s on their successful
manoeuvre, which resulted in getting their ships across the ice. It
was a feat of engineering skill rarely possible of accomplishment, and
in their case nature had seconded their efforts by providing a smooth
and solid floor to operate upon, otherwise all human endeavor would
have been fruitless.

"And now, gentlemen," I said, "what do you say surprised you most in
your voyage hither from the ice barrier?"

"I think, admiral," said Captain Adams, "that the grandest sight on
earth is the full view of the Polar Gulf, with its suspended abyss of
waters surrounding the ship. The colossal flux and reflux of waters
produces a feeling of terrible sublimity. It is an awful scene."

"But that scene," said Sir John Forbes, "belongs to the outer world.
This aspect of the interior world of Plutusia is ten thousand times
more magnificent. What grander glory ever fell on human eyes than this
Colosseum of oceans, continents, kingdoms, islands and seas spread
upon the vast interior vault surrounding us, and all lit up by the
internal sun! The human imagination never conceived anything equal to
this. Here nature surpasses the wildest dreams of fancy. We are
astounded with the splendor of such a world!"

"You are right, Sir John," said Captain Adams; "this interior sphere
surpasses anything hitherto discovered in heaven or earth. And then to
think of its enormous riches! The royal fleet of Atvatabar, plated
with solid gold, proves the extraordinary profusion of the precious
metal."

CHAPTER XLVI.

THE ARREST OF LYONE.

While the entertainment was at its height, we were surprised by one of
the guards informing us that a messenger had arrived at the fortress
from Egyplosis, bearing for me a despatch of the utmost importance
from the high priest Hushnoly.

We were all excitement at the news, and on opening the despatch, I
read as follows:

"_To His Excellency_ LEXINGTON WHITE, _Lord Admiral of
Atvatabar, Greeting_:

"Your glorious victory over the royal fleet has awakened
popular excitement in favor of deposing His Majesty King
Aldemegry Bhoolmakar, and establishing our late beloved
goddess Lyone on the throne, as queen of Atvatabar.
Egyplosis has openly espoused the cause of Lyone, and the
sacred college of priests and priestesses have taken up arms
in favor of the goddess. His majesty, being resolved to
stamp out rebellion at any cost, has cause