas let it out in an indiscreet moment.’ ’My royal master has a way of doing what he chooses without regard to the opinions of private individuals,’ was Monck’s answer; and it was given in a tone which effectually closed the conversation. *CHAPTER XIX.* *A DARING PLOT.* In due course the travellers reached the country of Sedenia. They were met upon—or rather over—its borders by the ruler of the realm, King Agrando. He was accompanied by his chief councillor, Kazzaro—otherwise the Ogre—Gorondo his chief General, and his principal officers of State. He also had with him a number of war-airships of various sizes. Under his conduct the travellers passed on to his capital, the city of Dyrania, a rambling town of considerable size, built upon the slopes of a high mountain and overlooking a large lake. The visitors left their airships, and took up their abode for the time being in suites of apartments assigned to them for their use in the royal palace. Here King Agrando dispensed his hospitality with a sort of semi-barbaric dignity. To Gerald, in particular, as may be imagined, it seemed a curious thing to find himself attending his Court as a guest. It cannot be said that it was a pleasant experience, and he entered into it with very mixed feelings.