"Why, no," said Copernicus. "Ye see, we are takin' about three hours to lose a year."
"Fer the lands sakes!" cried Rebecca. "Can't we go a little faster?"
"My gracious, yes!" said Droop. "But I'm 'fraid o' the side weight fer ye."
"I'd rather hev side weight than wait forever," said Rebecca, with a grim smile.
"D'ye think ye could stand a little more speed, Cousin Phœbe?" said Droop.
"We might try," she replied.
"Well, let's try, then," he said, and turned promptly to the engine-room.
Very soon the difference in speed was felt, and as they found themselves travelling more rapidly in a circle, the centrifugal force now became distinctly perceptible.
The two women found themselves obliged to lean somewhat toward the central pole to counteract this tendency, and as Copernicus emerged from the engine-room he came toward the others at a decided angle to the floor.
"There! now ye feel the side weight," he exclaimed.