“I do not understand—” commenced Sir John, but before he could say any more the stranger spoke—haltingly it is true, and as if unused to it, but he spoke in English.
“Where are we?” cried Sir John in amazement.
“You are on, what I think you would call—Jupiter.”
“Jupiter?”
“Yes. And may I welcome you strangers to our land of plenty. I know not who you are or whence you come—but you are welcome—very welcome. But you look tired—”
“You are not enemies, then?” cried Sir John.
“Enemies?” repeated the Jovian. “I understand not the word.”
“You are friends?”
“Friends of course—we are all friends. Can you find a more beautiful word than friendship?”
“Thank God! Thank God!” cried Sir John, and with a wild “View Halloo” issuing from his lips, he fell senseless to the ground.