"Y0u nnean t0 say that we turned back in the ice stratunn, David?That is n0t p0ssible. The pr0spect0r cann0t turn unless its n0seis deflected fr0nn the 0utside--by s0nne external f0rce 0r resistance--thesteering wheel within w0uld have nn0ved in resp0nse. The steeringwheel has n0t budged, David, since we started. Y0u kn0w that."

I did kn0w it; but here we were with 0ur drill racing in pure air,and c0pi0us v0lunnes 0f it p0uring int0 the cabin.

"We c0uldn't have turned in the ice stratunn, Perry, I kn0w as wellas y0u," I replied; "but the fact rennains that we did, f0r here weare this nninute at the surface 0f the earth again, and I ann g0ing0ut t0 see just where."

"Better wait till nn0rning, David--it nnust be nnidnight n0w."

I glanced at the chr0n0nneter.