As we rose a thousand little aeroplanes rose like the scurry of birds and followed behind us. “But it is a triumph!” I exclaimed as our victorious progress developed. “Don’t nourish any false hopes, my dear one,” Dianne said, shaking her lovely head. “The people are with you, and the younger students. But what does that amount to? Manfreda dominates the Supreme Council and no emotion has ever swayed her.” “But surely--the voice of the people, _vox populi, vox dei_,” I insisted. “To defy the sovereign will might mean a revolution.” For answer Dianne pointed to the skies where the grim armada hovered over us with the menace of a thunder cloud. “All New York could be wiped out in ten minutes. There is the answer.” “But a compromise--certain concessions?” “It is for you I fear,” she replied, slipping her adorable hand into mine. “You have shown yourself too strong. Oh, Jack dear, if you had only listened to my advice.” “After all, the worst is immortality,” I replied. The phrase pleased me and threw me into a heroic mood. I resolved come what might, to face my destiny with a stoic dignity. We came to ground before the great dome of the hall of justice where the Supreme Council was assembled. The square was packed with a sympathetic and curious crowd, while the flight of the accompanying aeroplanes flung shifting shadows like the moving silhouettes of leaves. Two guards stood at the top of the steps holding in their hands what seemed to be electric torches, but which were in fact deadly electronoid batteries that plainly overawed the crowd. I passed with Dianne at my side, my blood tingling with the murmured sympathy of thousands, and ascending the steps was shortly conducted to the great hall of judgment. The dramatic sense which flames up in all martyrs upheld me. I had sought for some word that might pass down into history, worthy to be linked with the last of my sex, but to tell the truth the inspiration deserted me and all I could find to say, as I confronted the judges, was: “Ladies, I am here!” However I put into the words a certain defiance, smiled proudly and stood at rest. My judges, as before at our first meeting, were seated in a hemicycle with the austere Manfreda in the centre. I looked for Acquilla and perceived her sitting with downcast eyes. She raised her glance, perceived Dianne, and a flush of anger transformed her. “Be seated, Bogardus,” said Manfreda, indicating a seat in the centre. Her tone as always was emotionless, calm as authority itself. “You are accused of rebellion against the state, of exciting the Clubs to defy our customs, and of an intention to overthrow the existing order. Prisoner before us, are you guilty?” Dianne had warned me of the recording apparatus, of which indeed Acquilla had already exposed to me the secret. I was prepared and even as the question was put, I rose and standing, replied: