"We _are_ under water! And deep! I can't see a thing but strange blue light." When Dick joined her, his forehead puckered in a frown. "No, Dolores. It doesn't look like water, it looks more like--No! _It can't be!_" For several minutes there was silence while he gazed through the opening. Dolores had lost interest in the outside and was examining the fittings of the cabin. It had everything that could be desired in a first class hotel room, and many little toilet articles besides. Suddenly Dick turned away. "_It's true!_ We're in the air--_or above it_! Dolores, this ship is an _aircraft_!" "Never mind, Dick, this room is _beautiful_! Whether we're flying or swimming, this is the nicest room I ever had. It has _everything_, and _look_ at the dressing table!" Dick sat down in amazement, a smile slowly spreading over his face. Dolores was happy--wherever they were. The room was all that mattered. But he couldn't understand why Morquil had gassed them, and put them on board unconscious. _He_ would have enjoyed seeing the new ship. When a knock sounded at the door, Dolores was unpacking her clothes for the first time since they left the _Primrose_. Turning the knob, Morquil stepped in. "I'm sorry, Dick, that I had to use gas, but I knew the people would be afraid of boarding this ship. John McCarthy is down in the power room already, examining the machines, but some of the others are upset about the transfer from the island. I hope you don't feel resentful?" "No, Morquil. We're satisfied. If you don't believe it--look at Dolores. She decided to like this room the minute she saw it, and is unpacking already." The worried expression disappeared from the strange man's face. "I had the cabins equipped for women, as I know they are particular about such things." "Would you like to see the ship? It will be your home for a long time, and you might as well get acquainted. I'm sorry that no one but myself understands English, but you will have ample time to learn our language during the voyage. You must speak it fluently by the time we arrive." As they started out, Dolores dropped the dress she was holding, to join them. Curiosity overcame the desire to straighten out her clothes. Entering a wide passage, they turned to the right. It ended abruptly in a room with several comfortable chairs. Three tables occupied the center in uneven positions, the underparts filled with metal-covered books. Two men of Morquil's race looked up at their approach. Dick returned their friendly smile. When Dolores smiled they appeared embarrassed; but truly greatly pleased. Barrow noticed that one of them was examining a book in English; the illustrations seemed to fascinate him. A narrow passage, beyond the main cabin, led to the control room where three men sat in swivel chairs. The instrument board was a marvel to Dick, and he watched for several minutes. It would require months to understand even a small portion of the gauges.