Still restless and perplexed, dissatisfied with the explanat

Produced by Al Haines.

[Illustration: They returned his greeting as heartily as it was

given.--_Front_. PAGE 91.]

A TRIP TO MARS

By

FENTON ASH

Author of "The Radium Seekers"

WITH SIX COLOURED ILLUSTRATIONS

by

W. H. C. Groome

LONDON: 38 Soho Square, W.

W. & R. CHAMBERS, LIMITED

EDINBURGH: 339 High Street

Philadelphia: J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY

1909

Edinburgh:

Printed by W. & R. Chambers, Limited.

*PREFACE.*

In the case of my former book--my first written for young readers--I

inserted a preface stating at some length my reasons for taking up the

writing of stories of the kind. In it I pointed out that I had

endeavoured to combine amusement with a little wholesome instruction;

and that what might at first sight appear to be mere irresponsible

flights of fanciful imagination had, in reality, in all cases some

quasi-scientific foundation.

Doubtless such a preface is unusual in a work of fiction, and even more

so in one intended chiefly for boys; but the result proved that its

intention was understood and appreciated. I should show myself

ungrateful indeed if I omitted, at the first opportunity, to record my

deep sense of the kindly sympathy and approval with which that preface

and the whole book were received by those reviewers--and they were

many--who favoured my work with a notice.

In this, my second attempt in the same direction, I am conscious that I

have set myself a difficult task, for it is not an easy matter to give

verisimilitude to a story of a visit to another planet about which we

necessarily know so little. Yet astronomy as a study is so fascinating,

its mysteries and possibilities are so wonderful, so boundless, its

influences so elevating and ennobling, that little apology is needed for

any effort to attract the attention of youthful readers to it by making

it the subject of a romance.

Amongst other difficulties the story-writer here meets with, by no means

the least confronts him when he is called upon to decide which of

various theories put forward by different scientists he shall adopt as a

starting-point. Mars, for instance, may have an atmosphere which is like

ours, or one that is either thinner or denser, or it may have no

atmosphere at all. As to this nothing is known with certainty, and the

most learned authorities differ one from another. In these

circumstances, I have adopted the supposition which seems best suited to

my story--namely, that the air there may be denser than it is on the

surface of our globe; but I do not wish to be understood as asserting it

as a fact. The same remark applies to the assumption that diamonds or

other precious stones do not exist naturally in Mars. In regard to

these two points, I have felt it may be allowable, as children say, to

'make believe' a little in forming a groundwork upon which to build up a

story. As to the rest, I have refrained, in deference to the known

prejudices of young people, from interjecting constant scientific

explanations in the course of the narrative. Only sufficient has been

introduced here and there to justify the hope that none will sit down to

its perusal without getting up a little the wiser.

We are all of us, as Sir Isaac Newton so aptly yet reverently expressed

it, 'only as children picking up pebbles on the seashore while the great

ocean of knowledge lies stretched out before us.'

I shall be well satisfied if, in addition to affording pleasure to

youthful readers, I enable them to pick up incidentally even so much as

a few grains of the sand which lies beside the pebbles upon that

wondrous, glorious shore.

THE AUTHOR.

*CONTENTS.*

CHAPTER

I. THE FALL OF THE GREAT METEORITE

II. WHAT GERALD SAW

III. STRANGE VISITORS

IV. GERALD CARRIED OFF

V. KING IVANTA

VI. THE KING'S OFFER

VII. OFF ON A TRIP TO MARS

VIII. A NARROW ESCAPE

IX. ARMEATH'S SECRET

X. CAPTURED BY A COMET

XI. 'WELCOME TO MARS!'

XII. PRINCE ALONDRA

XIII. THE PALACE IN THE CLOUDS

XIV. TOM CLINCH'S STATEMENT

XV. HUNTING THE GREAT MARS EAGLE

XVI. IN DIRE PERIL

XVII. LESSONS IN FLYING

XVIII. A ROYAL PROGRESS

XIX. A DARING PLOT

XX. THE DEATH POOL

XXI. A SECRET TREASURE-HOUSE

XXII. MALTO

XXIII. A FOUL DEN

XXIV. AT THE PAVILION

XXV. AGRANDO THROWS OFF THE MASK

XXVI. THE WIRELESS MESSAGE

XXVII. A DESPERATE VENTURE

XXVIII. SAILING ON THE STORM-WIND

XXIX. ATTACKED IN THE DARK

XXX. CAPTURED

XXXI. AT HOME IN A VOLCANO

XXXII. IVANTA A FUGITIVE

XXXIII. A QUEER HUNT

XXXIV. A NIGHT EXPEDITION

XXXV. HOW IVANTA GAINED A FLEET

XXXVI. THE OLD WELL

XXXVII. THE FIGHT FOR THE STRONGHOLD

XXXVIII. A GREAT AERIAL BATTLE

XXXIX. THE END OF THE STRUGGLE

XL. CONCLUSION

*LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.*

[Transcriber's note: In the source book (a reprint), the illustrations

were printed in black and white, not in colour as indicated on the title

page.]

They returned his greeting as heartily as it was given . . .

_Frontispiece_.

