bout the boss and powerfully project it thence in a
direct line with the longitudinal axis of the ship. Crowning the whole
there was a low superstructure immediately over and of the same length
as the bilge-keels, very much resembling the upper works of a double-
bowed vessel such as are some of the small Thames river steamers. This
was decked over, and afforded a promenade about two hundred feet long by
thirty feet wide. And, lastly, rising from the centre of this deck
there was a spacious pilot-house with a dome-like roof, from the
interior of which the movements of the vessel could be completely
controlled. The entire hull of the vessel, excepting the double-bowed
superstructure, was left unpainted, and it shone like a polished mirror.
The superstructure, however, was painted a delicate grey tint, with the
relief of a massive richly gilded cable moulding all round the shear-
strake and the further adornment of a broad ribbon of a rich crimson hue
rippling through graceful wreaths of gilded scroll-work at bow and
stern, the name _Flying Fish_ being inscribed on the ribbon in gold
letters. Altogether, notwithstanding her unusual form, the aerial ship
was an exceedingly graceful and elegant object, and, but for her
enormous proportions, looked admirably adapted for her work.

Under other circumstances the professor would probably have been
seriously offended at the baronet's incredulous exclamation; but as it
was he was so confident of his success--so gratified and triumphant
altogether--that he could afford to be not only forgiving but actually
tolerant. He therefore replied to Sir Reginald only with a mute smile
of amused compassion for the baronet's lamentable ignorance and
unbelief.

The professor's smile somewhat reassured Sir Reginald, though he still
continued to eye his novel possession very dubiously.

"You once spoke of Atlantic liners," he at last remarked to the
professor; "but surely this craft is larger than the largest Atlantic
liner afloat. What are her dimensions?"

"She is six hundred feet long, by sixty feet diameter at the point of
her greatest girth," quietly replied the professor.

"And do you mean to tell me that such a monster will ever float in the
air?" ejaculated the baronet, his incredulity returning and taking
possession of him with tenfold tenacity.

"I do," answered the professor firmly, his self-love at length becoming
slightly ruffled. "In that ship you shall to-night soar