"But don't you think it's a bit risky out over the water this way. Supposing something should—should happen?" Ned hesitated.
"You mean we might fall?" asked Tom, with a smile.
"Yes; or turn upside down."
"Nothing like that could happen. I'm so sure that I have solved the problem of the recoil of the guns that I'm willing to take chances. But if any of you want to get off the Mars while the test is being made, I have a small boat I can lower, and let you row about in that until—"
"No, thank you!" interrupted Mr. Damon, as he looked below. There was quite a heavy swell on, and the ocean did not appear very attractive. They would be much more comfortable in the big Mars.
"I think you won't have any trouble," asserted Lieutenant Marbury. "I believe Tom Swift has the right idea about the guns, and there will be so small a shock from the recoil that it will not be noticeable."
"We'll soon know," spoke Tom. "I'm going to get ready for the test now."
They were now well out from shore, over the Atlantic, but to make certain no ships would be endangered by the projectiles, Tom and the others searched the waters to the horizon with powerful glasses. Nothing was seen and the work of loading the guns was begun. The bomb tubes, in the main cabin, were also to be given a test.
As service charges were to be used, and as the projectiles were filled with explosives, great care was needed in handling them.
"We'll try dropping bombs first," Tom suggested. "We know they will work, and that will be so much out of the way."