Confidently he came into the wind-shielded gallery on top of _Nissr's_ port plane.

He advanced to within about six feet, stopped, gave the military salute--which they both returned--and in a throaty French that marked him as from Paris, demanded: "Which of you gentlemen is in command, here ?" "_Moi, monsieur!_" answered the Master, also speaking French.

"And what is your errand ?" "I have come to inform you, in the name of the A.C.B.'s law, recognized as binding by all air-traffic, that you and your entire crew are under arrest." "Indeed?
And then--" "I am to take charge of this machine at once, and proceed with it as per further instructions from International Aerial headquarters at Washington." "Very interesting news, no doubt," replied the Master, unmoved.

"But I cannot examine your credentials, nor can we negotiate matters of such importance in so off-hand a manner.

This gallery will not serve.