"Much different," replied Mr. Roumann. "There is no air to it at
all. The secret power which I have invented is perfectly adapted
to project us through this ether. That is why I call it
Etherium. Then when we reach Mars, we will find a different
atmosphere, somewhat like this earth's, I expect, but which will
require still another kind of power to move us in. I hope,
however, that the same force which sends us through the limits of
the atmosphere of this earth will take us through that of Mars.
So that is why I need so much space for machinery."
"Well, I guess we can build the projectile for you," said Mr.
Henderson. "It will take us nearly a month, though."
"No longer, I hope," said the German. "Every day is valuable.
Once the projectile is finished we will enter it, seal ourselves
up, and be shot through space. When we get to Mars--well, there
are many things to do when we reach there."
"I shall be much interested in seeing if they have discovered a
way of conquering the air," said Mr. Henderson. "If they are a
race of superior intelligence, as some authorities believe, from
the fact that Mars may have been inhabited for millions of years
before this earth was formed, they must have advanced very
greatly in science.
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