Pretty prompt, aren't they ?" The prelate stood, staring with all his eyes; now at the motionless platform that hung alongside, now at the gulf below with the fairy lights strewed like stars and _nebulae_ at its bottom.

It seemed impossible to realize that this station in the air was not the normal level, and the earth not a strange foreign body that attended on it.

There came up on deck presently a dozen figures or so, carrying wraps, and talking.

It was amazing to him that they could behave with such composure.

Two were even quarrelling in subdued voices.