Twice the same night Dennis’s house was broken into and the three friends were roused by the alarms, which at the same time frightened the would-be thieves, who no doubt thought the papers might have been brought away for examination, notwithstanding the self-evident fact that no place in the world could be more secure than the _Regina_ safe. The following day a deputation from the Government with the State authority and seal waited upon Dennis and asked for the _Regina_ and her secrets to be handed over to the Government. On this being refused, they demanded it, then threatened, trying to bluster the secrets out of the discoverers by force and threats, but at every outburst they were referred to and shown a copy of the warrant of absolute protection granted by H.M. King Edward VII., of blessed memory, and his Parliament, centuries before. Eventually the deputation had to return foiled, for not even the Government could go beyond that warrant. Untold wealth and high positions were offered, but what is wealth when all have enough and none can be oppressed? No, the _Regina_ should not be bought, she was too precious to be sold; she should be the sweet, lovely and gracious Queen to the end, and _give_ her power for the cause of science, for the good of the whole human race; she should benefit the people and lead them to the contemplation of higher and nobler things, and be really and truly in everything their Queen—not for any personal gain to her supporters, but to unfold before all men, as only she could, the wonders of creation which would otherwise be hidden. CHAPTER III _VOX POPULI_ “In my morning’s walk I culled a handful of flowers, some with thorns, which I found made the smooth stalks easier to carry.” (+Giranoli.+)