genius of one man had suddenly put us on the level of our enemies
in regard to fighting capacity.

Then, too, our electrical ships were far more effective for their purpose
than the projectile cars used by the Martians. In fact, the principle
upon which they were based was, at bottom, so simple that it seemed
astonishing the Martians had not hit upon it.

Mr. Edison himself was never tired of saying in reference to this matter:

The Martians a Mystery.

"I cannot understand why the Martians did not invent these things. They
have given ample proof that they understand electricity better than
we do. Why should they have resorted to the comparatively awkward and
bungling means of getting from one planet to another that they have
employed when they might have ridden through the solar system in such
conveyances as ours with perfect ease?"

"And besides," Mr. Edison would add, "I cannot understand why they did
not employ the principle of harmonic vibrations in the construction of
their engines of war. The lightning-like strokes that they deal from
their machines are no doubt equally powerful, but I think the range of
destruction covered by the disintegrators is greater."

However, these questions must remain open until we could effect a landing
on Mars, and learn something of the condition of things there.

The thing that gave us the most uneasiness was the fact that we did
not yet know what powers the Martians might have in reserve. It was but
natural to suppose that here, on their own ground, they would possess
means of defence even more effective than the offensive engines they
had employed in attacking enemies so many millions of miles from home.

It was important that we should waste no time, and it was equally
important that we should select the most vulnerable point for attack. It
was self-evident, therefore, that our first duty would be to reconnoitre
the surface of the planet and determine its weakest point of defence.

At first Mr. Edison contemplated sending the various ships in different
directions around the planet in order that the work of exploration might
be quickly accomplished. But upon second thought it seemed wiser to keep
the squadron together, thus diminishing the chance of disaster.

Besides, the commander wished to see with his own eyes the exact situation
of the various parts of the planet, where it might appear advisable for
us to begin our assault.

Thus far we had remained suspended at