"From the standpoint of possibility, I presume we could make a trip to
the moon," the scientist admitted. "It would not take so long, nor
would it be as dangerous, as was our trip to Mars. And yet, I don't
know that I care to go. I am getting along in years, and I have money
enough to live on. Even a field of diamonds hardly sounds attractive to
me." Jack's face showed the disappointment he felt.

"And yet," went on the aged scientist with a smile, "there are certain
attractions about another trip through space. I had hoped to settle
down in life now, and devote my time to scientific study and the
writing of books. But this is something new. We never have been to the
moon, and----"

"There are lots of problems about it that are still unsolved!" cried
Jack eagerly. "You will be able to discover if the moon has an
atmosphere and moisture; and also what the other side--the one that is
always turned away from us--looks like."

"It does sound tempting," went on the aged scientist slowly. "And we
could do it in our projectile, the _Annihilator_. It is in good working
order; isn't it, Professor Roumann?"

"Couldn't be better. If you ask me, I, for one, would like to make a
trip to the moon. It would give me a better chance to test the powers
of Cardite, that wonderful red substance we brought from Mars. I can
use that in the Etherium motor. If you left it to me, I'd say, 'go to
the moon.'"

"Well, perhaps we will," spoke Mr. Henderson thoughtfully.