They had passed beyond the limits of the town and, having reached the highway, were flying along at a rapid rate. Such was their speed that Kearns and the Professor were not loth to hold their tongues and attend to the matter of breathing. Along the road they flew, finally turning down a side road and drawing up in front of an ornamented iron gate, opened to them by a lodge keeper; then down a winding path, bordered by trees, until they stopped before the steps of a stately house. The Colonel stepped out of the vehicle. “Welcome to Idleslip!” he said as he politely assisted them to alight. He led the way up the steps, across a spacious foyer and turned into one of the rooms to the left. Drawing up two comfortable armchairs, he motioned them to be seated. “Do you feel very weak?” he inquired with anxious concern. “Shall I order you some refreshment, or don’t you think it would be better to wait for the doctor?” “Doctor!” cried Kearns. “I thank you. I have had all the doctor I want for some time to come.” “Doctor!” exclaimed the Professor, who regarded the question in a different light. “Let us cease playing at cross-purposes. May I ask you frankly, sir, why you think we need a physician?” “Pray calm yourselves,” urged the Colonel soothingly, “or, as I have already warned you, no one can foresee the results! See a doctor? Why not! After your remarkable--I may say, indeed, very extraordinary experiences----” “You refer to our sleep in the cave?” interposed the Professor. “By the way, is it really possible that we have slept six weeks? What is the date?” “No, no,” protested the Colonel. “Don’t seek any explanation now. Wait until later.” “But this delay is exasperating,” persisted the Professor. “All these strange happenings--this mystery--play upon my nerves! I must insist upon an immediate explanation. I must ask you, Colonel--Colonel--pardon me, but what is the name?” “I am Colonel, Sir Maynard Cuming.” “_Sir_ Maynard Cuming!” repeated Kearns mystified. “_Sir_ Maynard Cuming!” exclaimed the Professor, passing his hand over his eyes. “Let me ask you--is this the Republic of the United States, or have we in our sleep, or trance, been spirited into some foreign land?” “The Republic of the United States?” said the Colonel with a curious smile; “Well--no!” Kearns and the Professor rose to their feet. Kearns’ eyes were dilated, his hands clenched. The Professor was very pale. “Speak!” he said. “What country is this and--the date--what?” “Be calm,” urged the Colonel. “It’s not well you should be told these things now. Wait until later!” The Professor advanced a step and spoke with all the concentrated energy of a thoroughly aroused man. “Tell me the truth now,” he said, “or I’ll leave at once and seek it elsewhere.” The Colonel realized the situation had reached a climax. Something must be done. “Since you will have it so,” he replied gravely, “I will answer you. Prepare yourselves to hear calmly, bravely.”