and sorceress Thoubool, the high priestess
Zooly-Soase, the lord of art Yermoul, Governor Ladalmir, Generals Pra
and Nototherboc. The chief priests of poetry, painting, music,
architecture and decoration, and Professors Rackiron, Goldrock and
Starbottle, Dr. Merryferry and Flathootly were also created generals
of the army, being at the same time relieved from service in the
fleet.

Rear-Admiral Wallace was promoted to full command of the fleet during
my absence therefrom, with the title of admiral.

As president of the council, I spoke as follows:

"Supreme General Hushnoly and generals of the army of Her Majesty
Lyone, Queen of Atvatabar, you are aware of the nature of the crisis
that calls us together and the cause to which we devote our lives and
fortunes. Our beloved queen, for whom we fight, is in the hands and at
the mercy of a cruel tyrant. We may hear of her death at any moment.
Such an event would crush our hopes and blast our cause beyond hope of
recovery. We must be both bold and prudent. We must concentrate our
forces to withstand the onset of the enemy. A proclamation must be
issued making Kioram, which is under the protection of the fleet, the
headquarters of the army and the rallying-ground for volunteers. Our
arsenal in the fortress will begin at once to make revolvers, under
the superintendence of General Rackiron, for the use of our wayleals.
Armed with these, one hundred thousand wayleals will be equal to half
a million men without such weapons.

"We must strike a mighty blow as soon as possible for the sake of
Lyone, our queen. Once break the power of the king, and he will be
glad to sue for peace by liberating our adored idol, the pride of
Atvatabar."

These sentiments were applauded with impetuous excitement.

Hushnoly caused telegraphic despatches as to the proceedings of the
council to be sent to Egyplosis, Gnaphisthasia, and to sympathizers in
Calnogor, calling on volunteers for the army of the queen to report
themselves at Kioram without delay.

Admiral Wallace was instructed to send vessels to various points on
the coast of Atvatabar, to receive volunteers and supplies and
transmit them to Kioram with all possible speed.

The mines of precious metals of the queen, situated on the northern
coast of the kingdom, and the materials for making guns, gunpowder and
terrorite, were to be accumulated at Kioram without delay.

Professor Rackiron agreed, if furnished with men and materials, to