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Title:APrincessofMars

Author:EdgarRiceBurroughs

ReleaseDate:June23,2008[EBook#62]

Lastupdated:October12,2012

Lastupdated:December8,2012

Lastupdated:February6,2013

Lastupdated:March11,2013

Language:English

***STARTOFTHISPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOKAPRINCESSOFMARS***

Withmybackagainstagoldenthrone,IfoughtonceagainforDejahThoris.

APRINCESSOFMARS

by

EdgarRiceBurroughs

ToMySonJack

FOREWORD

TotheReaderofthisWork:

In submittingCaptainCarter's strangemanuscript to you in book form, I believe that a fewwordsrelativetothisremarkablepersonalitywillbeofinterest.

MyfirstrecollectionofCaptainCarterisofthefewmonthshespentatmyfather'shomeinVirginia,justpriortotheopeningofthecivilwar.Iwasthenachildofbutfiveyears,yetIwellrememberthetall,dark,smooth-faced,athleticmanwhomIcalledUncleJack.

Heseemedalwaystobelaughing;andheenteredintothesportsofthechildrenwiththesameheartygood fellowship he displayed toward those pastimes in which the men and women of his own ageindulged;orhewouldsitforanhouratatimeentertainingmyoldgrandmotherwithstoriesofhisstrange,wildlifeinallpartsoftheworld.Wealllovedhim,andourslavesfairlyworshippedthegroundhetrod.

Hewasasplendidspecimenofmanhood,standingagoodtwoinchesoversixfeet,broadofshoulderandnarrowofhip,withthecarriageofthetrainedfightingman.Hisfeatureswereregularandclearcut,his hair black and closely cropped,while his eyeswere of a steel gray, reflecting a strong and loyalcharacter, filled with fire and initiative. His manners were perfect, and his courtliness was that of atypicalsoutherngentlemanofthehighesttype.

His horsemanship, especially after hounds, was a marvel and delight even in that country ofmagnificent horsemen. I have often heardmy father caution him against his wild recklessness, but hewouldonlylaugh,andsaythatthetumblethatkilledhimwouldbefromthebackofahorseyetunfoaled.

Whenthewarbrokeoutheleftus,nordidIseehimagainforsomefifteenorsixteenyears.Whenhereturned it waswithoutwarning, and Iwasmuch surprised to note that he had not aged apparently amoment,norhadhechanged inanyotheroutwardway.Hewas,whenotherswerewithhim, thesamegenial,happyfellowwehadknownofold,butwhenhethoughthimselfaloneIhaveseenhimsitforhoursgazingoffintospace,hisfacesetinalookofwistfullongingandhopelessmisery;andatnighthewouldsitthuslookingupintotheheavens,atwhatIdidnotknowuntilIreadhismanuscriptyearsafterward.

HetoldusthathehadbeenprospectingandmininginArizonapartofthetimesincethewar;andthat

he had been very successful was evidenced by the unlimited amount of money with which he wassupplied.Astothedetailsofhislifeduringtheseyearshewasveryreticent,infacthewouldnottalkofthematall.

HeremainedwithusforaboutayearandthenwenttoNewYork,wherehepurchasedalittleplaceontheHudson,whereIvisitedhimonceayearontheoccasionsofmytripstotheNewYorkmarket—myfatherandIowningandoperatingastringofgeneralstoresthroughoutVirginiaatthattime.CaptainCarterhad a small but beautiful cottage, situated on a bluff overlooking the river, and during one ofmy lastvisits, in thewinter of 1885, I observed hewasmuch occupied inwriting, I presume now, upon thismanuscript.

Hetoldmeatthistimethatifanythingshouldhappentohimhewishedmetotakechargeofhisestate,andhegavemeakeytoacompartmentinthesafewhichstoodinhisstudy,tellingmeIwouldfindhiswill there and some personal instructions which he hadme pledgemyself to carry out with absolutefidelity.

After Ihad retired for thenight Ihaveseenhimfrommywindowstanding in themoonlighton thebrinkofthebluffoverlookingtheHudsonwithhisarmsstretchedouttotheheavensasthoughinappeal.Ithoughtatthetimethathewaspraying,althoughIneverunderstoodthathewasinthestrictsenseofthetermareligiousman.

