Page:Robert William Cole - The Struggle for Empire; A Story of the Year 2236 (1900).djvu/203

Rh were soon careering over the Atlantic Ocean, which gleamed indistinctly thousands of feet beneath. Every now and then the searchlights of a war-ship could be seen flashing below, but they were soon left far behind.

James Tarrant stood at one of the windows, and gazed at the Ocean with glittering eyes, while his pale face glowed with excitement.

'My wildest schemes are realized at last!' he murmured. 'I am the foremost scientist, I am the conqueror of the power of the Sirian system, I am Prince of Kairet, and I am husband of—of'

The name stuck in his throat, for he suddenly remembered that he had yet the most dangerous part of his business to perform, and must lead his fifty torpedo-boats to victory before he could return and claim his promised reward. He remained at the window for a long time, resting his head on his hand, and thinking over the best way of disposing his fleet so as to