“No, thank you, Eastern,” replied Dennis, decisively. “You will recall that my much-esteemed ancestor and his friend obtained a warrant signed by his Most Gracious Majesty, King Edward VII., by which they retained the right of keeping the secret unmolested for ever. Now, if I received any Government aid, I should forfeit my right—or it would be forfeited if some Government-paid scientists found it out. They could not in fairness refuse to tell those who had financed them, nor could I under similar circumstances. No, my people have always paid for everything and so do I. I am not going to run any risks of the Government getting hold of my ship, notwithstanding my love for science.” “Would you mind if I try?” asked Ross. “Would I mind?” repeated Dennis, highly pleased. “I should be delighted! Only I must make this stipulation, that if you succeed you tell no one except me.” “Not our friend Eastern, here?” “We’ll see about that later,” replied Dennis, laughing. “Oakland,” exclaimed Ross, earnestly, “I promise you faithfully that I will reserve nothing from you that I may discover, and all from every other soul so long as I live; if any one else is to know, you shall tell them. I am deeply interested in this, for it is a matter after my own heart.” “Then commence when you like and I will pay for all that is necessary,” responded Dennis. “When can you start?” “At your convenience, Oakland,” answered Ross, aglow with zeal. “Then we’ll make a beginning to-morrow. Both of you come over to Derwent and we’ll go into the matter. And now we must be off; we have talked Bona to her setting and old Sol is just rising.” The trio of new-formed friends then entered their respective vessels, and a few minutes later three airships were swiftly flying to England and home. CHAPTER II THE _REGINA_ GIVES UP HER SECRET “And now I will unclasp a secret book, And to your quick-conceiving discontent, I’ll read you matter deep and dangerous.” (+Shakespeare.+) The day following, the three friends met at Dennis’s home, and at once proceeded to the shed in which the stately _Regina_ was housed. On entering, Dennis moved a switch and a revolving steel shutter slowly descended from before one side of the shed, the whole of which was lined with thick glass; at another movement a similar shutter slid from above the glass roof, and a third movement caused this roof to fold itself up and slide aside, leaving the top open to the sky throughout its entire length. Both the visitors uttered an exclamation of delight at sight of the stately vessel, the lines of which sent them into raptures of pleasure and wonderment. “You are a lucky dog, Oakland, to have a creature like that all your own!” said Gilbert, enthusiastically. “What is the material?”