“Not much, Uncle John. There was a new Housing Bill brought up in the House last night. The Government seems very rocky. There are hints of a General Election. H’m. H’m—A bad earthquake in South America, I see. Five thousand people killed. Oh, and a landslip or something in New Zealand. How shocking,” he went on, “ten thousand casualties there. Why, it’s as bad as a war!” “No, it’s the States where the earthquake is,” said Sir John who had unfolded the _Scotsman_. “No, South America,” contradicted Alan. “Listen— “A tremendous earthquake has been felt at Lima, Valparaiso, and Buenos Aires. These three cities have suffered great damage. Over five thousand people have been killed outright, while the casualty list is considerably greater. The shock was felt in Bermuda, New Guinea and even as far north as Kentucky.” “Then there has been one in the States as well,” said his Uncle. And he read from his paper “The Meteorological office at Pimenta states that a serious earthquake has occurred in New Jersey.” “Later. “News has now come through that Tennessee and Vermont have suffered considerable damage also. The loss of life is comparatively small considering the damage done to property. The tallest buildings have toppled over, shaken from their foundations. The electrical supply is cut off, and in many places severe fires are burning.” “It seems all over America,” said Alan lightly. “I am glad we don’t go in for those merry little sideshows in this country.” “Your time is growing short,” said Sir John with a sigh. “I shall miss you very much, my lad.” “I shall miss you too, sir. But of course I am rather looking forward to the expedition.” The weather had been quite settled since the time when the Argenta had encountered the terrible storm, on the day preceding the birth of Desmond’s son. Slightly sultry, perhaps, but an occasional cool breeze tempered the heat. The next day all the papers were full of the epidemic of earthquakes that were occurring in different parts of the world. Work in many places was disorganized, and a fear was expressed that influences were at work round Southern Europe which might mean that the earthquakes would be felt nearer home. Alan was due to sail in two days, arrangements had been made for him to leave Scotland the following morning, when a wire came from Sir Christopher Somerville. “Postponing departure of _Cavalier_ indefinitely. Fear unsafe to sail south. Awaiting favourable report from Greenwich. Will advise you at earliest of arrangements.” “Well, it gives us a little more of your society, my boy,” said Sir John, and there was a pleased look in his eyes. Alan picked up the paper. “My God!” said he suddenly, and his face blanched.