“It looks as if they were going to slide the ship along on rollers,” the professor replied.

Sure enough this was the giant’s plan.  A few minutes later those in the Mermaid felt her moving forward, as the giants, massed behind, shoved.  On to the poles she slid.  The ropes were loosened to permit this, but not enough to enable the boat to rise.

Then the travelers felt the ship being lifted up.

“They are going to carry us away, with the poles for a big stretcher!” cried the professor.

Looking from the side windows the boys saw that a great crowd of the big men were on either side of the Mermaid, each giant grasping a pole, and lifting.  Farther out were others, holding the ends of the cables which Washington and Andy had not succeeded in cutting.

The ship was being carried along by a thousand or more giants, as the ancient warriors, slain in battle, were carried home on the spears of their comrades.

“This is the end of the Mermaid!” murmured Mr. Henderson in sorrowful tones.

As they looked from the conning tower the professor and the two boys observed a commotion among the leaders of the giants.  They seemed to be wavering.  Suddenly the forward part of the ship sank, as those ahead laid their poles down on the ground.  Then those behind did the same, and the Mermaid, came to a stop, and once more rested on the earth.

“What does this mean?” asked the scientist in wonder.

All at once the entire crowd of giants threw themselves down on their faces, and there, standing at the bow of the ship, was a giant, half again as large as any of the others.  He was clad in a complete suit of golden armor on which the changing lights played with beautiful effect, and in his hand he held an immense golden sword.  He pointed the weapon at the ship as if he had raised it in protection, and his hand was stretched in commanding gesture over the prostrate giants.

“Perhaps he has come to save us!” cried Mark.

CHAPTER XXVII

 A great journey

Such indeed, seemed to be the case.  The golden-armored giant, after standing for a few moments in an attitude of command, waved his sword three times about his head, and uttered a command, in a voice that sounded like thunder.  Then the prostrate ones arose, and, making low bows hurried away in all directions.

Watching them disappear, the golden one sheathed his weapon and approached the ship.  He caught sight of the professor and the two boys in the conning tower, for Mark had gone there when he found the ship being transported, and held up his two hands, the palms outward.

“It is the sign of peace in the language all natives employ,” said the professor.  “I think I shall trust him.”

Followed by the boys he descended from the little platform in the tower, and to the door that opened on the deck.