Assuredly none of us, however great his scientific curiosity, would have dreamed of incurring such a peril, and incurring it alone.

But I must give you one warning.

It is not common among us to make valuable gifts: we do not care enough for any but ourselves to give except with the idea of getting something valuable in return.

Our princes are, however, so wealthy that they can give without sacrifice, and it is considered a grave affront to refuse any present from a superior.

Whatever, then, our Suzerain may offer you--and he is almost sure, unless he should take offence, to give you whatever he thinks will induce you to settle permanently in the neighbourhood of his Court--you must accept graciously, and on no account, either then or afterwards, lead him to think that you slight his present." "I must say," I replied, "that while I wish to remain in your world till I have learnt, if not all that is to be learnt, yet very much more than I at present know about it, the whole purpose of my voyage would be sacrificed if I could not effect my return to Earth." "I suppose so," he answered, "and for that reason I wish to keep your vessel safe and within your reach; for to get away at all you may have to depart suddenly.