Several months after I had returned home frommy last visit, the first of March, 1886, I think, Ireceivedatelegramfromhimaskingmetocometohimatonce.IhadalwaysbeenhisfavoriteamongtheyoungergenerationofCartersandsoIhastenedtocomplywithhisdemand.

Iarrivedat the littlestation,aboutamile fromhisgrounds,on themorningofMarch4,1886,andwhenIaskedthe liverymantodrivemeout toCaptainCarter'shereplied that if Iwasafriendof theCaptain'shehadsomeverybadnewsforme;theCaptainhadbeenfounddeadshortlyafterdaylightthatverymorningbythewatchmanattachedtoanadjoiningproperty.

Forsomereasonthisnewsdidnotsurpriseme,butIhurriedouttohisplaceasquicklyaspossible,sothatIcouldtakechargeofthebodyandofhisaffairs.

I found the watchman who had discovered him, together with the local police chief and severaltownspeople, assembled in his little study. The watchman related the few details connected with thefindingofthebody,whichhesaidhadbeenstillwarmwhenhecameuponit.Itlay,hesaid,stretchedfulllengthinthesnowwiththearmsoutstretchedabovetheheadtowardtheedgeofthebluff,andwhenheshowedmethespotitflasheduponmethatitwastheidenticalonewhereIhadseenhimonthoseothernights,withhisarmsraisedinsupplicationtotheskies.

Therewerenomarksofviolenceonthebody,andwiththeaidofalocalphysicianthecoroner'sjuryquickly reached a decision of death from heart failure. Left alone in the study, I opened the safe andwithdrewthecontentsofthedrawerinwhichhehadtoldmeIwouldfindmyinstructions.Theywereinpartpeculiarindeed,butIhavefollowedthemtoeachlastdetailasfaithfullyasIwasable.

Hedirected that I removehis body toVirginiawithout embalming, and that he be laid in an opencoffinwithina tombwhichhepreviouslyhadhadconstructedandwhich, as I later learned,waswellventilated.TheinstructionsimpresseduponmethatImustpersonallyseethatthiswascarriedoutjustas

hedirected,eveninsecrecyifnecessary.

Hispropertywas left in suchaway that Iwas to receive the entire income for twenty-fiveyears,whentheprincipalwastobecomemine.HisfurtherinstructionsrelatedtothismanuscriptwhichIwastoretainsealedandunread,justasIfoundit,forelevenyears;norwasItodivulgeitscontentsuntiltwenty-oneyearsafterhisdeath.

Astrangefeatureaboutthetomb,wherehisbodystilllies,isthatthemassivedoorisequippedwithasingle,hugegold-platedspringlockwhichcanbeopenedonlyfromtheinside.

Yoursverysincerely,EdgarRiceBurroughs.

CONTENTS

I OntheArizonaHillsII TheEscapeoftheDeadIII MyAdventonMarsIV APrisonerV IEludeMyWatchDogVI AFightThatWonFriendsVII Child-RaisingonMarsVIII AFairCaptivefromtheSkyIX ILearntheLanguageX ChampionandChiefXI WithDejahThorisXII APrisonerwithPowerXIII Love-MakingonMarsXIV ADueltotheDeathXV SolaTellsMeHerStoryXVI WePlanEscapeXVII ACostlyRecaptureXVIII ChainedinWarhoonXIX BattlingintheArenaXX IntheAtmosphereFactoryXXI AnAirScoutforZodangaXXII IFindDejahXXIII LostintheSkyXXIV TarsTarkasFindsaFriendXXV TheLootingofZodangaXXVI ThroughCarnagetoJoyXXVII FromJoytoDeathXXVIII AttheArizonaCave

ILLUSTRATIONS

Withmybackagainstagoldenthrone,IfoughtonceagainforDejahThoris.....Frontispiece

IsoughtoutDejahThorisinthethrongofdepartingchariots.

