The little ship, wonderfully swift and graceful in her motions, was crossing high above the river, then circled gradually lower and lower, nearing them, like a bat, at every sweep. "There's a lady in her," said the Judge, "perhaps it's Miss Jardine." The two men, with the electric lights from the dining-room throwing their figures into relief, must have been clearly outlined to the people in the boat. "Yes," declared Linton. "I'll hail her. Boat ahoy! is that the _Bladud_?" "Aye, aye," answered a man's voice, and then they thought they heard a low laugh from the lady in the stern. The boat circled lower and lower. "Gently," said the Judge under his breath, "it's the President, it's Jardine himself, with his daughter." "Would anyone like a sail?" came the question from above. "Yes, of all things," was Linton's eager reply. "She's not built for more than three, or we would offer to take you too, Sir Robert." The Judge had risen to his feet. "Heaven forbid! Much obliged to you all the same, Mr. President." The fans were at work now, assisting in the delicate process of letting down the boat by slow degrees in the centre of the lawn. She reached the ground gently and lightly, and Linton and the Judge went forward and greeted her occupants. Then Linton Herrick stepped aboard, and his uncle moved clear of the wings. The _Bladud_ rose to a height of about 200 feet. Then the elevating apparatus was switched off, and the boat having circled in a few ever-widening sweeps, sped away in the direction of London. Until now the President, who was in charge of the machinery in the fore part of the boat, had scarcely spoken. Linton sat in the stern beside Zenobia Jardine, who, so far, also was silent, her attention being required for the steering gear, with which, however, she seemed perfectly familiar. Jardine now explained that the _Bladud_ needed only one-third of her power for keeping afloat, and two-thirds for propelling her. After that he became unreservedly communicative. Whether it was due to the fact of being in the air, instead of upon earth, or to a ready fancy for the young Canadian, the President showed himself in a character which seemed to cause his daughter pleased surprise. There was nothing pompous or self-important in his manner. He talked like a man who is delighted to get upon his favourite hobby in company with a sympathetic listener.