e could not wear it with the same hopeful grace.

"Cheer up!" whispered Thorndyke, as they followed the captain through
a long corridor, "if we are on our way to the stake or block we are at
least going dressed like gentlemen."

Outside they found the streets lined with spectators eagerly waiting to
see them pass. The men all had suits like those which had been given the
captives, and the women wore flowing gowns like those of ancient Greece.

"These are the common people," whispered Thorndyke to Johnston, "but
did you ever dream of such perfect features and physiques? Every face is
full of merriment and good cheer. I am curious to see the royalty."

Johnston made no reply, for Captain Tradmos turned suddenly and faced
them.

"Stand here till I return," he said, and he went back into the house.

"Where in the deuce do you think we are?" pursued Thorndyke with a grim
smile.

"Haven't the slightest idea," sighed Johnston, and he shuddered as he
looked down the long white street with its borders of human faces.

Thorndyke was observant.

"There is not a breath of air stirring," he said; "and yet the
atmosphere is like impalpable delicacies to a hungry man's stomach.
Look at that big tree, not a leaf is moving, and yet every breath I draw
is as fresh as if it came from a mountain-top. Did you ever see such
flowers as those? Look at that ocean of orchids."

"They think we are a regular monkey-show," grumbled the American. "Look
how the crowd is gaping and shoving and fighting for places to see us."

"It's your legs they want to behold, old fellow. Do you know I never
knew you had such knotty knee-joints; did you ever have rheumatism? I
wish I had 'em; they wouldn't put me to death--they would make me the
chief attraction in the royal museum." Thorndyke concluded his jest with
a laugh, but the face of his friend did not brighten.

"You bet that medical examination meant something serious," he said.

"Pooh!" and the Englishman slapped his friend playfully on the shoulder.

"Since I have seen that vast crowd of well-developed people, and
remember what that medicine man said, I have made up my mind that we are
going to be separated." Poor Johnston's lip was quivering.

"Rubbish! but there comes the captain; put on a bold front; talk up New
York; tell 'em about Chicago and the Fair, and ask to be allowed to
ride in their Ferris Wheel--if they ain't got no wheel, ask 'em when the
first train leaves town."

"This