Jack, taking advantage of a lull during the meal, when Washington
was in the kitchen, for it had been agreed that nothing was yet
to be said to the colored man as to their destination, though
Andy Sudds knew of their plans. But Andy could be depended on
not to talk too much.

"Eat?" repeated the professor. "Why, I fancy that we will take
enough along from the earth to last us, eh, Mr. Roumann?"

"Not altogether. I am positive that there is life on Mars, and
where there is life there must be things to sustain it. Perhaps
the food there will not be such as we are used to, but when our
supply, runs short we will have to depend on what we will get
there."

"How long do you expect to stay?" asked Mark.

"It is hard to say. When I get what I want I shall be ready to
return--that is, after having studied the inhabitants and made
some scientific observations."

"Maybe the Martians will like us so that they let us come back,"
suggested Jack with a laugh.

"Oh, I fancy we will be able to get away," said Mr. Roumann.
"But now I must get back to the shop. I am having a little more
trouble with my Etherium motor than I anticipated."

"I don't exactly understand how that works," said Jack. "The
plans don't call for any opening the stern of the Annihilator for