process. The vast forms of new interstellar ships were rising and taking shape under covered sheds, while all round them was the rattle of machinery, boring, cutting, planing, and bending. Huge guns were being turned out at the arsenals every day, and hundreds of tons of the most terrible explosives. Fresh levies of sailors were called out and drilled, more officers were appointed: for cost what it might, Kairet must be subdued.
A little more than a month after the fleet had left the earth a telegraphic message was received from Neptune, stating that it had arrived safely at that planet, and had plunged into the abysses of space beyond. Then days, weeks, and months passed by without anything being heard. The usual transport vessels kept on leaving the earth for the planets as if nothing unusual had occurred. As time went on and no message was received from the fleet, everyone began to feel disquieted. Months passed by, but no
