There were trees now! Vegetation springing up. A wild, neglected growth. A forest growing in the ruins of the city, where the occasional broken spires still stood like headstones; and then melted down. The forest grew around the tower; the city was almost buried. Lea plucked at Alan. She murmured something. "Shall we go down?" he said. She smiled. She said, quite distinctly, "Yes." She led him down the ladder. He felt more secure now. There was no sense of movement of the tower; the ladder-steps were firm and solid. Alan saw the forest melting. A sylvan landscape seemed coming. In the lower tower room they found San still intent upon his dials. He drew Alan over and indicated that single dial which to Alan was legible. It marked 6650 A.D. The pointer was traveling much faster than when Alan had seen it before; but as he watched it now he could see that it was slackening. He sat regarding it; listening to the musical, unintelligible words of his two companions. Then they gave him food and drink. And Lea again examined his bruised shoulder and the gash on his head. But they were not serious; he had forgotten them. 6700 A.D. 6800 A.D. The tower's flight was slowing; the hum of the room seemed progressively at a lower pitch. They were nearing their destination; preparing to stop in 7012. * * * * * Alan's mind again went to Nanette and me. Where were we in all these whirling years? A sense of loneliness, depression swept him. He felt utterly baffled, helpless. But he tried to shake it off. He said aloud, as though to cheer himself: "Lea--see here--I've got to talk to you. Understand?" It seemed almost that she did. "My sister, Nanette--that villain Turber has her--he's always wanted her, understand? I've got to get her back, Lea. Damn it, I've got to find him--get her away from him!" But all Lea could do was touch him sympathetically. Baffled. This cursed barrier of language! "Lea, what is Turber to you?" San, with readier wit, pointed again to the dial. Indicated 7012, and then gestured to his lips. Alan nodded. "Yes, I understand--when we get there we can talk." They came to the year 7000. Traveling slowly now. Then Lea had an idea. In the automobile, coming from Staten Island, she had been wrapped in Nanette's cloak. It was discarded now; but it lay here in the tower room. She picked it up and stood before Alan. Fragile, beautiful little creature! The soft folds of the sky-blue drapery fell about her figure; the golden tresses lay in a mass over her shoulders. Her eyes, clear pale blue as a morning sky, were fixed on Alan. A wave of emotion swept him; it seemed that he had never seen a girl so beautiful. "Nanette," she said, lifting the cloak. "Yes," he responded. "Nanette's cloak. I understand. But what--" She took Alan's finger and moved it over the dial. Aimlessly. She said: "Nanette--Turber--Edward--"