"Can't you run the atmospheric motor while we're fixing this
one?" asked Jack. "That would prevent us falling, I should
think."
"No, for the reason that there is no atmosphere for it to work
on," declared Mr. Roumann. "But don't worry. We shall soon be
under way again. We will be somewhat delayed in reaching Mars,
that is all."
They labored hard all the rest of that day and part of what
corresponded to the night, though of course the daylight outside
never ceased. Little of it could penetrate the projectile,
however, for the big car was all sealed up, save for the
observation window in the pilot house and one on the side.
"There," announced Mr. Roumann, after inserting the last new
plate. "I think we are all right."
It had been nearly eighteen hours since the motor had so suddenly
stopped.
"Will you start it now?" asked Jack.
"Yes. I wish you and Mark would go to the pilot house and turn
on the power. Do it very slowly. Mr. Henderson and I will stay
here and see how the motor behaves."
It was an anxious moment when the power was turned on the
repaired machinery, but, to the delight of all, the motor again
began to give out the mysterious force.
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