and like an actual living bird sprang through the vast opening
gateway of the aerodrome and as it sprang, spread out its wings as
though by its own volition. In one moment, it soared straight
upright, far far into space, and the men who were left behind stood
staring amazedly after it, themselves looking no more than tiny
black pin-heads down below,--then, with a slow diving grace it
righted itself as it were, and as if it had of its own will selected
the particular current of air on which to sail. It travelled with a
steady swiftness in absolute silence,--its great wings moved up and
down with a noiseless power and rhythm for which there seemed no
possible explanation,--and Morgana turned her face, now delicately
flushed with triumph, on the pale and almost breathless Gaspard,
smiling as she looked at him, her eyes questioning his. He seemed
stricken dumb with astonishment,--his lips moved, but no word issued
from them.

"You believe me now, do you not?" she said--"We have nothing further
to do but to steer. The force we use re-creates itself as it works--
it cannot become exhausted. To slow down and descend to earth one
need only open the compartments at either end--then the vibration
grows less and less, and like a living creature the 'White Eagle'
sinks gently to rest. You see there is no cause for fear!"

While she yet spoke, the light of the newly risen sun bathed her in
its golden glory, the long dazzling beams filtering through
mysterious apertures inserted cunningly in the roof of the vessel
and mingling with the roseate hues of the silken sheathing that
covered its walls. So fired with light she looked ethereal--a very
spirit of air or of flame; and Rivardi, just able to see her from
his steering place, began to think there was some truth an the