"Has there been an accident?"

"No."

"What's the matter, then?"

"We have completed our journey through the ether. The motor will only work in that."

"And that means—" began Mark.

"That we have reached the atmosphere of Mars!" exclaimed Mr. Roumann in triumph.

CHAPTER XXI

MARS AT LAST

Anticipating, as they had for some time past, such an announcement, it was none the less startling to the boys.

"Then we are really nearing Mars?" exclaimed Jack.