A Chief of the Order pronounced a brief but touching eulogy on the deceased.

Another expressed on behalf of all their sympathy with the bereaved father and family.

Consigned to their care, the case that contained all that now remained to us of the last male heir of the Founder's house was removed for conveyance to the mortuary chamber of the subterrene Temple.

But ere those so charged had turned to leave the chamber in which the ceremony had passed, a flash so bright as at noonday to light up the entire peristyle and the chambers opening on it, startled us all; and a sentinel, entering in haste and consternation, announced the destruction of our balloon by a lightning flash from the weapon of some concealed enemy.

Esmo, at this alarming incident, displayed his usual calm resolve.