At intervals round the deck, hatches were open, leading to the hold, which contained the tank for the reserve propelling spirit, the water-tank, larders and cold storage. Three ladders on each side and one at either end led to the upper deck. The bow of the vessel was covered with a kind of thick glass and formed a comfortable smoking room where one could sit in comfort in wet or windy weather and gaze into space. There was a dining room, a drawing room, and five bedrooms; all most beautifully upholstered and furnished with the maximum of comfort. The inside walls were polished like burnished silver, and the windows of the same thick glass were hung with pale blue silk to match the upholstery. There was everything for use and comfort; telephonic communication from every room to every part of the ship—electric light—electric fans—electric stoves—a pianola and there was even a gramophone on board. Sir John had also remembered a good library of books, novels and serious works, and a wonderful supply of writing materials. “Why, you have forgotten nothing,” said Mavis. “Uncle John, I think you have been wonderful.” Perhaps the kitchens furnished Mavis with most interest. They were so well planned out. In one corner stood an electric cooking stove, and on the wall hung everything necessary for the success of the culinary art. A pipe led from the water tank to the kitchen and there was a very ingenious arrangement by which all waste matter was emptied into an electrically heated tank which reduced everything first to a pulp and then to steam, which escaped through a pipe to the outer side of the ship. “How much water can we carry?” asked Mavis. “Well, in cubic feet, my dear—” commenced Sir John. “No! no! Uncle John! I don’t understand cubic feet. Tell me how long our water would last.” “With the utmost care we can carry enough water to last six people two months.” “As long as that?” “Yes, and then, should any unforeseen circumstances arise, by which we were unable to renew our water supply, I could fall back on a wonderful discovery I have made. See, my dear.” and he opened a small press. There, on shelves, were packed row upon row of transparent blocks, perhaps an inch square. “What ever is it?” said Mavis, laughing. “Why, it’s camphor!” Alan picked a piece up and examined it. It was certainly like camphor to look at, but was odourless and of an intense coldness. “It’s done me. What is it?” Sir John made no reply but took from a little stand a small electric heater. Upon this he placed a quart metal bowl, into which he put the little cube. “Very gentle heat at first, my dears,” said he. “Ah!” as it began to melt. “Now I think it’s safe to put on full pressure.” Fascinated, they watched until the vessel became full of a sparkling, bubbling liquid. Turning on another electric switch, he plunged a metal needle into the fluid. It belched forth a cloud of steam, hissed violently and then calmed down.