ShedrewuponthemarblefloorthefirstmapoftheBarsoomianterritoryIhadeverseen.

Theoldmansatandtalkedwithmeforhours.

CHAPTERI

ONTHEARIZONAHILLS

Iamaveryoldman;howoldIdonotknow.PossiblyIamahundred,possiblymore;butIcannottellbecauseIhaveneveragedasothermen,nordoIrememberanychildhood.SofarasIcanrecollectIhavealwaysbeenaman,amanofaboutthirty.IappeartodayasIdidfortyyearsandmoreago,andyetIfeelthat I cannot go on living forever; that some day I shall die the real death from which there is noresurrection.IdonotknowwhyIshouldfeardeath,Iwhohavediedtwiceandamstillalive;butyetIhavethesamehorrorofitasyouwhohaveneverdied,anditisbecauseofthisterrorofdeath,Ibelieve,thatIamsoconvincedofmymortality.

AndbecauseofthisconvictionIhavedeterminedtowritedownthestoryoftheinterestingperiodsofmy lifeandofmydeath. I cannotexplain thephenomena; I canonly setdownhere in thewordsofanordinarysoldierof fortuneachronicleof thestrangeevents thatbefellmeduring the tenyears thatmydeadbodylayundiscoveredinanArizonacave.

Ihavenevertoldthisstory,norshallmortalmanseethismanuscriptuntilafterIhavepassedoverforeternity. I know that the average human mind will not believe what it cannot grasp, and so I do notpurposebeingpilloriedbythepublic,thepulpit,andthepress,andheldupasacolossalliarwhenIambuttellingthesimpletruthswhichsomedaysciencewillsubstantiate.PossiblythesuggestionswhichIgained uponMars, and the knowledge which I can set down in this chronicle, will aid in an earlierunderstandingofthemysteriesofoursisterplanet;mysteriestoyou,butnolongermysteriestome.

Myname isJohnCarter; IambetterknownasCaptainJackCarterofVirginia.At thecloseof theCivilWar I foundmyselfpossessedof severalhundred thousanddollars (Confederate) anda captain'scommission in the cavalry arm of an armywhich no longer existed; the servant of a state which hadvanished with the hopes of the South. Masterless, penniless, and with my only means of livelihood,fighting,gone,Ideterminedtoworkmywaytothesouthwestandattempttoretrievemyfallenfortunesinasearchforgold.

I spent nearly a year prospecting in companywith another Confederate officer, Captain JamesK.PowellofRichmond.Wewereextremelyfortunate,forlateinthewinterof1865,aftermanyhardshipsandprivations,welocatedthemostremarkablegold-bearingquartzveinthatourwildestdreamshadeverpictured.Powell,whowasaminingengineerbyeducation,statedthatwehaduncoveredoveramilliondollarsworthoforeinatrifleoverthreemonths.

Asour equipmentwas crude in the extremewe decided that one of usmust return to civilization,purchasethenecessarymachineryandreturnwithasufficientforceofmenproperlytoworkthemine.

AsPowellwasfamiliarwiththecountry,aswellaswiththemechanicalrequirementsofminingwedeterminedthatitwouldbebestforhimtomakethetrip.ItwasagreedthatIwastoholddownourclaimagainsttheremotepossibilityofitsbeingjumpedbysomewanderingprospector.

OnMarch3,1866,PowellandIpackedhisprovisionsontwoofourburros,andbiddingmegood-byehemountedhishorse,andstarteddownthemountainsidetowardthevalley,acrosswhichledthefirststageofhisjourney.

ThemorningofPowell'sdeparturewas,likenearlyallArizonamornings,clearandbeautiful;Icouldseehimandhis littlepackanimalspickingtheirwaydownthemountainsidetowardthevalley,andallduringthemorningIwouldcatchoccasionalglimpsesofthemastheytoppedahogbackorcameoutuponalevelplateau.MylastsightofPowellwasaboutthreeintheafternoonasheenteredtheshadowsoftherangeontheoppositesideofthevalley.