He fell backwards upon the floor

There was a flash of light, and a sharp, crackling sound

The wing drooped, and the flier fell heavily to the ground (missing from

source book)

They were then blindfolded, and the march resumed

The assailant was lifted high in the air and flung down with terrible

force

*A TRIP TO MARS.*

*CHAPTER I.*

*THE FALL OF THE GREAT METEORITE.*

'What a magnificent night! What a scene! Jack, old man, I think you

will have to go in to supper without me and leave me to myself. It

seems a sort of sacrilege to go indoors--to exchange the moon's

beautiful light for the miserable glimmer of a little oil-lamp, and this

invigorating air off the sea for the smell of paraffin oil. Ugh!'

'You're a queer chap, Gerald; as dreamy, at times, as any girl, I

declare! You amuse me vastly when you take on these sudden sentimental

fits. When you are in this mood no stranger would ever imagine you were

the same go-ahead, muscular young Christian you can prove yourself to be

at other times.'

'Yes, I suppose I'm a bit of a dreamer, Jack. I 've been told it so many

times that I fancy there must be something in it. Yet "While you sleep,

then am I awake"----you know the quotation.'

'Faith! I believe you there, Gerald. I believe you were cut out for a

night-bird!'

'No, no; now you 've got hold of the wrong end of the stick. It isn't

that I prefer the night to the day; it is simply that by day one cannot

see the stars, and one loses touch with the marvellous thoughts they

inspire. Look at the sky overhead now! Look at those little shining

points of light, and think how that they are all worlds such as ours is,

or was, or will be! Imagine what it would be like if we could sail up

amongst them from this old earth of ours--if we could roam at will

through space, stopping here and calling there upon those which are

inhabited--as I feel assured some must be. What sights we should see!

What wonders we should encounter! Ah, think of it!'

'I'd rather think just now of having a bit of supper,' remarked the

practical-minded Jack, with a yawn. 'And I'm going in to get it too;

so, are you coming with me, or are you not?'

This talk took place upon a headland of a lonely island in the Southern

Seas. A tropical moon cast its wondrous radiance over everything

around, shimmering upon the water, and causing the whole island to

appear as though floating in an ocean of molten silver. There was just

wind enough now and then to start the graceful palms waving--cool,

refreshing zephyrs that set millions of sparkling ripples in motion on

the sea, and sent them dancing merrily shorewards to plash at last upon

the golden sands at the foot of the cliff.

Gerald Wilton and Jack Lawford were two youths, orphans both, who, after

having been brought up and educated in England, found themselves,

through a curious series of chances, passing their time upon this island

under the guardianship of a former friend of Gerald's father, named

Armeath. The latter was a scientist who had chosen to make this

out-of-the-way spot--absolutely uninhabited save for himself and his

establishment--his home for a year or two, in order the better to pursue

certain abstruse studies to which he was ardently devoted.

They were stalwart, well-grown, clean-limbed British youths, these two,

with good-looking faces and well-knit frames, fond of hunting, shooting,

fishing, and all outdoor sports. At first, therefore, it is needless to

say, they had enjoyed the change to this far-off island home, and

entered with zest into its free, open life. If limited as to space,

there were larger islands near, amongst which they could take an

occasional cruise, and where they could go ashore for hunting

expeditions.

But after nearly a year, even this pleasant life had begun to grow a

little monotonous. The two high-spirited youngsters were getting

somewhat tired of it, and beginning to long--almost unconsciously--for

other and more exciting adventures.

Of the two, however, Gerald perhaps was more troubled by these vague,

restless feelings than his chum. As his friend had said, Gerald was

given at times to fits of dreaming. In appearance he was fairer and a

little taller than his companion, with gray eyes which often had in them

an abstracted, far-away look. Jack, on the other hand, was almost

swarthy of skin, with dark hair, firm lips, and keen, alert eyes, which

indicated an active, determined character, and a practical,

matter-of-fact temperament.

That, in effect, constituted the essential difference between these two

firm friends. Gerald was fond of indulging in speculations concerning

all kinds of scientific research. The mysteries of the unknown, and the

as yet 'undiscovered;' the limitless possibilities lying in the worlds

surrounding our globe--speculations concerning such themes as these had

for him an irresistible fascination. Jack, on the other hand, kept his

thoughts and interest fixed upon the practical side of everything about

him. He was a skilful mechanic and a trained mathematician, and had

developed clever engineering abilities; he might possibly some day

become an inventor. But speculative, dreamy fancies had little

attraction for him.

'Jack,' said Gerald impressively, 'I can't come in just now--I really

cannot! I can't exactly say why, but to-night I seem to be unusually

restless. I could not sit down indoors, nor could I rest if I went to

bed. I don't know what it is; but I have a feeling'----

'It's the electricity in the air. I suppose there must be more lying

about loose to-night than suits your constitution,' remarked Jack

prosaically. 'I said a minute or two since that you were as dreamy at

times as any girl. I begin now to think you are developing "nerves" as

well. However, do as you please! Stop here and enjoy yourself with your

"nervy," dreamy fancies if you choose. For my part, I 'm going in to

supper, and'----

'What are you lads talking about?'

This question, which came from some one behind them, caused the two

friends to start suddenly, and then glance at one another with wondering

looks.

It was not that they had not recognised the voice. They knew it at once

to be that of Mr Armeath, their guardian; the wonder was that he should

have come out to them. Usually he spent the whole night shut up in his

own rooms, immersed in his studies, or gazing through his telescope at

the heavens above; for, amongst other things, he was an enthusiastic

astronomer.

