The approach and descent of the _Regina_ with the intent of warehousing her cargo of detrimentals on the new-found world caused considerable commotion, and in the district they approached, all the people within sight came running up, signalling to others, so that a crowd had collected within the space of a few minutes, quite in terrestrial style. All gazed upward in astonishment to see the great vessel slowly settling, which was augmented when the side opened, the shimmering net was drawn back, and several figures stepped on the outer deck; the watchers gave a shout of dismay as one of the figures walked off the ship as if on a level crossing, and this dismay turned to consternation as they saw that the man did not fall crashing to the ground as they expected, but remained floating as he was. Then another followed and still another till there were eight, all clustered together, suspended in space, when they slowly sank to the ground, men just like themselves, though differently dressed. Looking up to the airship they saw the net drawn together, heard the metal doors clink and snap, and then without further sound or sign the vessel rose higher and higher till lost to sight. What did it mean? and they stood staring at the eight strange people who had dropped in their midst from the clouds. Edgar Holt, essaying the first question, asked the people around where they were and the name of the planet, but neither the natives nor visitors could understand the languages used. Like wild-fire the news spread that eight beings from another world had been deposited on their sphere, and people came flocking up from all directions till the ground for some distance around was packed and movement was well-nigh impossible. Word was passed from one to another, telling the story of the strange descent over and over again, as could be perceived by their gesticulations, and some looked upon Holt and his companions with awe and reverence, almost as gods, whilst those who had not witnessed their arrival considered the accounts exaggerated, owing to excitement, especially as there was no trace of vessel, or sign of one, to corroborate, and their visitors appeared much the same weight as their own average, therefore it was difficult to believe they had floated.