You have built this airship of mine on lines which have never before been attempted;--you have given it wings which are plumed like the wings of a bird, not with quills, but with channels many and minute, to carry the runlets of the 'emanation' from the substance held in the containers at either end of the vessel,--its easy flight therefore should not surprise you.

Briefly--we have filled a piece of mechanism with the composition or essence of Life!--that is the only answer I can give to your enquiring looks!--let it be enough!" "But, Madama"-- ventured Gaspard--"that composition or essence of Life!--what is it ?" There was an instant's silence.

Every man's head craned forward eagerly to hear the reply.

Morgana smiled strangely.
"That," she said--"is MY secret!".