'Faith!' exclaimed Jack, in an aside to Gerald, 'I begin to think you

're right after all. There must be something unusual in the air to

account for this new move!'

The new-comer was a tall, fine-looking old man, with an ascetic face and

a kindly voice and manner. His hair and beard were white, but his

deep-set eyes glowed with the liveliness and fire of a vigorous young

man.

With the self-absorbed, thoughtful air that so often marks the devoted

scientist or profound student, Armeath, without waiting for any reply to

the question he had asked, stepped past the two youngsters and walked

almost to the edge of the bluff. There he gazed first at the sandy

shore fifty feet or more below, then out over the glistening sea to the

distant horizon, and finally at the deep-blue, star-spangled sky

overhead.

Behind the three, at a distance of a few hundred yards, was the

building--or rather group of buildings--which formed their home. These

were built bungalow-fashion, save as to one part--the observatory--which

rose above the rest, with detached dwelling-places for their attendants

close by.

Inland, the ground fell away, and there was on one side a winding road

down to the shore. On the other side, the ground rose again towards

higher ridges in the centre of the island.

The old man remained for some minutes gazing fixedly upwards; the two

young fellows, very much surprised, and--if the truth be told--a little

awed by his demeanour, remained also motionless, gazing alternately at

him and at each other.

Suddenly the sage uttered a sort of cry--an exclamation so strange, so

thrilling, that his companions were startled, and stared anxiously

about, seeking for an explanation.

Then they saw him raise an arm and point to the sky, and, following the

direction thus indicated, they both started and stood and gazed fixedly

as though spell-bound.

'Look!' exclaimed Jack. 'It is a meteor!'

And that was all that was said--all, indeed, there was time for. There

was no time for questions, for comments, for anything, in fact, save a

great gasp of astonishment, and scarcely even for that.

Careering towards them through the upper air, at what seemed lightning

speed, was something which left a long, luminous trail behind it. Rays

and flashes of light of different colours burst from it in its course,

darting out in all directions. A low, rushing sound became audible,

which quickly increased in volume until it became a terrific, deafening,

overwhelming roar.

There was a sudden disturbance in the air, as of the approach of a

whirlwind, and a crackling noise as of the discharge of fireworks.

Then something seemed to shoot past them into the sea, the 'wind' from

it almost brushing them aside like that caused by a shell fired from

some colossal cannon.

From the sea came a mighty crash as of a loud explosion, while columns

of water and clouds of vapour rose into the air. The water came right

over the top of the cliff, drenching the amazed spectators, and almost

sweeping one--it was Jack--off his feet.

Hardly had the spray cleared away when there was another commotion in

the water. The sea, boiling and chafing, seemed to rise up into a

pyramid, and from it a huge dark mass shot up into the air, dropping

back into the sea again with a plunge only a little less violent than

that which had accompanied its first fall.

For a brief space it was lost to view, and then it reappeared, shooting

again high into the air, as might a gigantic whale throwing itself out

of the sea in sport or an endeavour to escape some terrible marine foe.

These mad leaps and plunges were repeated again and again, becoming each

time less in height and violence, until at last they ceased.

It was some time, however, before the agitation in the water came to an

end. Great waves rushed booming along the shore, dashing wildly up the

face of the cliffs, sending clouds of spray flying over their summits

far inland.

But after a while the commotion subsided, the sea became smooth on the

surface, and there remained only a gentle heaving, as from a ground

swell.

And there, at a little distance from the shore, the cause of all this

disturbance was plainly to be seen--an immense, egg-shaped mass many

hundreds of feet in length, floating as lightly and buoyantly upon the

still-heaving water as if it had been an immense football.

*CHAPTER II.*

*WHAT GERALD SAW.*

Seldom, perhaps, have there been seen three people more puzzled and

amazed than the little group who had witnessed the tremendous advent of

the wondrous 'meteorite'--for such it appeared to be--and now stood

gazing at it in helpless astonishment as it floated quietly in the sea

only a short distance from the shore.

It was some time before either Jack or Gerald spoke, and when they at

last found speech, they had little to say beyond vague, incoherent

exclamations.

Presently an impulse came upon them to run down the path which led to

the shore, thinking that they might get a better view from there of this

extraordinary new arrival from the realms above. Perhaps a closer look

might yield some clue as to the nature of the strange visitor.

But a nearer view did not help them much. All that they could see, when

they arrived on the sandy margin, was what they had already seen from

above--and that was a huge mass composed of some material not heavy

enough to sink, and--as a natural consequence--light enough to float.

What could it be? It was, presumably, a meteorite--so Armeath

pronounced--but of what kind? Who had ever heard of a meteorite of such

a size, and above all, of a material light enough to float in water?

'Don't you wish you had gone in to your supper, Jack?' Gerald asked

mischievously. 'Had you done so you would not have witnessed this

wonder.'

'It's all very well to pretend to joke about it,' returned Jack,

affecting to grumble; 'but it's rather serious, you know. The giddy

thing might have hit one of us a nasty crack on the head, or something

worse. This all comes of your busying yourself about what doesn't

concern you, Gerald. You've bothered about the stars above us so long

that, as you can't get up to them, one of 'em's come down to pay a visit

to you.'

