For a long time we looked in vain, but at length we saw a figure moving across the prairie which turned out to be that of—­a man.  Yes, a man like ourselves, but well stricken in years, and to judge by his costume apparently a savage.  His back was towards us, and as we floated past the professor shouted in a tone loud enough for him to hear,

“Good evening, sir.”

The native started, and lifting his eyes to the car beheld it with astonishment and awe.  He raised his hands in the air, then dropped them by his side, and sank upon his knees.

“That’s a good sign,” said Gazen with a grim smile.  “I wonder if he understands English.  Let’s try him again,” and he cried out, “What’s the name of this place?” but the car was going rapidly, and if there was any response it was lost upon the wind.

As we approached the city, the cottages became thicker and thicker.  They were of various sizes, and of a light fanciful design adapted to a warm climate.  Each of them was surrounded by a grove or garden rich in flowers and fruit.  There were grassy trails and roads from one to another, but we did not see any fields or fences, flocks or herds.

We also saw more and more of the inhabitants—­men, women, and children.  They were evidently a fine race, tall, handsome, and of white complexion; but the men in general were darker than the women.  From their gay dresses, and the condition of the land, we had set them down for savages; but on a nearer view, their lack of arms, the beauty of their homes, and their own graceful demeanour, obliged us to reconsider our opinion.  When they first saw the car they did not fly in terror, or muster hastily in armed and yelling bands.  Many of them ran and cried, it is true, but only to call their friends, and while some stood with bowed heads and upraised hands as the car floated by, others, like the old man, fell upon their knees as though in prayer.

It was getting late in the day, and the sun was now sloping to the crest of the mountain wall encircling the crater.  Accordingly we held a consultation with Carmichael as to whether we should land there, or proceed to the city.

Carmichael thought we should go on.

“But,” said Gazen, “would it not be safer to try the temper of the people first, here in the country?”

“These people are not savages,” replied Carmichael.  “They are civilised, or semi-civilised, else how could they have built so fine a city as that appears.  If we should see any signs of hostility amongst them, however, the car is plated with metal and will protect us—­we have arms and can defend ourselves—­and, besides, we can rise again, and slip away from them.”

We decided to advance, but Gazen and I took the precaution to belt on our revolvers.