[Transcriber’s note: In the source book (a reprint), the illustrations were printed in black and white, not in colour as indicated on the title page.] They returned his greeting as heartily as it was given . . . _Frontispiece_. He fell backwards upon the floor There was a flash of light, and a sharp, crackling sound The wing drooped, and the flier fell heavily to the ground (missing from source book) They were then blindfolded, and the march resumed The assailant was lifted high in the air and flung down with terrible force *A TRIP TO MARS.* *CHAPTER I.* *THE FALL OF THE GREAT METEORITE.* ’What a magnificent night! What a scene! Jack, old man, I think you will have to go in to supper without me and leave me to myself. It seems a sort of sacrilege to go indoors—to exchange the moon’s beautiful light for the miserable glimmer of a little oil-lamp, and this invigorating air off the sea for the smell of paraffin oil. Ugh!’ ’You’re a queer chap, Gerald; as dreamy, at times, as any girl, I declare! You amuse me vastly when you take on these sudden sentimental fits. When you are in this mood no stranger would ever imagine you were the same go-ahead, muscular young Christian you can prove yourself to be at other times.’ ’Yes, I suppose I’m a bit of a dreamer, Jack. I ’ve been told it so many times that I fancy there must be something in it. Yet "While you sleep, then am I awake"——you know the quotation.’ ’Faith! I believe you there, Gerald. I believe you were cut out for a night-bird!’ ’No, no; now you ’ve got hold of the wrong end of the stick. It isn’t that I prefer the night to the day; it is simply that by day one cannot see the stars, and one loses touch with the marvellous thoughts they inspire. Look at the sky overhead now! Look at those little shining points of light, and think how that they are all worlds such as ours is, or was, or will be! Imagine what it would be like if we could sail up amongst them from this old earth of ours—if we could roam at will through space, stopping here and calling there upon those which are inhabited—as I feel assured some must be. What sights we should see! What wonders we should encounter! Ah, think of it!’ ’I’d rather think just now of having a bit of supper,’ remarked the practical-minded Jack, with a yawn. ’And I’m going in to get it too; so, are you coming with me, or are you not?’