Preserved from corruption by the cold which Martial chemistry applies at pleasure, the corpse of Kevima looked as the living man looked in sleep, but calmer and with features more perfectly composed.  Quietly, gravely, with streaming tears, but with self-command which dispelled my fear of evil consequences to her, Eveena kissed the lips that were so soon to exist no longer.  From the actual process by which the body is destroyed, the taste and feeling of the Zinta exclude the immediate relatives of the dead; and not till the golden chest with its inscription was placed in Esmo’s hands did we take further part in the proceeding.  Then the symbolic confession of faith, by which the brethren attest and proclaim their confidence in the universal all-pervading rule of the Giver of life and in the permanence of His gift, was chanted.  A Chief of the Order pronounced a brief but touching eulogy on the deceased.  Another expressed on behalf of all their sympathy with the bereaved father and family.  Consigned to their care, the case that contained all that now remained to us of the last male heir of the Founder’s house was removed for conveyance to the mortuary chamber of the subterrene Temple.  But ere those so charged had turned to leave the chamber in which the ceremony had passed, a flash so bright as at noonday to light up the entire peristyle and the chambers opening on it, startled us all; and a sentinel, entering in haste and consternation, announced the destruction of our balloon by a lightning flash from the weapon of some concealed enemy.  Esmo, at this alarming incident, displayed his usual calm resolve.  He ordered that carriages sufficient to convey some twenty-four of the brethren should be instantly collected, and announced his resolve to escort us at once to the Astronaut.  Before five minutes had elapsed from the destruction of the balloon, Zulve and the rest of the family had taken leave of Eveena and myself.  Attended by the party mustered, occupying a carriage in the centre of the procession, we left the gate of the enclosure.  I observed, what seemed to escape even Esmo’s attention, that angry looks were bent upon us from many a roof, and that here and there groups were gathered in the enclosures and on the road, among whom I saw not a few weapons.  I was glad to remember that a party of the Zveltau still awaited Esmo’s return at his own residence.  We drove as fast as the electric speed would carry us along the road I had traversed once before in the company of her who was now my wife—­to be, I hoped, for the future my sole wife—­and of him who had been ever since our mortal enemy.  Where the carriages could proceed no further we dismounted, and Esmo mustered the party in order.  All were armed with the spear and lightning gun.  Placing Eveena in the centre of a solid square, Esmo directed me to take my place beside her.  I expostulated—­

“Clavelta, it is impossible for me to take the place of safety, when others who owe me nothing may be about to risk life on my behalf.  Eveena, as woman and as descendant of the Founder, may well claim their protection.  It is for me to share in her defence, not in her safety.”