First they hurled great rocks and chunks of lead at the
projectile, but, as the missiles weighed only a third as much as
they would have done on the earth, they only dented the heavy
steel sides.
Finding that this would not answer, the little people created
clouds of noxious gases, that swirled around the projectile like
a fog. But this was harmless, as the adventurers could shut
themselves in tightly, and breathe air of their own making. The
gases had no more effect on them than did the ether through which
they had traveled through space.
Meanwhile, the electric cannons were constantly being fired, and
the ranks of the attackers were constantly being thinned. But,
ever as the Martians fell, new ones arrived to take their places.
They seemed determined to drive the newcomers off the planet or
destroy them.
There was a lull in the fighting. The Martians seemed to be
waiting for something. At last a large crowd was observed coming
from the direction of the city. They carried great bundles of
wood and torches.
"They're going to try to burn us out!" cried Jack.
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