SomehalfhourlaterIhappenedtoglancecasuallyacrossthevalleyandwasmuchsurprisedtonotethreelittledotsinaboutthesameplaceIhadlastseenmyfriendandhistwopackanimals.Iamnotgiventoneedlessworrying,butthemoreItriedtoconvincemyselfthatallwaswellwithPowell,andthatthedotsIhadseenonhistrailwereantelopeorwildhorses,thelessIwasabletoassuremyself.

SincewehadenteredtheterritorywehadnotseenahostileIndian,andwehad,therefore,becomecarelessintheextreme,andwerewonttoridiculethestorieswehadheardofthegreatnumbersoftheseviciousmarauders thatwere supposed tohaunt the trails, taking their toll in lives and tortureof everywhitepartywhichfellintotheirmercilessclutches.

Powell,Iknew,waswellarmedand,further,anexperiencedIndianfighter;butItoohadlivedandfoughtforyearsamongtheSiouxintheNorth,andIknewthathischancesweresmallagainstapartyofcunningtrailingApaches.FinallyIcouldendurethesuspensenolonger,and,armingmyselfwithmytwoColtrevolversandacarbine,Istrappedtwobeltsofcartridgesaboutmeandcatchingmysaddlehorse,starteddownthetrailtakenbyPowellinthemorning.

AssoonasIreachedcomparativelylevelgroundIurgedmymountintoacanterandcontinuedthis,wherethegoingpermitted,until,closeupondusk,IdiscoveredthepointwhereothertracksjoinedthoseofPowell.Theywerethetracksofunshodponies,threeofthem,andtheponieshadbeengalloping.

I followedrapidlyuntil,darknessshuttingdown, Iwasforced toawait therisingof themoon,andgivenanopportunitytospeculateonthequestionofthewisdomofmychase.PossiblyIhadconjuredupimpossibledangers,likesomenervousoldhousewife,andwhenIshouldcatchupwithPowellwouldgetagoodlaughformypains.However,Iamnotpronetosensitiveness,andthefollowingofasenseofduty,whereveritmaylead,hasalwaysbeenakindoffetichwithmethroughoutmylife;whichmayaccountforthe honors bestowed upon me by three republics and the decorations and friendships of an old andpowerfulemperorandseverallesserkings,inwhoseservicemyswordhasbeenredmanyatime.

About nine o'clock the moon was sufficiently bright for me to proceed on my way and I had nodifficultyinfollowingthetrailatafastwalk,andinsomeplacesatabrisktrotuntil,aboutmidnight,IreachedthewaterholewherePowellhadexpectedtocamp.Icameuponthespotunexpectedly,findingit

entirelydeserted,withnosignsofhavingbeenrecentlyoccupiedasacamp.

Iwasinterestedtonotethatthetracksofthepursuinghorsemen,forsuchIwasnowconvincedtheymustbe,continuedafterPowellwithonlyabriefstopattheholeforwater;andalwaysatthesamerateofspeedashis.

IwaspositivenowthatthetrailerswereApachesandthattheywishedtocapturePowellaliveforthefiendishpleasureofthetorture,soIurgedmyhorseonwardatamostdangerouspace,hopingagainsthopethatIwouldcatchupwiththeredrascalsbeforetheyattackedhim.

Furtherspeculationwassuddenlycutshortbythefaintreportoftwoshotsfaraheadofme.IknewthatPowellwouldneedmenowifever,andIinstantlyurgedmyhorsetohistopmostspeedupthenarrowanddifficultmountaintrail.

Ihadforgedaheadforperhapsamileormorewithouthearingfurthersounds,whenthetrailsuddenlydebouched onto a small, open plateau near the summit of the pass. I had passed through a narrow,overhanginggorge justbefore entering suddenlyupon this table land, and the sightwhichmetmyeyesfilledmewithconsternationanddismay.

ThelittlestretchoflevellandwaswhitewithIndiantepees,andtherewereprobablyhalfathousandredwarriors clustered around someobject near the center of the camp.Their attentionwas sowhollyrivetedtothispointof interest that theydidnotnoticeme,andIeasilycouldhaveturnedbackintothedarkrecessesofthegorgeandmademyescapewithperfectsafety.Thefact,however, that this thoughtdidnotoccurtomeuntilthefollowingdayremovesanypossiblerighttoaclaimtoheroismtowhichthenarrationofthisepisodemightpossiblyotherwiseentitleme.

