They looked over the
amazing little rooms, watched the luggage stowed away in some marvellous
manner, saw the crew, every one at his station like a motionless figure.
Then a whistle was blown, and once more they all clasped hands.
"Very soon," Prince Shan promised, as he and Maggie leaned from the
window of the car, "I shall send the _Black Dragon_ for you, Lord
Dorminster, and for the one other whom I think you may wish to bring.
Asia is not so far off, these days, and Maggie will love to see her
friends."
Almost imperceptibly the giant airship floated away.
"Watch, both of you," Maggie cried. "I am sending you down a farewell
present." She whispered to Prince Shan, who handed her something from
his pocket, smiled, and gave an order. The great ship passed in a
semicircle and hovered almost exactly above their heads. A little shower
of small scraps of paper came floating down. Nigel picked one up,
examined it, and understood. He waved his hat.
"It is Maggie's farewell gift to England," he said, "the treaty which
Prince Shan never signed."
They stood side by side, watching. With incredible speed, the _Black
Dragon_ passed into the clouds and out again. Then, as it roared away
eastwards, the sun suddenly disclosed itself. The airship mounted
towards it, shimmering and gleaming in every part. Naida passed her hand
a little shyly through her companion's arm.
"Isn't that rather a wonderful way to depart in search of happiness?"
she murmured.
Pages:
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252