Then the _Regina_ put on her whole six search-lights, almost blinding every one by the sudden glare, and soared upwards, shedding long trails of light like a meteor; smaller and smaller she grew, then vanished. Then again the light was seen in the distance and then darkness; and again the vessel was seen travelling outside the earth’s atmosphere like a falling star and was gone; round she came again and then encircled the earth within the atmosphere, then traversed the length and breadth of England, finally hovering over Derwent for a few moments, lighting up the whole city with a blinding glare, and, with her lights still on, she slowly settled into her shed. For a few minutes the brilliant lights shot upward for miles into the sky through the top of the building, when the roof slid over and all was hidden from view. Ten minutes later the three occupants came out of the shed to be received by crowds of curious folk who, late as it was, had been drawn to the spot and who asked all manner of questions, and as they looked upward they saw fast-racing airships gathering from all quarters of the sky, their lights forming a miniature milky-way. This flight had been anticipated by the government, who had whetted everybody’s curiosity, for with commendable business despatch, the instant the news of the discovery became known, the whole history of the _Regina_ was set up in type and printed in pamphlet form, the brochures being on sale within twenty-four hours, and enormous quantities were disposed of by the government booksellers, the later ones containing Solomon Magson’s official report, which was so eulogistic that people purchased fresh copies and the printers could scarcely keep up with the demand. Even before the flight, almost every child in the street knew the story, yet to find the vessel had actually departed and was already in space, kept people up to watch and roused those already sleeping to excited wakefulness, for every one wanted to see the actual exploiting of the wonder of ages. Almost overcome by their experiences, the three men of the hour made their way with difficulty through the throng to their home, giving instructions that none were to be admitted, for though no one could enter the grounds by the gates, many airships had deposited their occupants inside and all wanted to have a few words, but once in the shelter of the house, the three were safe from the crowd of inquirers. “My dear friends,” exclaimed Dennis, with much feeling, “what a lucky day it was when we entered on this business!” and he could say no more. “What an awful power there is in that ship! It is overwhelming to think of!” said Gilbert, fervently. “And how awe-inspiring to travel outside this blessed earth and air, where angels are supposed to dwell. Oh! Dennis, it is good to live and I thank you from my very soul!”