The continual rolling of the water mystified Hakon and Zola. This was explained to them with some difficulty. Robert opened two of the _Sphere’s_ ports, for the first time since leaving Mars. They all filled their lungs gratefully with the keen, salty air as it blew in upon them. The main force of the gale was not felt, however, because the _Sphere_ was being driven before it. Once an eccentric gust sucked the _Sphere_ down abruptly. A mountainous wave, rearing hungrily toward the big metal ball, slapped forcibly against it, causing it to rebound high into the air with a suddenness that upset everyone. After that Robert kept a safe distance above the seething waters. For a while they scudded swiftly along under the hypnotic spell of the restless sea. Its hissing turbulence was a source of continual awe and wonder to their guests. Finally Robert closed the ports and sped the _Sphere_ toward the Jersey coast. * * * * * It was in the early afternoon when they passed over the coast line. Here their appearance was first noted and news of the _Sphere’s_ safe return flashed all over the world. Later, as they sailed over New York, a droning of many whistles heralded their arrival, while a blimp, a big seaplane, and several airplanes glided and cavorted over, under and round them. “_Sphere_ ahoy!” shouted one venturesome chap, a reporter on the _Times_, as he whizzed by, a dozen feet away, in a two-passenger airplane. “What news?” But the drone of his engine drowned a possible answer as the distance between them widened rapidly. Leaving Manhattan, Robert steered the _Sphere_ toward L--- and Professor Palmer’s estate. This was at the latter’s request, and in response to his cordial invitation to Robert and both their guests to make their home with him for the present. Their arrival at the Palmer estate found the place already overrun with reporters and photographers in anticipation of their return there. Even the resourceful Henry could not stem the tide. Motion pictures of them all were run off and rushed to headquarters for early projection upon the silver screen all over the world. Hakon, and Zola, more charming than ever, both accepted the situation with jolly good nature. Praises of the beautiful maiden from Mars were many, and their sincerity was reflected in the headlines and articles which appeared as by magic in the afternoon papers throughout the country the very day of their arrival. The party rested at the Palmer estate for several days. Many were the delightful strolls which Robert and Zola took in the lovely grounds. The soft, luxuriant grass under foot, the tall trees, the beautiful shrubbery and flowers were as a fairyland to the princess, with her fairy prince at her side. As for Robert, he was in a veritable seventh heaven.