In the first place, there appeared to be a great deal of water
about them. There were canals or broad rivers on every side,
with only narrow strips of land dividing them. The Annihilator
had landed on a broad, sandy plain, one of the largest on the
planet, as it afterward developed, and so gentle had been the
descent, that the projectile was not injured in the least. But
leaving that vicinity, and following their guide, the travelers
found themselves in the midst of a network of waterways.
"These must be some of the canals the astronomers see," observed
Jack.
"Yes," assented Mark. "There isn't much land to spare. I should
think the Martians would be a sort of water race. But they don't
appear to have any boats."
"Yes, they do," put in Mr. Roumann. "Here comes one now."
Sure enough, there suddenly appeared on a broad river or canal,
along which they were being moved by that mysterious force, a
large open boat, in which were several Martians.
"Well, I wonder how that moves?" said Jack. "They're not rowing,
they have no sail, and I can't see any engine.
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