Book VII

THE EMPIRE OF THE AIR

FROM THE REPORT OF CRISTOFEROS, WAR-SCRIBE TO THE NATIONAL COUNCIL.
July 7, 1907.

When the Gospodar Rupert and Captain Rooke came within hailing
distance of the strange ship, the former hailed her, using one after
another the languages of England, Germany, France, Russia, Turkey,
Greece, Spain, Portugal, and another which I did not know; I think it
must have been American. By this time the whole line of the bulwark
was covered by a row of Turkish faces. When, in Turkish, the
Gospodar asked for the Captain, the latter came to the gangway, which
had been opened, and stood there. His uniform was that of the
Turkish navy--of that I am prepared to swear--but he made signs of
not understanding what had been said; whereupon the Gospodar spoke
again, but in French this time. I append the exact conversation
which took place, none other joining in it. I took down in shorthand
the words of both as they were spoken:

THE GOSPODAR. "Are you the Captain of this ship?"

THE CAPTAIN. "I am."

GOSPODAR. "To what nationality do you belong?"

CAPTAIN. "It matters not. I am Captain of this ship."

GOSPODAR. "I alluded to your ship. What national flag is she
under?"

CAPTAIN (throwing his eye over the top-hamper). "I do not see that
any flag is flying."

GOSPODAR. "I take it that, as commander, you can allow me on board
with my two companions?"

CAPTAIN. "I can, upon proper request being made!"

GOSPODAR (taking off his cap). "I ask your courtesy, Captain. I am
the representative and accredited officer of the National Council of
the Land of the Blue Mountains, in whose waters you now are; and on
their account I ask for a formal interview on urgent matters."

The Turk, who was, I am bound to say, in manner most courteous as
yet, gave some command to his officers, whereupon the companion-
ladders and stage were lowered and the gangway manned, as is usual
for the reception on a ship of war of an honoured guest.

CAPTAIN. "You are welcome, sir--you and your two companions--as you
request."

The Gospodar bowed. Our companion-ladder was rigged on the instant,
and a launch lowered. The Gospodar and Captain Rooke--taking me with
them--entered, and rowed to the warship, where we were all honourably
received. There were an immense number of men on board, soldiers as
well as seamen. It looked more like a warlike expedition than a
fighting-ship in time of peace. As we stepped on the deck, the
seamen and marines, who were all armed as at drill, presented arms.
The Gospodar went first towards the Captain, and Captain Rooke and I
followed