one of the projectile cars used by
the Martians.

Our ship had ventured so far from the asteroid that for a moment it seemed
doubtful whether it would be able to return in time to give warning,
because the electrical influence of the asteroid was comparatively
slight at such a distance, and, after they had reversed their polarity,
and applied their intensifier, so as to make that influence effective,
their motion was at first exceedingly slow.

Fortunately after a time they got under way with sufficient velocity to
bring them back to us before the approaching Martians could overtake them.

The latter were not moving with great velocity, having evidently projected
themselves from Mars with only just sufficient force to throw them within
the feeble sphere of gravitation of the asteroid, so that they should
very gently land upon its surface.

Indeed, looking out behind the electrical ship which had brought us the
warning, we immediately saw the projectile of the Martians approaching. It
sparkled like a star in the black sky as the sunlight fell upon it.

Ready for the Enemy.

The ships of the squadron whose crews had not landed upon the planet were
signalled to prepare for action, while those who were upon the asteroid
made ready for battle there. A number of disintegrators were trained
upon the approaching Martians, but Mr. Edison gave strict orders that
no attempt should be made to discharge the vibratory force at random.

"They do not know that we are here," he said, "and I am convinced that
they are unable to control their motions as we can do with our electrical
ships. They depend simply upon the force of gravitation. Having passed
the limit of the attraction of Mars, they have now fallen within the
attraction of the asteroid, and they must slowly sink to its surface."

The Martians Cannot Stop.

"Having, as I am convinced, no means of producing or controlling
electrical attraction and repulsion, they cannot stop themselves, but must
come down upon the asteroid. Having got here they could never get away
again, except as we know the survivors got away from earth, by propelling
their projectile against gravitation with the aid of an explosive."

"Therefore, to a certain extent they will be at our mercy. Let us allow
them quietly to land upon the planet, and then I think, if it becomes
necessary, we can master them."

Notwithstanding Mr. Edison's reassuring words and manner, the company upon
the asteroid