“Energy, solar or otherwise, is all the same to us; the energy radiated from each square foot of the sun’s surface has been computed at something like twelve thousand horse-power, but that is, of course, only a guess, as must be all estimates. Now the secret of the _Regina’s_ power lies in the fact that not only can we absorb any form of opposing energy—be it gravity, heat, electricity, magnetism, or what not—but oppose to it the same force increased a thousand-fold and more, so that we can assure you there is no danger; we may safely enter the sun’s atmosphere, and no matter what force opposes us, it will be harmless.” “It will not!” retorted Holt, in rude contradiction, “we shall be annihilated!” “Oakland is right, Holt,” broke in Ross, with some warmth; “and if not, and we are burnt up, you knew the risks—why did you come if you were not prepared to face them?” “We were blinded with the glamour of the adventure, but that has worn off and we cannot go!” “You cannot go?” exclaimed Godfrey, who had heard all. “My most estimable friends, you’ve got to go, you must go! unless you prefer being put outside, and even then you’d go, for you’d follow us.” “We do not intend going,” repeated Holt, quietly, but with evident determination. “You see that collection of spots over there, good people?” queried Godfrey, sarcastically. “One of them is our world—I’ll be hanged if I know which, and yet I’m here. I know no more about this ship than you do, and it seems like tempting Providence even to hope that we can ever find our own little speck of a planet again amongst the thousands of others, which seem to me to be all alike, and yet I am perfectly content—as are we all except you—to trust to Providence, the _Regina_, and to the power the three owners have over her. Going to the sun we are, and as we have been friendly so far, let us proceed and all work together amicably for the general good. Believe me, we are sure to return to Earth safe and sound. If we don’t—well—we don’t!” This long and sensible speech of Godfrey’s, despite the cold comfort of the climax, created an excellent impression, and caused several who seemed wavering to side with the owners and remain true to the original plan, but it was plain to see that the dissentients to the number of eight were unconvinced, and it was equally evident that some plan, known only to themselves, had been formed. Fearing an attempt at mutiny, Dennis wisely professed to compromise and suggested that the objectors should talk the matter over amongst themselves in the far saloon, and the rest should do the same where they now were, all meeting the following morning (_i.e._, Earth-morning, for they kept Earth-time) so that they could settle the matter amicably, if possible.