Soon it will begin to recede, at the rate of twenty-eight
millions of miles a year, until it is two hundred and thirty four
millions of miles away from us. Then we may never be able to
reach it. Now, when it is but thirty-five millions of miles
away, we have a chance to get there."
"I still believe it is impossible," said Professor Henderson in a
low voice.
"Nothing is impossible!" exclaimed Mr. Roumann. "We shall go to
Mars! I say it! I who know! I who hold the secret of the
wonderful power that will take us there, and, what is more, bring
us back! I say it! We shall go!"
"Impossible!" said the professor again, shaking his head.
"Don't say that word!" implored Mr. Roumann. "I will prove to
you that we shall go."
"Go to Mars!" exclaimed Mark.
"Thirty-five million miles!" exclaimed Jack with awe in his
tones. "How can we ever cover that distance? No airship ever
made would do it."
"Not an airship, perhaps," said Mr. Roumann, "but something
else. I will tell you how--"
"Perhaps I had better explain from the beginning," interrupted
Mr.
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