"It is a long chance," I returned frankly, "but I have been taking long
chances ever since I became a cracksman. I will put the plan in
operation, professor, at the very first opportunity that presents
itself."
Thus we left the matter, the professor warmly congratulating me on my
courage and expressing the hope that I would prove equally courageous in
more worthy pursuits, if the chance ever offered.
*CHAPTER XV.*
*SURVEYING OUR OWN PLANET.*
Day slipped along to its close, and shortly after the reflectors winked
out the king came, accompanied by Olox, a guard of Gaddbaizets, and six
attendants bearing the telescope.
To our surprise and gratification, both Markham and Popham were in the
midst of the royal guard.
"It struck me," said the king graciously, "that your friends might also
wish to view the orb from which they came. It is a little thing and can
be done without inconvenience, so I am pleased to favor them."
The high chief traced an opening in the zet ring with the black tip of
his weapon, and Meigs was first to rush through and hurl himself into
the arms of Popham. The unfortunate gentlemen were long in each other's
embrace.
When they finally drew apart, Meigs groped through the black gloom by
Markham, while the professor felt for the coal baron's hand and gave it
a gentle and reassuring pressure.
"Professor Quinn," said Popham, "I am being badly treated. The king has
put me on the night shift in one of the royal coal mines and the
soldiers make me work like a galley slave. This is the first night I
have had off since they set me to work."
Popham was loud in his complainings, but was cut short by the king.
"We must proceed, gentlemen. I have word from above that the night is
fine and everything propitious for an excellent view of your planet, but
storms come suddenly and we can never be sure of the weather on the
outer crust. It is well to make haste."
We started stumblingly, each of us led by a soldier to whom the way was
plain. We were jostled here and there through the gloom, and finally
were made to mount some object which gave a metallic ring beneath our
feet.
"This is the royal lift," explained the king. "When the heat of the day
is suspended I often go above."