The _Regina_ sailed round this strange world, encountering sea, land, moor and wood; birds, animals and insects innumerable, none greatly differing from those of Earth, but apparently it was a world given up to all forms of life except man, and was undoubtedly the purer and better for it. Finding no trace of human beings, the explorers turned their attention to the study of the physical conditions of the world; its natural history, biology, climate, geology, and the scores of other matters on which they were anxious to glean information, although this could only be done in a superficial way, seeing they were human and the span of their lives was limited. While they were looking for human beings, they found none, but as the weeks passed they were conscious, at times, of having seen strange figures in a kind of mist, or haze. In each case the travellers made no mention of the incident, fearing to incur the ridicule of their companions and putting the matter down to an excess of ‘bile’ in the system, or to fancy, produced, perhaps, by the state of excitement in which they had lived for some months past. However, it came out at last. One evening—if a constant light can have an evening—they were all assembled in the saloon for their usual discussion on the day’s work and the progress made, preparatory to going to rest, when the subject of ghosts was mentioned, and there were many furtive looks around. “I suppose we are safe?” asked Kelman of Dennis, who was seated beside him. “Certainly; we are closed up—fifty feet from the ground with the protecting current outside; nothing could reach us, and we could not be successfully attacked. These precautions are never omitted under any circumstances, no matter which of us chances to be in charge.” “I am glad of that,” said Kelman, and then remained silent, absorbed in thought. “Why, what makes you ask that?” questioned Ingle. “Nothing much,” replied Kelman, “only I had an idea.” “Well, out with it, then!” cried several. “I expect you will say I am dreaming, or need a restoring tablet,” said Kelman, reluctantly, “but several times lately I have had hallucinations and have seen ghosts!” “Well, that’s curious,” said Heriot Field, “for I have too!” “So have I.” “And I!” “And I!” And so it went round. “Thanks for the information,” exclaimed Kelman, more brightly. “I am much relieved! And now the ice is broken, we are all free to compare notes and discuss the question, because I, personally, do not believe in ghosts, and yet I cannot refute what I see myself.”