"Why not?" asked the German.
"Because the Martians may see that we have some of the Cardite, and take it from us."
"What would you suggest?"
"Why, there is a landing place farther down, and we might go there and make our way from it to the projectile unobserved."
This was voted a good plan, and was successfully carried out. Though quite a few Martians saw the adventurers land, they evinced no curiosity in what they carried, and that evening the little party was back in the Annihilator, where they determined to stay all night.
Mr. Roumann tested some of the red matter, and found, when he applied the proper electrical treatment, that it gave off light, heat or power, according to the adjustments.
"This is the most wonderful material in the world!" he exclaimed. "Yes, or in the whole universe. It is better than perpetual motion, for it is not only that, but perpetual light and heat. I believe I can use it in the Etherium motor in place of the force I ordinarily employ."
He made some experiments, and found that this could be done.
"I wonder what's become of the crazy machinist?" asked Jack.
"Oh, maybe he's made friends with the Martians," said Mark, "and has told them he's a king, or something like that, and they're treating him with royal honors."