"We are approaching it from
the daylight side."
"Am we goin' t' ram it hard?" asked Washington.
"I trust not," was Mr. Roumann's reply.
He reversed the atmospheric motor still more. They were so near
the planet now that they could distinguish land and water, great
buildings, patches of woodland and open spaces.
"There are people there! I see people!" cried Jack.
Indeed, there did seem to be a mass of beings looking up at the
approaching projectile.
Very gently the Annihilator came nearer and nearer. There was no
doubt now but that Mars was inhabited--but by what a strange
race! Before those in the projectile had time to wonder at the
inhabitants, they felt a sudden jar. The Annihilator came to
rest. It had landed in a soft bed of sand.
"Welcome to Mars!" cried Mr. Roumann, opening a door in the side
of the craft and stepping out, followed by his companions. They
were at once surrounded by a throng of the queerest people that
they had ever imagined.
A great shout arose, and as the adventurers stood in a group near
their craft, they suddenly found themselves being moved forward
toward the crowd by some strange, mysterious force.
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