t the second law of thermo-dynamics. I merely mention this to show
that science is on the track of concealed motive powers derived from
the ether, and we cannot now tell what the engines of the future will be
like. For ought we know, the time is coming when there will be a regular
mail service between the earth and Mars or Venus, cheap trips to
Mercury, and exploring expeditions to Jupiter, Saturn, or Uranus."

[Footnote 3: _Philosophical Magazine_, February, 1895.]

CHAPTER III.

A NEW FORCE.

"SIR,

"I have read your article on the possibility of travelling to the
other members of the Solar system with much interest. It is a
problem at which I, myself, have been working for a great many
years, and I believe that I have now discovered a means of solving
it in a practical manner. If you would care to see my experiments,
and will do me the honour of coming here, I shall be glad to show
them in confidence any time you may appoint.--Yours truly,

"NASMYTH CARMICHAEL."

The above letter, marked "Private," was forwarded to me through the
editor of _The Day After To-morrow_. The writer of it was a total
stranger to me, even by report, and at first I did not know what to make
of it. Was the man a charlatan, or a "crank?" There were no signs of
craziness or humbug in his frank and simple sentences. Had he really
found out a way of crossing the celestial spaces? In these days it is
better not to be too sceptical as to what science will accomplish. It
is, in fact, wise to keep the mind open and suspend the judgment. We are
standing on the threshold of the Arcana, and at any hour the
search-light of our intellect may penetrate the darkness, and reveal to
our wondering gaze the depths of the inner mechanism of Nature.

I resolved to accept his invitation.

A few days later I presented myself at the home of my unknown
correspondent. It was a lonely little cottage, in the midst of a wild
flat or waste of common ground on the outskirts of London. I should say
it had once been the dwelling of a woodman engaged in the neighbouring
forest. A tall, thick hedge of holly surrounded the large garden, and
almost concealed it from the curiosity of an occasional wanderer on the
heath.

Certainly it did not look the sort of place to find a man of science,
and the old misgivings assailed my mind in greater force than ever. Half
regretting that I had come, and feeling in a dubiou