"Friends and fellow countrymen. Of course, I expected you would be glad to see a party who travel in so splendid a chariot as the great aluminum ship. And I take it for granted that you are all aware that Silver Cloud, as we have named the globe, carried us to the North Pole and back safely and pleasantly. And to-night, as we stand in the great metropolis of the Western hemisphere, there flies from the most splendid flagstaff upon earth, located precisely at the northern extremity of the earth's axis, the Flag of our Union! (At this point, the patriotic enthusiasm of the hearers could not be restrained, and for several minutes the Doctor stood and awaited the subsidence of the cheering.) But I have a proposition to make you. The Mayor desires that you all retire now to your homes, and I promise you that to-morrow night we will tell you all about our trip, and show you how we planted the flagstaff at the North Pole. I bid you all good night." "That was good, Doctor, and I think that now they will disperse quite satisfied," said the mayor. "You are the city's guests, remember, and we are extremely desirous of rendering you every possible honor and pleasure. I do not doubt that you are all fatigued with so much excitement and sightseeing as you have been through to-day, and we will let you retire. Good-night." CHAPTER XXIII. The World at the Feet of Doctor Jones. The following morning our friends were up be-times and were soon engaged in the busiest day of their lives. The wind was still unfavorable for their passage to Washington, and they abandoned themselves to the numerous duties that pressed upon them, and hospitalities of the friendly Gothamites. Messages almost innumerable and visitors by thousands poured in upon them. Mrs. Jones, Mattie, and Denison acted as secretaries for Dr. Jones, while Will and Fred performed the same office for Professor Gray. Reporters by scores besieged them at all hours. The Doctor disposed of these importunate visitors by appointing an hour when he met them in a body in a private room, and there answered their numerous questions. At three o'clock P.M. the mayor called, and through a private exit the whole party was led to carriages, and shown a considerable portion of the better part of the city. They drove to the globe and found it surrounded by thousands of admirers. Silver Cloud proudly floated above them, gently oscillating in the breeze, slightly bowing to the right and left, as if complacently acknowledging the admiration and praises of its visitors.