Star walked to the cabin's window and stared out at the dripping green foliage. Judging from the size of the puddles she observed, it had been raining for some time. The day was gray and sad and she wondered what was going to happen to her next. She couldn't regret being taken aboard the Albatross. The conversation between Robur and his officers clearly indicated that the Silesia had been scuttled and left to crash and sink into the Atlantic. She shivered and went to pour some coffee, grateful that the steward replaced the pot frequently.

Robur's airship had reached his base and landed while its captain indulged himself with Star. His efficient crew handled matters so smoothly, she hadn't realized they'd landed until morning. Her night with Robur had been—interesting she supposed was the word. She wondered idly now many women he kept. He reminded Star of her first millionaire, Charlie Yerkes, the Chicago transportation magnate who had, fittingly, transported her to New York. Both were dangerous men with no compunctions and no tolerance for interference. She decided that the sooner she arranged to be ransomed, the better off she'd be.

There really was nothing for Star to do other than await Robur's return. When she had peeped out the cabin's door, a uniformed guard had nodded politely to her. The guard said nothing, but she had the distinct feeling that remaining where Robur left her was the expected course.

Star walked over to the cabin window to stare outside yet again. The rain had stopped completely but the sky remained overcast. A sharp rap sounded at the door, which opened to reveal a smartly uniformed man who immediately saluted her. "Miss Kelly?" She nodded and the man saluted again. "The captain requests your presence on base. I'm to escort you." He gestured to her sealskin coat which was draped over a chair. "You might want to wear that, ma'am. You'll be chilly with no proper jacket."

She wore the woolen skirt and clean waist that had been in her "emergency kit." But the man was correct. She had no day jacket. He held the coat out and assisted her to put it on.

"Thank you—lieutenant?"

"Sergeant, ma'am. Sergeant Rourke."

Star smiled. "Then thank you Sergeant Rourke."

The sergeant led Star across lush sward of grass to a utilitarian stone building. The guards at the entrance inspected Star closely but they accepted Rourke's right to enter and permitted her to accompany him. They passed into a large chamber filled with a jarring cacophony generated by a veritable regiment of men who rushed to perform various indecipherable tasks. All of them ignored both Rourke and his companion. The sergeant preceded Star down a tiled hallway to a heavy oak door. He pushed a pearlized button and waited. At length, the door was opened by Gervais who dismissed Rourke with a gesture.

"Miss Kelly, His Excellency will see you immediately."

"How lovely," was all that she could think of to say.

Robur's office was not at all what Star had expected. There were no fiendish devices or piston driven mechanical contrivances. The walls were paneled in mahogany and the floor was covered by a plush red carpet. An oriel window overlooked a wooded expanse visible from Robur's massive desk. He did not rise to greet her but indicated that Gervais should set a chair for her.

"You may leave us now, Gervais. Miss Kelly and I have much to discuss." When they were alone, Robur regarded her with pleasure. "Ah, petite, you refresh my eyes. It is necessary to tend to business but one becomes tired of it far too soon." He steepled his hands and leaned on the desk. "Last night I mentioned to you my plan to create a film masterpiece. You indicated your willingness to appear as my leading lady. Are you still of that mind?"

"Oh yes. Of course, your Excellency." She smiled tentatively.

"Please, we are alone, ma belle. There is no need for such formality."

"Robur then." Star deliberately softened her voice to a smoky whisper. "It will be an honor to appear with you."

"Ah, then it is decided." Robur smiled broadly. "You must read my script immediately. It is possible that you might even have suggestions to improve certain scenes."

"I should love to do that, Robur. I can read the script now if you wish. But first, I would like to ask how you will arrange for my ransom to be paid. Have you a telegraph station here? How will you notify—"

"Miss Kelly—my Star! Do not speak of a ransom." He reached for her hand and held it tightly for a moment. "Your words sadden me. You are here as my guest. There is no question of either demanding or accepting money on your account."

"Oh." She blinked in surprise. "Then are you sending me to New Jersey today without waiting to hear from anybody?"

"No, ma petite. I wish for you to stay with me awhile."

"But I have a contract. I can't just fail to appear!"

Robur waved a hand in gentle denial. "There is no need for hurry. I have dispatched an agent to explain matters to the film people. It is a question of arranging an accommodation suitable for both parties. I have made them an offer I doubt they will refuse. Your contract will be postponed until the time is more convenient."

"More convenient for whom?" Star asked hotly. "You've no idea how hard I worked to get this role. If you interfere—"

"Miss Kelly," Robur interrupted coldly, "you must not question my decisions."

Star quailed at his icy stare and closed her lips tightly. "I beg your pardon, your Excellency." She sighed deeply as though stifling a sob. "Don't be angry with me. Please." She smiled tremulously and added in a small voice, "I-I'm sorry."

"Women are such children," he shook his head sadly. "One forgets." Robur opened a desk drawer and removed a red leather casket with a small golden key. "Here, ma pauvre, this will cheer you."

She accepted the leather box gingerly. "Thank you, your Excellency."

"Have I not told you to call me 'Robur' when we are in private?" He patted her hand gently. "I hope you like it."

"Oh!" Star gasped at the contents of the small coffer. "The most beautiful bracelet!" she exclaimed. "Oh, Robur! Thank you!" This time there was no doubt of her sincerity. She stared in wonder at the pigeon's-blood colored rubies and the large blue-white diamonds. "A king's ransom."

"A rajah's, actually." Robur smiled complacently. "You shall choose earrings to match." He gestured to a narrow doorway to the left of his desk. "Come." Star followed Robur into the next room and caught her breath in wonder. "So, petite, what do you think?"

"Aladdin's cave is nothing to this!" She stared in amazement at towers of both gold and silver ingots stacked neatly next to chests overflowing with jewels. A cunningly wrought jade elephant rested on an open crate of what appeared to be golden coins. "Where did you get all of this?"

Robur touched her cheek admonishingly. "Some questions are best left unasked, ma mie." He surveyed the accumulated property in his treasure room, letting his eyes rest on Star for a moment before he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. "Now you must choose a complete parure for your bracelet." He opened a silk covered case and extracted several items. "Here is a tiara to match, and a necklace and rings too. You shall have them to wear when we dine with the king at Laeken."

"The king?"

"But of course, petite. Leopold II, King of the Belgians. He and I share many mutual interests and I must consult with him on a small matter of importance to us both. We leave within the hour for Paris. You shall have a wardrobe fitting for my companion. And then to Bruxelles."

"La tête me bourdonne," Star murmured.

Robur chuckled. Star was a unique possession, far more rare than mere diamonds or rubies. He would greatly enjoy displaying her to Leopold.