lowly the machine rose. "See!" cried
Branasko, "it is under control. We must not be too hasty. Now for the
pit!"

The heart of the American was in his mouth as the long black wings waved
up and down and the air-ship, like some live thing, shuddered and swept
gracefully out of the mouth of the cave into the glare and heat of the
pit.

"Hold your breath!" yelled Branasko, and he bent lower into the car to
escape the shower of hot ashes that was falling about them. Far out
over the lake in a straight line they glided, and there came to a sudden
halt. Johnston's eyes were glued on his companion's face. Branasko sat
doubled up, every muscle drawn, his eyes bulging from their sockets.
Would he be strong enough? To Johnston everything seemed in a whirl. The
walls of the pit were rising around them.

Chapter XVI.

Thorndyke went down into his chambers to make his toilet and was ready
to leave when there was a soft rap on his door. He opened it, and to his
surprise saw Bernardino modestly draw herself back into the shadow of
the hall.

"Pardon me, but I must speak to you," she stammered in confusion.

"What is it?" he asked, going out to her.

"I want to advise you to avoid my father to-day. He is greatly
disappointed with the accident of yesterday, and he is never courteous
to strangers when he is displeased. He was particularly anxious to have
you entertained by the fete."

"Thank you; I shall keep out of his way," promised the Englishman.
"Where had I better stay--here in my rooms?"

"No, he might send for you. If you would care to see Winter Park, I can
go with you as your guide."

"I should be delighted; nothing could please me more."

"But," (as a servant passed in the room with a tray) "that is your
breakfast. Meet me at the fountain at the north entrance of the palace
in half an hour." And, drawing her veil over her face, she vanished in
the darkness of the corridor.

After he had breakfasted and sent the man away, he hastened below to the
place designated by the princess. She was waiting for him under the palm
trees, and was so disguised that he would not have known her but for her
low amused laugh as he was about to pass her.

"It would not do for any one to suspect me," she explained; "my father
would never forgive me for doing this." She pointed to a flying-machine
near by. "We must take the air; I have made all the arrangements. Winter
Park is beyond the limits of the city."

He followed her a