'Well, it's likely to prove a grand find, anyhow. It must be made of

some substance unknown to science, and its discovery may bring us all

name and fame; so its arrival is bound to be a gain to us.'

'It's been nearer bringing us pain than gain, I guess,' was Jack's

retort. 'But what on earth are we going to do with the thing? How can

we hope to get a great, round affair like that ashore?'

'Well, Tom, you seem to be pondering something very weighty in your

mind. Have you thought of a likely plan for getting this pretty

plaything ashore in the morning?'

Gerald addressed these words to one of their attendants, Tom Clinch by

name, a grizzled, rough, but worthy old sailor, who had known Gerald all

his days. He had been indoors when the meteorite fell, and had not

therefore witnessed its arrival. As the sound of its fall reached his

ears he had rushed out, with others of the attendants--chiefly

natives--most of whom had gone off shrieking and panic-stricken towards

the interior of the island. Only Tom and another sailor had stood their

ground.

'Humph! It's a rum sort o' visitin' star, this 'ere, Mr Gerald,' said

the old mariner, with a wise shake of the head. 'Got out of its coorse,

I reckon, the channel not being buoyed; onless,' he added, a sudden

thought striking him as he noted how lightly the mass floated, 'onless

this be one of the buoys which 'as got loose from its moorin's above,

an' toppled over down 'ere, d'ye see?'

With comments and talk such as this, the islanders passed the time while

waiting for the morning. They felt too restless and excited to 'turn

in,' with the exception of Mr Armeath. He, after a while, deeming that

there was nothing to be gained by waiting outside, went back to his own

rooms, leaving instructions that he was to be called at once if anything

fresh occurred.

His wards remained on the watch, however, and with them their two sailor

hands, Tom Clinch and Bob Reid; and in due course the moon went down and

it became quite dark. Then, behold! there was another wonder to be

added to the rest--the whole great mass became luminous! Not only that,

but queer shadows came and went upon it, as though something were in

motion upon the surface or just beneath it.

The news of this being conveyed to Armeath brought him out again; but he

could not account to his own satisfaction for this new phase.

'It may be that it is composed of some highly phosphorescent mineral,'

was the only explanation he could suggest.

At last the morning dawned, and, immediately it was light, Armeath and

his two young companions, without waiting for breakfast, put off in a

boat, with the two sailors, to examine the meteorite more closely.

It was still there, but the slight wind had drifted it up to a sandy

ledge close inshore, and it appeared to be now resting on the sand.

They rowed up to it and were not a little surprised to find that the

whole mass was perfectly smooth like glass. Still more mystifying was

it to see that there were bands at regular intervals extending 'from

stem to starn,' as Tom expressed it, 'jest for all the world like the

hull of a great boat.'

They rowed all round it, their wonderment and astonishment growing all

the time. They computed that it must be considerably over a thousand

feet in length, by, perhaps, a hundred feet in diameter.

Suddenly Gerald uttered a loud exclamation. Jack, glancing at him, saw

that he was pointing to a place in the side of the mass and staring at

it as though his eyes were about to start out of his head.

'What on earth's up, old man?' he asked in alarm. 'Have you got an

attack of nerves again, or'----

'Jack!' cried Gerald, seizing his chum's arm, 'd-didn't you see--didn't

you see them?'

'Them--what--who?' asked Jack, bewildered.

'People--men--moving about! I declare that I saw some men moving about

inside the--the--thing!'

'You 're barmy, my good Gerald! This little astronomical raree-show has

been too much for those imaginative nerves of yours. I see nothing.

Perhaps you saw shadows thrown by some birds flying overhead.'

'No, oh no! A thousand times no! I tell you I saw people--two or

three--moving about inside that smooth, slippery surface. They were

very dim and shadowy, it is true, but they were there. I saw them just

as one might see anything through very thick, semi-opaque glass. What

does it mean? I tell you it's uncanny! There's some strange mystery

about it all. This thing is not what it seems to be. What, in the name

of all that is wonderful, does it mean?'

Jack looked at the smooth, shining sides which rose from the water and

towered up high in the air. But he could see nothing to account for

Gerald's wild words; and he then glanced inquiringly, with real alarm

and trouble in his eyes, at Armeath.

'I am afraid,' said the scientist, with a grave smile, 'that Gerald is

letting his exuberant imagination run away with him this morning. I

confess I see nothing of the kind he described. It must have been some

strange effect of the rays of the sun, which is not very high yet,

striking at an angle upon these remarkable, shining sides.'

Gerald shook his head impatiently, but made no verbal reply; and they

rowed round and round the phenomenon, without finding anything to

satisfy their curiosity. Armeath examined the smooth sides closely,

sometimes through a magnifying glass. He even tried to chip off a piece

with a hammer and a chisel; but it was so hard that he could make no

impression upon it, and so slippery that his chisel glanced off and flew

from his hand into the sea.

After a good deal of rowing to and fro, and a considerable amount of

critical examination, which threw not the slightest light upon the

puzzling lump of mystery, it was decided to return to shore for their

breakfast.

Even over their meal, however, their talk continued to run upon the

all-engrossing subject. Jack rallied his chum unmercifully upon the

extraordinary statement he had made; but Gerald refused to admit that he

might have been mistaken.

'I saw what I told you!' he persisted doggedly. 'I may be a bit of a

dreamer at times, but I don't "see visions" to that extent. No, there

is some awful, inscrutable, incredible mystery about it all! Well, we

'll wait and see. We shall find out, I suppose, in good time.'

With such discussions and speculations the day passed, without bringing

anything fresh in the way of enlightenment.

When evening came, Jack declared his fixed resolution not to allow the

puzzle to deprive him of another night's sleep. After supper,

therefore, he went off incontinently to bed; and as Armeath shut himself

up as usual, Gerald was left to himself.

Still restless and perplexed, dissatisfied with the explanations and

theories which had been propounded, Gerald felt no inclination to 'turn

in.' Something within him--some vague impulse he could not analyse,

above all, the recollection of the mysterious, shadowy figures he

believed he had seen through the semi-transparent 'shell,' as Jack now

called it--urged him to remain on the watch.

'As Mr Armeath says,' he thought to himself, 'if a wind were to spring

up it might be gone by to-morrow. We may as well, therefore, keep an

eye on it while it is here, and watch its departure when it goes.'

In order to carry out his idea, he required a reliable assistant, and

this he found in Tom Clinch. Not only had Tom known Gerald all his

life, as already stated, but he had served his father before him, and he

had now transferred his devotion to the son. When, therefore, the young

fellow sought him out and told him what he required, Tom was ready

enough to lend his aid.

'We 'll keep a watch, Mr Gerald,' he responded, 'turn and turn about,

all night, an' have the boat ready in case we wants it. Fur my part, I

think ye're only actin' cautious-like. Nobody can tell what's goin' to

happen next when things like this once begin fallin' from the skies.

I've 'eerd it said as 'ow theer's supposed to be a great bear, an'

scorpions, an' crabs in the sky. An' after this, who can say but they

might come a-rainin' down on us an' eat us all up in our sleep?'

Honest Tom had heard vaguely of the constellations of stars called by

those names, and had very loose notions as to what they meant.

'Well, I hope it won't be as bad as that,' Gerald answered with a smile.

'But I shall be very glad of your company on my night-watch, all the

same.'

So it was arranged; and the two betook themselves to a part of the shore

where there was a cave which had been utilised as a boathouse, and here

they began their watch.

The night turned out as fine as the previous one, except that there were

a few drifting clouds which now and again obscured the light of the

moon. There was scarcely any breeze, however, and the sea was, as Tom

put it, 'as calm and still as a pint of stale beer.'

For a long time nothing occurred, though they kept up their watch till

the moon had set, and it had become quite dark. Then they saw again the

luminous appearance which they had noticed before.

'Now this is what I want to investigate, Tom,' said Gerald. 'Get out

the boat quickly, and let us pull close up as silently as we can.'

The boat, which had been placed ready for launching, was slipped into

the water, Gerald putting in the stern a dark lantern, which he had

lighted.

Like a gliding shadow, the boat and her two occupants--the sailor rowing

and Gerald steering--approached the huge 'meteorite,' now all aglow with

a strange, dim light. The oars, well greased, made no sound, and they

passed silently along the side nearest the shore, rounded the end, and

were making their way back upon the outer side, when Gerald put a hand

upon his companion as a signal to stop rowing.

They were then about the centre of the great mass, on the side which was

away from the shore and faced the sea. There the boat remained

stationary, Gerald staring intently at the curious shimmering wall which

towered up at a distance of twenty or thirty feet.

'See, Tom! Look!' he suddenly whispered excitedly. 'See! There are

the shadows--the forms of people! There! Now, who was right?'

'Heaven defend us!' breathed Tom fervently. 'Whatever do it mean? Be

the thing bewitched?'

'Hush! Whatever you see, do not utter a word--not a sound--on your

life! I believe they're coming out!'

Decidedly it was no trick of the imagination this time, at any rate.

There were actually figures, as of men, moving about inside. They could

be dimly seen through the semi-opaque outer wall or shell. What they

were, how they were dressed, or what they were doing, was not clear; but

actual, moving, living beings they certainly were.

Something now seemed to be shifted inside, as though a screen had been

removed, and at once the figures could be distinguished more plainly.

But ere Gerald could fix his attention upon one or another among them, a

sort of door had opened in the smooth, shining side, a platform had been

run out, and now remained extended in a horizontal position.

Then a tall, noble-looking man appeared in the doorway, stepped on to

the platform, and remained there, gazing out over the darkling waters.

*CHAPTER III.*

*STRANGE VISITORS.*

Gerald, resting almost spell-bound upon his seat in the boat, with

difficulty repressed a gasp of astonished admiration as his gaze fell

upon the stranger, whom he could see very clearly, even down to the

smallest detail of his dress, in the soft but intense light which issued

from the opening behind him.

Gerald saw before him a man, tall and commanding in stature, yet so

exactly proportioned as scarcely to look his real height--muscular

without being stout, light and graceful in carriage without being thin.

His refined, clear-cut features, which were free from any trace of beard

or moustache, were those of a man in the very prime of life. The skin

was smooth and clear, and as light in hue as in the average English

type. The mouth was delicately chiselled, and very expressive; and the

high, massive brow had a character all its own, conveying an idea of

lofty serenity. Beneath, as it were, were traces of an irresistible

will and a certain sense of latent power, which were somehow felt by the

spectator rather than openly declared. The eyes were large, dark, and

luminous, and their gaze searching and penetrating, appearing to be

capable either of winning gentleness or the most terrible sternness.

