"Maybe they knew it all the while," suggested Jack; "but they are so interested in scientific matters that they didn't want to take any action on it until now."
"Well," remarked Mr. Roumann, "whatever it is, I think we will be safer in the projectile. Come, we will all go out there and spend the night. We can defend ourselves in case anything happens, though I don't believe it will."
They started at once, and there was a feeling of security when they had clamped fast the great steel doors in the side of the Annihilator.
Contrary to their fears, the night passed without incident. They were all at breakfast the next morning, when Mark, happening to look through a heavy plate–glass window in the living–room, called out:
"Look what's coming!"
They saw a vast throng of Martians advancing toward the projectile.
"See who's leading them!" called Jack. "The crazy machinist!"
CHAPTER XXIX
THE REPULSE
"Do you suppose they're going to attack us?"' asked Mr. Roumann.