"And that will be but a very few weeks, I am quite sure," answered the Doctor. "It is not likely that we shall be made prisoners three months this trip. And that reminds me that I received a letter from Count Icanovich this morning, Maggie, and it inclosed one from Feodora to you."
The letters were hastily read. They were well, and Feodora had never been better in her life. The Count had been studying and practicing the new system of medicine, and, to his unbounded delight, had made some center shots. His enthusiasm was steadily increasing, and he implored the Doctor to return to Russia and co-operate with him in introducing this God-given system into that vast empire. He assured him that they had everything to hope for. The Princess was getting on quite comfortably, and the fame of what Dr. Jones had done for her had become national. Numerous physicians of note had called upon and written the Prince and himself to ascertain the facts concerning the marvelous cures that had been reported to them. The Prince and Princess sent their sincere regards, etc. Feodora wrote in a lively strain to Mrs. Jones and Mattie, and urged them to return to their castle for a good visit as soon as possible. These letters were answered promptly, the Doctor giving advice concerning a case or two that the Count had found puzzling. He promised them a visit as soon after their return from the South Pole as possible.
Two or three mornings later Washington was again packed with visitors to witness the departure of Silver Cloud for the southern extremity of the earth. Greater enthusiasm than before was expressed by everyone, for now there were no skeptics, and everybody cheered with might and main.
As on the previous occasion, the hour of noon was selected for sailing. This gave people from the surrounding country an opportunity to come in and witness the magnificent scene. It was declared a holiday by general consent, and it is no exaggeration to say that nearly the whole earth was represented in the unnumbered hosts that filled the streets, covered the housetops and surrounding hills, and every spot and place that afforded any possibility of seeing the ascent of the globe.
The friends and acquaintances that the company collectively and individually had formed were out in full force. Numerous and hearty were the handshakings; "Good-bye," and "Bon Voyage," were heard on every hand.