"No, indeed; though we could start to-morrow if he was here," replied
the aged scientist. "The special tools came to-day, and the motor has
been repaired. We have tested it, and the Cardite power works even
better than did the Etherium apparatus."

"Then we can start as soon as Mark is found?" asked Andy Sudds.

"Yes, for everything has been put inside the projectile, and all that
remains is to haul it out of the shed, point it at the moon, and start
the motor."

"Then I guess I'll give my gun a final cleaning, and get ready. There
may be good hunting on the moon," said the old hunter.

Jack was tired from his long tramp that day, searching for his missing
chum, but before he went to bed he wanted to go out and take a look at
the big projectile, which was now ready to start for the moon.

As he turned around the corner of the immense shed to enter the door,
he was startled by seeing a figure coming toward him. Jack started,
rubbed his eyes, and peered again.

"Is it possible? Can I be mistaken?" he whispered.

The figure came nearer. Jack, who had come to a halt, broke into a run.

"Mark! Mark!" he cried joyously. "Oh, you've come back! Where have you
been?"