"I wish I could inform you as to the exact position the earth will be in when you cross its orbit, but the king’s mad project was sprung so suddenly, and he has acted upon his plan so quickly, that I have had no time for calculations in that respect. "Your business, however, will be to overhaul the Earth. The telescope will inform you of the planet’s position, and by properly regulating the screens of the cubes you can hang in the orbit of Terra until it reaches you; then, once within its influence, shut off the energy of the cubes and suffer the car to fall to its surface. Do I make myself plain?" "Entirely so, professor," I replied. "You understand the dangers of landing. All you can do is to experiment with the atmosphere while you are falling, exactly as we did when landing here. On your quickness and discretion will depend the lives of yourself and the others who will be with you." "It is a great responsibility, sir," said I, "but you can depend upon me to do my utmost to avoid a disaster." He pressed my hand to assure me of his confidence. "Midnight to-night will be the hour to start. The crater of the volcano will then be at its farthest from the sun. I shall so inform the king when we leave the car." "Have you thought of any plan whereby we may outwit his majesty?" I inquired. "I have thought of it. Prior to the moment, of embarking, I shall request his majesty to allow you and the rest of our friends to come aboard while I detain him and his followers outside for a few final instructions. The king will suspect nothing, for he will not imagine that I would allow you to escape and leave me behind." "I shudder to think of that part of it," I murmured. "Will you not reconsider your determination, professor?" "No, Mr. Munn. On that point I am adamant. The instant you enter the car, hurry aloft and set loose the oxygen. I will drop this bit of rope near the door when we leave, and you will have to make use of it to tie the door securely shut on the inside. Mind what I tell you—do not pull the lever until the door is securely closed." "I will remember." "The car is exactly under the crater opening, and you will have a clear path aloft. Therefore I would advise that you throw the lever to ninety the instant the door is fastened." I nodded. "I think that is all. Your work is simple enough, for in order to reach Terra you have only to reduce or expand the energy of the anti-gravity cubes. We will now go below and rejoin the king." "Just a few minutes more, professor," I begged. "This may be our last opportunity for a private talk, and there is something I wish to tell you." He turned back from the top of the iron stairway. "Go ahead, Mr. Munn," said he.