As we crossed, at the height of a thousand feet, the river dividing that continent between east and west which marks the frontier of Elcavoo, a slight marked movement of agitation, a few eager whispers of consultation, in the other compartment called my attention.
As I parted the screen, the elder of the attendant brethren addressed me-- "There is danger," he said in a low tone, not low enough to escape Eveena's quick ear when my safety was in question.

"Another balloon is steering right across our path, and one in it bears, as we see through the _pavlo_ (the spectacle-like double field-glass of Mars), the sash of a Regent, while his attendants wear the uniform of scarlet and grey" (that of Endo Zampta).

"Take, I beg you, this lightning-piece.
Will you take command, or shall we act for you ?" Parting slightly the fold of the mantle I wore, for at that height, save immediately under the rays of the sun, the atmosphere is cold, I answered by showing the golden sash of my rank.

We went on steadily, taking no note whatever of the hostile vessel till it came within hailing distance.
"Keep your guns steadily pointed," I said, "happen what may.

If you have to fire, fire one at any who is ready to fire at us, the other at the balloon itself." A little below but beside us Endo Zampta hailed.