"If we get there," added Mr. Henderson.

"We'll get there," declared Mr. Roumann confidently. "As I said,
I have long been interested in Mars, and one reason is that I
want to prove that there is life on it--that it is inhabited by a
superior race of beings. Another reason is that I expect to find
on it a supply--or at least specimens--of a most valuable
substance--"

Mr. Roumann stopped suddenly.

"Well?" asked Mr. Henderson questioningly, for there was an odd
manner about the blue-eyed scientist.

"That is something I do not wish to speak about at present," said
Mr. Roumann quickly. "I will tell you my other reason for going
to Mars--when we get there."

"Now, as to the method. As I told you, Professor Henderson, and
as I intimated to you boys, we will go in a long, torpedo-shaped
projectile, which, though it will not be very large in diameter,
will be long enough to contain all our machinery and ourselves,
with a sufficient store of provisions for a year or more. But I
know what you are going to ask, and that is: How can I send the
projectile through space?

"Well, I'll tell you--that is, partly tell you, for some parts of
my secret can never be revealed. I have discovered a wonderful
power, more wonderful than man ever dreamed of before. I have