Instantly his two companions were alert. All thought and desire to return had vanished, although time was getting on and the stars were beginning to dot the sky. The river Pole, now in the full light of the risen moon, Bona, lay before them dazzlingly white, its placid surface unbroken by so much as a ripple, except when a leaping fish set in motion a series of circles which spread their dark rings to each bank. Behind and around in the clearing lay the wood, now black with shadows, and as they looked before them beyond their vessels, on which silver lights were chasing ebony shadows, as their gentle movement made the moonbeams ripple along their surfaces, several belated travellers slowed up at sight of three standing ships, to ask if they were stranded and needed help, but to each the trio telepathed a message that all was well—and soon they were quite alone. “You should get Ainley, here, to help you,” suggested Gilbert; and before Dennis could reply, Ross broke in—“I have often thought of writing to ask if I could see it, Oakland, and had I known you were the owner I should not have hesitated. If you would permit me I’d take it as a great favour; I have heard and read so much about the ship that I’m curious in the extreme.” “By all means, old fellow,” replied Dennis, heartily, “by all means. Although I can promise you this, that you’ll know very little more about it after than you do now; all that is to be known is common property.” “I only know what the historians wrote about—the wonderful discovery of gravity-control—and what the newspapers tell us,” said Ross, “let us hear all about it from you yourself, will you? and then we shall know everything.” “What! to-night?” queried Dennis. “It would take a long time and it is getting very late.” “Never mind!” said Ross and Gilbert together. “We can get back to England in an hour, less if we use top speed, and the sky will be free now. But, perhaps you wish to return?” “I? No, any time will do for me,” replied Dennis; so the three settled themselves into comfortable positions and Dennis commenced the story of the greatest wonder of the world: