“Danger from shock of sudden great pull is avoided by gradual uncovering of the disk’s surface,” resumed Robert as he pushed the next button, sending the hand on the dial up to 1,420. The third button swung it to 3,475, accompanied by a slight tremor perceptible in the floor of the Sphere. Their startled glances through the nearest porthole satisfied them, however, that the Sphere still rested on terra firma.
Robert pushed all three of the corresponding row of buttons directly over the first three, and the hand again registered zero.
“I don’t want to lift the roof off your barn, professor,” exclaimed Robert. “I’ll start the gyrostats now to neutralize the Sphere’s weight, and we will get out and push it outside the stable.”
A few minutes later the now thoroughly convinced Henry watched his companions disappear within the Sphere’s shell while he debated with himself as to whether he should follow them. A moment later Professor Palmer appeared at a porthole and beckoned him; but Henry shook his head vehemently.
The professor unlatched the window and swung it open.
“Hurry in, Henry,” he called. “Voyage is about to commence.”
“Not I, professor! This suits me real well, right out here.”
“Come on, Henry,” the professor urged. “You aren’t afraid?”
“Not afraid—just a little bit careful. I’m just beginning to find out how nice and solid this ground feels. I’ll watch you do it.”
And no amount of urging would change his mind. He politely but firmly maintained that he felt much healthier outside.