Altogether, Gerald decided, a man to be loved and trusted, or hated and

dreaded, according to whether he were a friend or an enemy; a born

leader of men, a being of indescribable majesty and dignity in general

appearance, yet possessed of a singular simplicity and charm of manner.

As to the dress of this attractive stranger, it is more difficult to

describe, for the reason that Gerald perceived at once that the material

was unlike anything he had ever seen before. There was a long tunic,

with a belt of gold, and a very picturesque head-dress not unlike that

in vogue in England in the days of Henry the Eighth; while the arms and

legs were encased in garments which fitted closely, showing the figure

clearly. That much was plainly to be seen. But what the dress

consisted of was a puzzle, for it seemed to have a sheen of its own, a

sort of shimmer which did not appear to be altogether reflected light.

There were several little ornaments here and there, such as buckles on

the shoes and another on the shoulder; but the chief embellishment was a

large star upon the breast, which flashed and sparkled and seemed to be

worked in diamonds.

Behind this regal figure were three or four others, who stood

respectfully in the background, evidently in attendance upon him.

Suddenly, while Gerald still gazed in ever-increasing wonder upon the

unexpected scene, the stranger reeled as though suffering from an attack

of faintness. He put his hand to his breast, and appeared to be panting

for breath. Blood showed upon his face and ran off on to his dress, and

the next moment he staggered and fell off the platform into the sea.

Gerald did not hesitate. He guessed that the man must have fainted; he

knew that the spot where he had fallen in was outside the ledge on which

the supposed 'meteorite' was resting; that it was of unfathomable depth,

and that, therefore, his danger was imminent and deadly. Throwing off

his jacket, therefore, Gerald dived into the water, and that with such

promptitude that the second splash followed closely upon the first.

But the stranger had fallen from a height, and the impetus carried him

down faster than that gained by Gerald's dive from the boat, so that he

failed to grasp the fainting stranger, and was compelled to swim

downwards in the hope of finding him.

Down, down, ever down, he went, clawing at the water with fierce energy,

and battling his way with feverish determination, knowing that, with

those awful depths beneath him, the stranger's one and only chance of

life lay in his--Gerald's--overtaking and gripping him.

It was a long and terrible struggle--long, that is, comparatively--and

the pressure of the water became oppressive, when, at last, just as the

plucky diver felt he must give up and return to the surface, his hand

touched something. His fingers closed at once upon it, and he felt that

he had secured his prize.

A few seconds later he had regained the surface, and found himself,

panting, and all but exhausted, close to the boat, from which Clinch was

watching for him. The sailor was aiding his search upon the waters

around by throwing on them the rays from the dark lantern, which had

been lighted and placed ready to hand in the stern.

A stroke or two brought the boat close enough for Gerald to get a hold

upon it with one arm, while with the other he supported in the water the

stranger's insensible form.

'Wait, sir; wait an' get yer breath!' counselled the old sailor. 'Take

it easy, Mr Gerald! I 'll hold on to t' other chap, never fear! You

let go on 'im, an' get yer breath!'

So Gerald loosed his hold upon the one he had rescued, and a little

later had recovered sufficiently to be able to scramble into the boat.

Then he gave his aid to Clinch, and between them they lifted the

stranger in also.

'Where to now, Mr Gerald?' asked Tom, a little dazedly. All these

sudden happenings, as he afterwards phrased it, had been 'a little

trying to the works of the upper story, an' had set 'em spinnin'.' In

other words, his brain was in a whirl.

Gerald looked round, and saw that a ladder had been lowered from the

platform; and seizing the oars, he rowed the boat to the place. Two

strangers were waiting on the lower part of the ladder. To Gerald's

surprise they wore masks upon their faces, and he noted that all the

other strangers were now masked also.

As the boat came alongside, and Tom raised the inanimate form in his

arms, the two on the ladder seized it, and carried it up the ladder,

across the platform, and out of sight. A moment or two later the ladder

was drawn up in very sudden fashion, the platform was run in, and then

the doorway closed up completely, leaving nothing to mark the place

where it had been.

The great mass lost its luminous appearance, and the two in the boat

found themselves in complete darkness.

'Well, I 'm sugared!' exclaimed Tom, or words to that effect. 'If that

don't take the cake! Never so much as a "good-bye," or "thank yer

kindly," or---- Well!' He gave a great gasp, words altogether failing

to explain his feelings.

'You forget, Tom, that they probably don't know our language, and we

shouldn't understand theirs,' said Gerald. 'You must remember that they

are foreigners--er--that is--h'm!--strangers, you know, from

another'----

He hesitated, and broke off. For what could he say? Strangers these

people certainly were; but foreigners? Well, that depended upon the

point of view--travellers from where? Another world? The suggestion

seemed monstrous--preposterous! Yet where else could they have come

from? If it seemed impossible--incredible--to think of them as

travellers from another sphere, it was certainly no less impossible to

regard them as inhabitants of the Earth. No mortal upon our globe had

yet succeeded in manufacturing an affair like this 'meteorite,' and

travelling about in it; that much was certain. To conceive it possible

was to imagine a miracle quite as wonderful as to suppose that this

extraordinary flying-machine--for something of that sort Gerald now felt

certain it must be--had come from another planet.

