“Well,” resumed the guide, “he took a notion to go to Earth, taking the elephant with him and I have never heard what he afterwards did with it, but he is back again at his beloved laboratory on Uranus working incessantly on another invention that will astonish the universe, so he says, when he completes it.”
“And what is it to be?” cried the Prince.
“Another air-ship, but of such large proportions and ease of handling that few people can even imagine anything as perfect.”
“I am sure you would like to know what became of the elephant he took to the Earth,” said Harold, “and I will tell you. That elephant belongs to me and it is now on the Mercurian Island.”
“What!” exclaimed the guide, “You own the elephant and it is now on the Mercurian Island?”
“Yes,” replied Harold.
“But will you kindly tell me how you ever got a big heavy thing like that up in Star-land?”
“Certainly. The balloon carried it up.”
“Balloon! Who ever heard of a balloon in connection with an elephant? I never did.”
“Well, there was one and a very good one at that,” said Harold.