n me.
But though the greatest consideration in all other matters was shown me,
I could gather nothing of where we were going or what my fate was to be,
nor could I discover any means of communicating with the shore. About
midnight we got under weigh and commenced our voyage. Our destination
was the island where you found me."

"And how did Nikola treat you during the voyage and your stay on Pipa
Lannu?" I asked.

"With invariable courtesy," she replied. "A more admirable host no one
could desire. I had but to express a wish, and it was instantly
gratified. When we were clear of the land I was allowed on deck; my
meals were served to me in a cabin adjoining my own, and a stewardess
had been specially engaged to wait upon me. As far as my own treatment
went, I have nothing to complain of. But oh, you can't tell how thankful
I was to get away; I imagined all sorts of horrors."

"Well, God be thanked, it's all done with now," I said earnestly.

"And what is more," said Wetherell, "you have won one of the best
husbands in the world. Mr. Hatteras, your hand, sir; Phyllis, my
darling, yours! God bless you both."

A week later the eventful voyage was over, and we were back in Sydney
again.

Then came our marriage. But, with your kind permission, I will only give
you a very bare description of that. It took place at the cathedral, the
Primate officiating. The Marquis of Beckenham was kind enough to act as
my best man, while the Colonial Secretary, of course, gave his daughter
away.

But now I come to think of it, there is one point I _must_ touch upon in
connexion with that happy occasion, and that was the arrival of an
important present on the evening prior to the event.

We were sitting in the drawing-room when the butler brought in a square
parcel on a salver and handed it to Phyllis. "Another present, I
expect," she said, and began to untie the string that bound it.

When the first cover was removed a layer of tissue paper revealed
itself, and after that a large Russia leather case came into view. On
pressing the spring the cover lifted and revealed a superb _collet_--as
I believe it is called--of diamonds, and resting against the lid a small
card bearing this inscription:--

_"With heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Lady Hatteras,
in memory of an unfortunate detention and a voyage to the Southern
Seas,_

_"From her sincere admirer,_
_"Dr. Nikola."_

What do you think of th