However, Gerald realised that he was not in a state of mind to be able

to think clearly or logically about the matter at all. His brain, like

honest Tom's, was in a whirl; and he tried in vain to collect and

marshal his thoughts. The whole affair was too puzzling, too

extraordinary for sober thought.

'Tom, row me ashore,' he said abruptly. 'This is too much for me. I'm

going to bed.'

'Ay, ay, sir; I can unnerstan',' said Clinch, wagging his head

helplessly. 'I feels jest the same, Mr Gerald. Lawks! To think as I

should ever 'a lived to see this day!'

Gerald went ashore, but was far too excited in mind to really go to bed.

He passed the remaining two or three hours of darkness in restless

pacing up and down between the dwelling-house and the bluff, whence he

could keep observation upon the cause of his wonderment, as it lay

placidly in the water below.

Great was the astonishment of his friends when, in the morning, he

related to them the adventures of the night. It is scarcely to be

wondered at that they were--Jack certainly was--disposed at first to

regard it all as an extraordinary hallucination which had seized upon

the relater. But there was Clinch's confirmation; and in the end they

saw that there was no room left for doubt.

'Then it comes to this,' said Jack, 'we have to face the fact that we

have here, close by us, some people who are paying us a visit from

another planet! Phew! What a wake-up for our scientists! What a snub

for those wiseacres who have declared that the planets could not

possibly be inhabited! But why have our visitors shut themselves up

again? It's rather churlish after your saving that johnny from

drowning! What do they mean by it? And what was the matter with him?'

'I read it this way,' said Armeath thoughtfully. And it may as well be

here stated that after-events fully proved the correctness of his

deductions. 'These people from another world either came

involuntarily--that is to say, by accident--or they made some mistake

which resulted in their being landed upon the Earth in a fashion

different from that which they had intended. They narrowly escaped

destruction, which would certainly have come to them had they struck the

ground--this island for instance, instead of the sea--or if they had

fallen in the sea at a place where it was shallow.

'Even as it was, I imagine, their method of arrival came very near to

being a disaster. In all probability something has gone wrong with

their engines or machinery--whatever they may be--and also, probably,

some of the voyagers were injured by the shock, and required time to

recover from it. This would explain how it is that they have not shown

themselves outside sooner.'

'It's a far-reaching sort of guess, sir,' said Jack reflectively; 'but

it seems to fit the situation. It scarcely explains, however, why the

beggars should have gone off without signifying their thanks in some

way. It appears pretty certain that Gerald saved that chap's life.'

'Yes,' said Armeath slowly; 'Gerald certainly saved his life. Let us

hope that the circumstance is of good augury; that it may lead to their

being friendly when the sufferer has thoroughly recovered, and they

venture out again.'

*CHAPTER IV.*

*GERALD CARRIED OFF.*

Several days went by after the adventure recorded in the last chapter

without anything further being seen of the strangers. The friends kept

a watch upon their curious-looking abode from the shore, and sometimes

from the water; but the voyagers gave no sign. At times a muffled

hammering and clanging could be heard from inside, 'which,' as Tom

Clinch expressed it, 'confirmed Mr Armeath's 'pinion as there's summat

wrong with the works.'

To the impatient youngsters the time seemed to drag by slowly, and even

Mr Armeath himself did not conceal the curiosity he felt.

'I confess,' said he, 'that I am waiting with the most intense interest

to see what developments are in store for us. Before these people could

have constructed such a machine, they must have made many wonderful

discoveries in the sciences. What marvels they will be able to show us!'

But Gerald's feelings in the matter went beyond mere scientific

curiosity. He had been most strangely attracted by the face and general

appearance of the man whose life he had saved. The recollection of his

countenance, the expression of lofty nobility, and wondrous, indefinable

graciousness which he had read there, had fascinated him, and now seemed

to haunt him. He looked forward with eager expectation to meeting this

wonderful being again, and longed for an opportunity of becoming

friendly with him.

Under the influence of these feelings, Gerald became more restless from

day to day. He could not sleep at night, and took to staying out upon

the beach instead. There he passed the time marching to and fro

opposite to the great dark mass which, sphinx-like, remained silent and

inscrutable, and refused to divulge any more of its mysterious secrets.

One night, as he thus paced up and down in the darkness, he suddenly saw

one part of the structure light up as though screens inside had been

removed. He heard voices, and dimly saw a gangway open, after which

something which looked like a boat was pushed out quietly and smoothly

on to the water. Then shadowy figures stepped into her, and began to

row or paddle towards the shore.

'At last! At last!' thought Gerald, highly pleased. 'They are coming

ashore at last! I will go forward to greet them!'

Had he not been so taken up with the expectation of meeting again the

one who had so attracted his interest, he would probably have felt some

distrust at the fact that these strangers should be coming ashore thus

stealthily in the darkness instead of in the daylight. No suspicion,

however, entered his mind, and he ran forward to welcome them just as

the boat grounded on the sand. From her stepped out three figures, who

came towards him.

What happened next he was never able to say with certainty. He was

conscious of a quick movement on the part of one of the three, and he

felt a slight pricking sensation in one of his hands, somewhat as though

he had been touched by a very sharp needle.

