upon you this symbol, Karfedix Crane, in recognition of what
you have this day done for Kondal. Wherever you may be upon Kondalian
Osnome, which from this day henceforth shall be all Osnome, you have
power as my personal representative, as my eldest son."

He drew forth a second bracelet, similar to the first except that it
bore seven disks, each differently designed, which he snapped upon
Seaton's wrist as the nobles knelt and the people back of them threw
themselves upon their faces.

"No language spoken by man possesses words sufficiently weighty to
express our indebtedness to you, Karfedix Seaton, our guest and our
savior. The First Cause has willed that you should be the instrument
through which Kondal is this day made supreme upon Osnome.

In small and partial recognition of that instrumentality, I bestow upon
you these symbols, which proclaim you our overlord, the ultimate
authority of Osnome.

While this is not the way in which I had thought to bid you farewell,
the obligations which you have heaped upon us render all smaller things
insignificant. When you return, as I hope and trust you soon will, the
city shall be built anew and we can welcome you as befits your station."

Lifting both arms above his head he continued:

"May the great First Cause smile upon you in all your endeavors until
you solve the Mystery: may your descendants soon reach the Ultimate
Goal. Goodbye."

Seaton uttered a few heartfelt words in response and the party stepped
backward toward the Skylark. As they reached the vessel the standing
Karfedix and the ranks of kneeling nobles snapped into the double
salute--truly a rare demonstration in Kondal.

"What'll we do now?" whispered Seaton.

"Bow, of course," answered Dorothy.

They bowed, deeply and slowly, and entered their vessel. As the Skylark
shot into the air with the greatest acceleration that would permit its
passengers to move about, the grand fleet of Kondalian warship fired a
deafening salute.

* * * * *

It had been planned before the start that each person was to work
sixteen hours out of the twenty-four. Seaton was to drive the vessel
during the first two eight-hour periods of each day. Crane was to
observe the stars during the second and to drive during the third.
DuQuesne was to act as observer during the first and third periods.
Margaret had volunteered to assist the observer in taking his notes
during her waking hours, and Doro