he power of the Tsar. I therefore accept your most kind invitation to
join your party as frankly as it was offered, and with my most hearty
thanks. Doubtless, with the advantage of a few days' calm reflection, I
shall be able to evolve some scheme for our future."

"No doubt," assented Sir Reginald. "But please do not be in any hurry
about it, for the longer you can find it convenient to remain with us,
the better shall we all be pleased. And if you happen to be anything of
a sportsman, I think we may venture to promise you some sport quite
worth having, and of a rather unique kind? Eh, Professor?"

"Aha," agreed the professor, "yes, that is so; those unicorns, for
instance." And forthwith von Schalckenberg plunged animatedly into a
description of the wonderful animals, followed by a recital of the
exciting circumstances under which they had first been seen.

Shortly after this the three men rejoined the rest of the party at the
other end of the deck, Sir Reginald remarking--

"Good friends all, I have a little bit of pleasant news for you. You
will be glad to learn that von Schalckenberg and I have, between us,
succeeded in inducing Colonel Sziszkinski to give us the pleasure of his
own and his daughter's company during a considerable portion, if not the
whole, of our cruise. There is, therefore, no need for any alteration
of our arrangements, and we may proceed to carry out our original plan
of travelling slowly southwards. The question now is whether we shall
continue our journey on the surface of the sea, or take to the air.
What say the ladies?"

Travelling upon the surface of the sea, it appeared, had no terrors for
the ladies; _mal de mer_ never troubled either of them; they were in no
hurry; they found the present conditions exceedingly pleasant, but had
no doubt that it would be equally pleasant to be flying through the air;
and so on, and so on; in short, they were in that pliant state of mind
that predisposed them to assent cordially to any proposal. It was
therefore agreed to potter along on a due southerly course all day, at a
speed of about ten knots, giving a wide berth to any craft that they
might encounter on the way, and take to the air after nightfall,
availing themselves of the hours of darkness to accomplish their journey
across Asia Minor. This arrangement was carried out in its entirety,
the party spending a very enjoyable day on deck, although there was
little or nothing to be seen