“Ordinarily, this journey requires about a month,” my informer proceeded. “The trip is made entirely on foot, so that one may observe the country thoroughly. There is a party leaving in two days--perhaps you would like to join them.” “Very well,” I assented. And, after being advised regarding a few details of the trip and then notified of my dismissal, I went away feeling more puzzled than ever, for I could not believe that Atlantis could show me anything more marvelous than it had already shown. CHAPTER XVIII The Journey Commences Two days later I set out on what was to prove the most extraordinary excursion of my life. Arriving early in the morning at the appointed meeting place--an open, flower-bordered “circle” or park near the western end of the town--I was greeted by a score of eager young men and women, who introduced themselves as my traveling companions. They were all in an excited, highly animated condition, chatting and jesting continually, moving about restlessly, gay with the gaiety of high expectations; and they all, without exception, were conspicuously and vividly youthful, for their ages must have varied between eighteen and twenty-one. At the same time, they resembled their fellow Atlanteans in that they looked utterly wholesome and unworldly, and had the grace and beauty of persons whose lives have been unstained and whose minds untarnished. I was just wondering whether these attractive creatures were to be my sole companions, when I was surprised by the sight of four newcomers--two men and two women of somewhat maturer years than the others. At the moment of their arrival they were surrounded so enthusiastically by the members of the party that I had not a chance for a clear glimpse of them; but even a partial glimpse was enough to make me stop short with a gasp of delight--among their number I thought I saw the sparkling blue eyes of Aelios! At first I was not sure; but with fast-throbbing heart I pressed forward, and to my inexpressible joy found that I had not been mistaken. “Aelios!” I cried, as soon as I could manage to draw her to one side. “Aelios--what are you doing here?” She smiled her bewilderingly sweet smile, but did not choose to answer directly. “What are you doing here?” she countered. “Why, you should know without asking,” I reminded her. “Didn’t I show you my summons from the Committee on Selective Assignments?” “Yes, I remember,” she murmured. “Only, I didn’t know you would set out on your travels so soon. But I’m really very glad. Now you’ll be a full-fledged citizen of Atlantis!” “But are you going with us, Aelios? Are you going, too?” I asked, still unable to credit my good fortune. “Yes, I am going.” And, observing how quizzically I was regarding her, she continued, “You see, three or four tutors are assigned to each of the traveling parties, for we have made the journey before, and are able to explain the sights along the way.”