Masters looked up and gave Alan a grateful look. “It was good of you to include me,” said he. “Why, you are part and parcel of ourselves, Masters,” laughed Alan. “Nothing would be complete without you,” and he shook hands heartily with his uncle’s trusty friend. “We must go back to London,” said Sir John at last. “I will wire Sir Christopher Somerville—he’s President of the Geographical Research Society you know—and Professor Chard of the Geological Society to meet us in town. I will put the whole matter before them and take their advice. But, my dear boys, I can scarcely yet realize I have you back with me again.” “Have you done any more with your Argenta?” asked Desmond suddenly. Sir John’s eyes shone. “Come with me,” said he and he took them to the hangar. “She is complete and I think perfect,” said he simply. Very beautiful indeed looked the Argenta. There was a perfect grassy incline leading from the hangar to a large, flat field. “I shall run her down the slope,” he explained, “and the field in the hollow is splendid for both ascending and descending.” “Have you tried her yet?” “No. We were going to try her yesterday, Mr. Alan,” said Masters, “but Sir John postponed it until your arrival.” “And we must postpone it again, I am afraid,” said Sir John, rather sadly. “Is it necessary, Uncle John?” asked Mavis. “I think so, my dear. Your story is too wonderful to keep back a moment longer than is necessary. We will go to London to-morrow, and after all formalities are done with, will come back, try the Argenta, and if she is as I think she is, we will go for a long holiday in her.” “Shall I accompany you?” asked Masters. “Just as you like,” answered Sir John. “Come with us by all means, or stay with Hector and watch over the Argenta.” “I would rather stay here, sir, if you have no objection. I’ve no ties that take me back to town, and I would rather remain by the Argenta.” Forty-eight hours later Sir John, Alan, and Desmond and his wife arrived in London. Sir John had let his town house, so they chose a quiet hotel at the back of Berkeley Square for their domicile. Sir Christopher Somerville and Professor Chard kept the appointment made, and once again the boys recounted their adventures. “Wonderful! Marvellous! Miraculous!” the professors kept muttering to themselves, as the improbable story was unfolded to them, piece by piece. “Now,” said Sir John, when it was at last told. “There are seven people only that have heard this story. What do you advise us to do?” “I will see the Home Secretary,” said Sir Christopher at last. “This is a Government affair, of course. England’s to the fore again; lucky they found their way out on British territory. The question will be brought up in the House—an expedition must be formed, and the two young gentlemen would probably like to accompany us, and help us with their knowledge of the place.” “Don’t go again,” cried Mavis, her face blanching. “Oh you wouldn’t take him from me?”