It will be great
information to the astronomers on earth. Many of their theories
will be changed, I fancy."
Jack and Mark started for the engine-room.
They passed through the living or dining-room, where Washington
was setting the table for dinner.
"What I done tole yo'?" he demanded triumphantly. "I wasn't
skeered ob no ole comet."
"That's right, Wash," admitted Mark. "You had one on us that
time."
Andy Sudds was in one corner of the room, oiling his gun.
"Getting ready to go hunting?" asked Jack.
"Well, I heard Mr. Roumann say we'd be on Mars in a few days,"
replied the old man, "and if there's any game there I want to get
a shot at it."
"That's right," said Jack. "I guess I'll take--"
He got no further. From the engine-room there sounded a
tremendous racket, as if some one was pounding on the machinery
with a big hammer.
"What's that?" cried Mark.
"Something's happened to the motor!" exclaimed Jack. "Maybe it's
going too fast! Come on!"
They ran to the engine-room. The sight that met their eyes was a
startling one.
Standing with his back to them was a strange man.
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