not build large vessels for the navigation of the ether--artificial
planets in fact--and go cruising about in space, from universe to
universe, on a celestial Cook's excursion--"

"We are doing that now, I believe."

"Yes, but in tow of the Sun. Not at our own sweet will, like gipsies in
a caravan. Independent, free of rent and taxes, these hollow planetoids
would serve for schools, hotels, dwelling-houses--"

"And lunatic asylums."

"They would relieve the surplus population of the globe," continued
Gazen, warming to his theme. "It is an idea of the first political
importance--especially to British statesmen. The Empire is only in its
infancy. With a fleet of ethereal gunboats we might colonise the solar
system, and annex the stars. What a stroke of business!"

"Another illusion gone," I observed "Think of Manchester cotton in the
Pleiades! Of Scotch whiskey in Orion! However, I am afraid your policy
would lead to international complications. The French would set up a
claim for 'Ancient Lights.' The Germans would discover a nebulous
Hinterland under their protection. The Americans would protest in the
name of the Monroe Doctrine. It is necessary to be modest. Let us return
to our muttons."

"Everybody will be able to pick a world that suits him," pursued Gazen,
still on the trail of his thought. "If he grows tired of one he can look
round for a better. Criminals will be weeded out and sent to Coventry, I
mean transplanted into a worse. When a planet is dying of old age, the