When the frightened passengers saw this magnificent ship in mid-air above them they thought it was a mirage or phantom-ship sent to mock them in their despair, but when they heard through the megaphone encouraging words directing them to mount the ladders to safety, they instantly complied and soon every person on the disabled ship from stevedore to captain was on the air-ship, some with tears and sobs, others with white haggard faces thanking the captain for his timely coming. The last person had barely placed his foot on the step of the ladder when the ocean steamer gave a mighty lurch and disappeared from sight as if pulled under water by some merciless mer-king. After the passengers recovered from their fright they were profuse with their oh’s and ah’s of admiration of the majestic ship they were now on, with its new electrical contrivances, peculiar mode of lighting, and the elegance and comfort of its furnishings. Everything was examined from the bathtubs to the stringed musical instruments that vibrated harmonious, plaintive melodies as the wind swept through them. They were delighted with the frescoes and superb paintings illustrative of scenes in space as well as on land and water, which decorated the ceilings and walls. The wrecked ship was bound for Liverpool so the captain landed his passengers there one fine morning before half the people of that city were awake. [Illustration: THEY REMINDED ONE OF THE ALCHEMISTS OF OLD (p. 84) ] CHAPTER IX. After bidding the shipwrecked people good-bye, our party concluded to steer for Siam, stopping at the city of Paris on their way, for the Prince and Princess had never visited this city of styles and wickedness. They arrived there early one morning just when the first rays of the Sun were lighting the towers of Notre Dame and the captain guided them directly to the Eiffel Tower where they landed, planning to remain in Paris for a few days, the captain, in the meantime, would sail above the city and wait for them. I will not stop to tell you all that they saw or did during that memorable week, for those who have been in Paris can imagine and those who have not may hold it in anticipation. Suffice it to say that they all had, as Ione put it, “the time of their lives,” visiting theatres, Versailles, the Louvre, shopping, driving in the parks, taking dinners at the best hotels and suppers at the celebrated restaurants. They were pretty well tired out when they at last returned to the ship on the appointed morning. “And now we are off for Siam to see what has taken place during your absence,” said the captain. “I know you have called up the picture of Siam on our magic mirror to see how things were going but you could not talk to your people as you will be able to do now.” “Magic Mirror is an apt name for the blue vault which pictures the wonderful views we have seen,” said the Princess. “A penny for your thoughts, Prince,” said Harold.