Before them stood an old man, very tall and upright, carrying a staff — The Ship that Flew

"We would not dream of telling you lies, sir, and we are grateful for all your kindness to us, really we are, but if we told you the truth you wouldnt believe it."

"Let these strangers tell us whence they have come, and why they have come, and how!"

"All the money in the world wouldnt have bought this once… no not if it were prince nor king nor emperor himself." Peter didnt know what to say to this, so he said, "Could I buy it, do you think?" Then the old man said a strange thing. "It would cost all the money you have in the world — and a bit over."

"This thing is beyond your understanding, my child. Think no further on the matter and maybe you will read the riddle in the end. Who knows? Meanwhile the air is fresh and the day golden and my palace is near at hand. The young should enjoy themselves while they may, so come!"

"Usertsen ordered that an inscription be made testifying to the truth of the story, and placed it in his coffin. He also ordered that it should be carved into the rock so that it would endure for all time. Odd isnt it?"

"It was a narrow little street and rather dark, with old houses set close together. Peter was rather surprised. He didnt remember this street, and what is more, he hadnt known there were any old houses in new little Radcliff-on-the-sea. "But then," he told himself sensibly, "I dont know everything!""