Then a giddiness seized him, his legs seemed to give way under him, and

he sank, rather than fell, to the ground, and rolled over. When he

tried to rise he found that he had no sort of control over his muscles;

they refused to act, and he was unable to move so much as a finger.

Even his voice refused to obey his will, for he vainly tried to cry out;

no sound issued from his lips.

Two of the dark figures who had just landed came forward, picked him up,

and carried him to the waiting boat. There he was thrown down very much

as if he had been a deer which had been captured. He next felt the

craft moving through the water, he heard the _lap, lap_ of the ripple

against the sides, followed by a bump when it reached the end of its

short voyage.

Then he was hauled up through the air and carried some distance through

seemingly interminable passages, which he knew were well-lighted; for,

though he could not move, he was quite conscious, and could not only

hear but could see whatever came within the range of his eyes.

Presently he was cast down upon the floor of a small chamber, where he

was left to himself, his captors closing the door with noisy

accompaniments which sounded like the turning of keys and the shooting

of bolts into their sockets.

And there he lay, utterly unable to move, in an agony of mind which can

be better conceived than described. He was like one in a trance; and

wild, weird tales came into his mind of persons who had fallen into a

similar state, and had been believed to be dead when they were really

still alive. Did the people who had brought him there think he was

dead, he wondered, or were they aware of the true state of the case?

The question suggested terrible possibilities. These strangers must be

formidable beings indeed! Seemingly, they possessed dread powers and

strange secrets. It looked as though they could throw an enemy at will

into this terrible condition. But why they should regard him as an

enemy to be treated thus, more especially after what he had been able to

do for the one who had fallen into the sea, poor Gerald was at a loss to

guess.

In his helplessness and dread of what the end might be, he prayed

earnestly for help and deliverance. It seemed as though no earthly

friends could aid him, but he did not lose faith in the power of the one

Great Friend above, and to Him his prayers were many and fervent. And

after a while it seemed as though those supplications were heard.

Slowly, but surely, feeling crept back into his useless muscles, and the

power to use them returned. Little by little the control over his limbs

returned, until at last, with a long breath of relief and a grateful

prayer of thankfulness, he was able to stand up and move about his

prison-chamber.

First he examined himself to see if there was any wound which would

account for what had happened to him; but he could find nothing save a

slight mark on the right hand. He remembered that he had felt a

pricking sensation there just before he had collapsed upon the beach;

after which there had been a tingling which had spread quickly all over

his body. And that was all he knew.

Ere, however, he could carry his memory and his speculations further,

the door of the chamber was opened, and several persons entered abruptly

and stood for a while regarding him in silence.

Gerald, on his side, looked back at them curiously, and he was not by

any means favourably impressed by his first survey of them. He decided

at once that they were soldiers, though their dress and accoutrements

were very different from anything he had ever seen before. They all

wore beards, and were dark, both as to their hair and their complexions.

Their costumes, which were a curious dull-gray in tint, had that

peculiar, shimmering sheen which he had noted in the dress of the

stranger who had fallen into the sea. The fashion, too, was much the

same, the principal garment being the tunic, with a belt, and the

picturesque head-dress.

These people all bore shields, which, strange to say, seemed to be of

glass, for they were perfectly transparent; and by way of arms each had

an odd-looking twisted pole or spear, which looked like two rods of

polished steel entwined together. At the top was a flat, spear-shaped

piece of light-coloured silvery metal, with three points or prongs

instead of one. Stuck into the belt of each, as people might stick

pistols, were two or three smaller articles. One of them looked like a

hunting-knife or dagger; but regarding the others, Gerald could form no

sort of idea as to their use or meaning, and could only vaguely guess

that they were probably weapons of a kind unknown to dwellers upon the

Earth.

One of these men, who appeared to be their officer, motioned to Gerald

to follow him, and turned and led the way. Outside there were half a

dozen more men in waiting, all similarly dressed. The officer signed to

Gerald to follow a couple of these, while he himself, with the others,

fell in behind; and thus they all marched onwards in double file, like a

squad of soldiers.

They traversed many passages and galleries, where Gerald saw plenty to

attract attention and excite wonder. They passed also people standing

about in small groups, and these looked as curiously at the

prisoner--for such he felt himself to be--as did he at them. There was,

however, no time or opportunity for more than a fleeting glance; he was

hurried onwards, till suddenly there came a great surprise.

Passing through an entrance, which in massiveness and design seemed to

the wondering captive more like the gateway to a medieval castle than a

doorway one might expect to find in such a place, they emerged into a

large open space.

Gerald looked round, and as he did so, a gasp of astonishment escaped

him. He found himself in what had all the appearance of a spacious,

lofty hall, with a domed roof, around which glittered numerous lights.

But his attention was at once drawn to the other end of the room. Here

was a dais, and upon it were several persons. They were seated, for the

most part, on handsomely carved and upholstered armchairs; but two of

the latter were higher and larger than the rest, so that they partook

rather of the character of thrones, and of these one again was larger

and more important-looking than the other. Very strange affairs were

these two high seats, ornamented as they were with carvings representing

heads of the queerest-looking creatures that can well be imagined. The

high backs curled over above, fashioned again in the shapes of heads of

most horrible, fantastic monsters; smaller heads, vying with them in

frightful ugliness, formed the ends of the arms.