CHAPTER VII

AT TERRIFIC SPEED


"Now, boys," remarked Mr. Roumann one morning about a week after
work had been in progress on the projectile, "I did not mention
it, of course, but I hope you will not let it become known in the
village that we are constructing a machine in which to proceed to
Mars. It would not do to have a lot of curious people out here."

"Oh, you needn't worry about that," replied Jack. "We have built
several things in the shop here, and no one ever knew about them
until we were ready to have them start off."

"We'll tell Andy Sudds to keep on guard with his rifle,"
suggested Mark. "That will prevent curious persons coming too
close."

"That will be a good idea," declared Mr. Roumann.

"You need have no fear of anything being discovered," put in Mr.
Henderson, who was busy planning the engine-room of the strange
craft.

"When we first came here we used to be bothered by curious
persons, but I soon found a method of keeping them away."