"... His Majesty's Australian ship _Brisbane_, they say," said Murray. "Wait a minute, since they're so near, I think I can switch them over to the radiophone." He ticked the key a moment, then twisted more dials and leaned back as a full and fruity voice, with a strong English accent, filled the room. "Compliments of Captain Entwhistle of the Royal Australian Navy to the commander of the U. S. S. _Ward_, and can we arrange a meeting? The Comet appears to have done a good deal of damage in your part of the world and you are the first people we have encountered." "Where's your microphone?" asked Ben. "Oh, there.... Compliments of Benjamin Franklin Ruby, temporarily in command of U. S. S. _Ward_ to Captain Entwhistle of the Royal Australian Navy, and none of us are sailors. We just borrowed this ship, and if you want to see us you'll have to pick us up. We'll keep along the coast toward Cape May. Can you meet us?" A chuckle was audible from the radiophone. "I think we can manage it. Are there any of the big birds about in your part of the world? They have been bothering us all summer." "Yes," replied Ben, "that's what we're running away from now. They've got some bombs that are pure poison and they've been making regular war on us--or probably you know about it?" "We haven't seen anything like that yet," declared the voice from the loud-speaker, "but we've had plenty of trouble with them. Hold on a moment. Our lookout reports sighting smoke from your funnels. Hold your course and speed. We'll pick you up." The voice ceased with a snap, and the four in the control room of the destroyer looked at each other. "I'm glad he came around," remarked Ben. "This destroyer is getting shopworn. Besides with a good warship on hand we'll be able to give those birds what they're looking for. I hope he's got some airplanes." "And somebody to fly them," continued Murray. "What'll we do if he has--go back and give them hell?" "If we can. Apparently he doesn't like the birds any too well himself. It was the first thing he mentioned." They ceased speaking as the thin pennon of smoke, followed by two tall masts, became visible over the horizon. In a few minutes more the _Brisbane_ swept up, swung a circle and came to rest near them, while out from her side dropped a boat that began to move toward them with dipping oars. A moment later she was alongside. Ben stepped out on the deck, and as he did so, there was a mutual exclamation of horrified amazement--for Captain Entwhistle of the Royal Australian Navy was as much flesh and blood as any man they had seen in the old days, but a pale blue in color, and all his sailors were of the same extraordinary hue. CHAPTER VII An Exploration There was a moment's silence as the Australian captain steadied himself against the roll of the vessel, staring incredulously at the group that gathered round him. "Are you--human?" he finally managed to gasp.