There was no longer any doubt as to the artificial character of the planet. One of the great “oases” extended toward the northeast to the now restricted horizon. From this, and almost directly beneath them, ran a broad belt of mottled green, continuing toward the southwest till lost to view.
The altimeter now registered 60,000 feet. However, they were, no doubt, much closer to the surface than this, as the atmospheric pressure on Mars was certain to be considerably less than that on Earth; in fact, their height did not appear half that great.
“Not much choice about a landing point,” commented Taggert. “This country looks more like the Sahara every minute.”
Indeed, there was an uninviting monotony about the landscape. With exception of the dark belt, and the oasis on the horizon, the entire country seemed one vast desert. The Sphere drifted slowly, as Robert had now checked its descent almost entirely.
“I think we had best land about five miles beyond the canal belt,” said Professor Palmer. “We ought to be safe there from any sudden attack, should the inhabitants prove hostile. More likely we will there be visited by a cautious few where both parties will have an opportunity to look each other over carefully before making any overtures.”
This seeming a sound piece of advice, the Sphere was steered several miles to the north of the belt. Here Robert allowed it to settle slowly.
The sun was sinking into the horizon even as the Sphere came to rest in the loose, yellow sand of the desert, about two hundred miles south of the equator. The trip to Mars was a reality!
11
“Hurrah we’re here!” shouted Taggert, executing a hand-spring, and narrowly missing the incandescents in the ceiling because of his unaccustomed light weight.
Robert and Professor Palmer accepted their triumph more quietly.