“The day after I--er--kidnapped you, a series of events were started, resulting in a war in which Russia faces the rest of Europe. Troops have massed on the Polish border, and the Powers expected to invade Russia immediately. Then suddenly news came from Paris that the Eiffel Tower had disappeared! Was this the work of Russia? Hard upon this news came the reports of the disappearance of the Nelson monument from Trafalgar Square, in London, and of the Woolworth Building torn from its foundations in New York. That turned the tide. Panic attacked the Powers. I’m afraid the morale of your Western nations is crumbling now, Dr. Henshaw.” “What’s the explanation?” asked Henshaw, dazedly. “Just this, Doctor,” the Russian answered: “Our scientists have succeeded in overcoming gravitation! Eight years ago, two of our scientists, while attempting to disprove the Langmuir theory of the construction of the atom, managed, by the use of terrific pressure, to combine helium and fluorine. As you know, helium has never before been combined with any element. The result was a dark green solid that was absolutely weightless. _And further investigation showed that an electric current passed through it caused an absolute negation of gravity._ “Armed with this great weapon, our government began the construction of three great ships, designed to fly through the atmosphere or, if necessary, beyond it. The first was one hundred meters in diameter, and was such a success that the others were made four times as large! It is these vast machines that have stolen those great buildings! What do you think will be the effect, Doctor, when Russia tells the Powers tomorrow to search for their lost buildings on Venus? Do you think they will feel like going to war with a nation that can accomplish such miracles?” “Do you expect me to believe you?” asked Henshaw cynically. Godonoff rose and moved over to the huge circular window. He began to turn a wheel that opened the window’s metal shutters. “Due to certain work which I had accomplished in America,” he said, “the government honored me by placing me in command of the smallest of the machines. In order to secure your secret, Doctor, I took the liberty of bringing you along when the machines left for Venus. You are now 170,000 miles from the earth, and traveling fast. I offer you your return in exchange for the secret.” Still smiling, Godonoff released the wheel and turned to Henshaw. “And, Doctor, if you care for proof....” and he gestured toward the now uncovered window. Henshaw approached the window, his incredulity seemingly vanishing as he gazed at the stupendous scene without. Stars--millions of stars--covered the entire view. Above, below, everywhere, stars swung in a mighty sweep around him from left to right as though the entire heaven were spinning like a stupendous top.