There was a cry of surprise from the many workmen in the yard, as
they saw, most of them for the first time, the wonderful new
craft. It did not go up very high, being held in place with
anchor ropes.
The sun glistened on the bright brass and nickel parts, and
glinted from the gleaming barrels of the quick-firing guns.
"That's enough!" Tom called to the men below, who were paying
out the ropes from the windlasses. "Hold her there."
Tom, Ned, Lieutenant Marbury and Mr. Damon were aboard the
captive Mars.
Looking about, to see that all was in readiness, Tom gave
orders to load the guns, blank charges being used, of course.
The recoil apparatus was in place, and it now remained to see
if it would do the work for which it was designed.
"All ready?" asked the young inventor.
"Bless my accident insurance policy!" exclaimed Mr. Damon. "I'm
as ready as ever I shall be, Tom. Let 'em go!"
"Hold fast!" cried Tom, as he prepared to press the electrical
switch which would set off the guns. Ned and Lieutenant Marbury
stood near the indicators to notice how much of the recoil would
be neutralized by the check apparatus.
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