orce 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.

"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 experienced a dreadful suspense while the projectile
which seemed very formidable as it drew near, sank with a slow and
graceful motion toward the surface of the ground. Evidently it was about
to land very near the spot where we stood awaiting it.

Its inmates had apparently just caught sight of us. They evinced signs
of astonishment, and seemed at a loss exactly what to do. We could see
projecting from the fore part of their car at least two of the polished
knobs, whose fearful use and power we well comprehended.

Several of our men cried out to Mr. Edison in an extremity of terror:

"Why do you not destroy them? Be quick, or we shall all perish."

"No," said Mr. Edison, "there is no danger. You can see that they are
not prepared. They will not attempt to attack us until they have made
their landing."

And Mr. Edison was right. With gradually accelerated velocity, and yet
very, very slowly in comparison with the speed they would have exhibited
in falling upon such a planet as the earth, the Martians and their car
came down to the ground.

We stood at a distance of perhaps three hundred feet from the point
where they touched the asteroid. Instantly a dozen of the giants sprang
from the car and gazed about for a moment with a look of intense
surprise. At first it was doubtful whether they meant to attack us at
all.

We stood on our guard, several carrying disintegrators in our hands,
while a score more of these terrible engines were tu