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Rh PART III.— MARS.

CHAPTER I.

THE VOYAGE THROUGH SPACE.

T length, the day appointed for our departure arrived. We had resolved to start from Saldonio. The ether-car was fixed to the central spire of the chief cathedral of the city — one of the highest points of our world. About two millions of our Venusians had gathered to behold the spectacle, and now they crowded every vantage point in the city—every spire and tower, every battlement and roof, every square and garden, was thronged with the vast host who had gathered from all lands to behold the sight. Their variously coloured robes and ornaments formed a most brilliant scene.

It was about sunset. After the tranquil service in the glorious cathedral, and the solemn blessing of the chief priests of the city,