IdonotbelievethatIammadeofthestuffwhichconstitutesheroes,because,inallofthehundredsofinstancesthatmyvoluntaryactshaveplacedmefacetofacewithdeath,Icannotrecallasingleonewhereany alternative step to that I took occurred to me until many hours later. My mind is evidently soconstituted that I am subconsciously forced into the path of duty without recourse to tiresomementalprocesses.Howeverthatmaybe,Ihaveneverregrettedthatcowardiceisnotoptionalwithme.

In this instance I was, of course, positive that Powell was the center of attraction, but whether IthoughtoractedfirstIdonotknow,butwithinaninstantfromthemomentthescenebrokeuponmyviewIhadwhippedoutmyrevolversandwaschargingdownupontheentirearmyofwarriors,shootingrapidly,andwhoopingat the topofmy lungs.Singlehanded, Icouldnothavepursuedbetter tactics, for theredmen,convincedbysuddensurprise thatnot less thana regimentof regularswasupon them, turnedandfledineverydirectionfortheirbows,arrows,andrifles.

Theviewwhichtheirhurriedroutingdisclosedfilledmewithapprehensionandwithrage.UndertheclearraysoftheArizonamoonlayPowell,hisbodyfairlybristlingwiththehostilearrowsofthebraves.That he was already dead I could not but be convinced, and yet I would have saved his body frommutilationatthehandsoftheApachesasquicklyasIwouldhavesavedthemanhimselffromdeath.

Riding close tohim I reacheddown from the saddle, andgraspinghis cartridgebelt drewhimupacrossthewithersofmymount.AbackwardglanceconvincedmethattoreturnbythewayIhadcomewouldbemorehazardousthantocontinueacrosstheplateau,so,puttingspurstomypoorbeast,ImadeadashfortheopeningtothepasswhichIcoulddistinguishonthefarsideofthetableland.

The Indians had by this time discovered that I was alone and I was pursued with imprecations,arrows, and rifle balls. The fact that it is difficult to aim anything but imprecations accurately bymoonlight,thattheywereupsetbythesuddenandunexpectedmannerofmyadvent,andthatIwasaratherrapidlymoving target savedme from the various deadly projectiles of the enemy andpermittedme toreachtheshadowsofthesurroundingpeaksbeforeanorderlypursuitcouldbeorganized.

Myhorsewas traveling practically unguided as I knew that I had probably less knowledge of theexactlocationofthetrailtothepassthanhe,andthusithappenedthatheenteredadefilewhichledtothesummitoftherangeandnottothepasswhichIhadhopedwouldcarrymetothevalleyandtosafety.Itisprobable,however,thattothisfactIowemylifeandtheremarkableexperiencesandadventureswhichbefellmeduringthefollowingtenyears.

MyfirstknowledgethatIwasonthewrongtrailcamewhenIheardtheyellsofthepursuingsavagessuddenlygrowfainterandfainterfarofftomyleft.

Iknewthenthattheyhadpassedtotheleftofthejaggedrockformationattheedgeoftheplateau,totherightofwhichmyhorsehadbornemeandthebodyofPowell.

Idrewreinonalittlelevelpromontoryoverlookingthetrailbelowandtomyleft,andsawthepartyofpursuingsavagesdisappearingaroundthepointofaneighboringpeak.

IknewtheIndianswouldsoondiscoverthattheywereonthewrongtrailandthatthesearchformewouldberenewedintherightdirectionassoonastheylocatedmytracks.

Ihadgonebutashortdistancefurtherwhenwhatseemedtobeanexcellenttrailopeneduparoundthefaceofahighcliff.ThetrailwaslevelandquitebroadandledupwardandinthegeneraldirectionIwishedtogo.Thecliffaroseforseveralhundredfeetonmyright,andonmyleftwasanequalandnearlyperpendiculardroptothebottomofarockyravine.

Ihadfollowedthistrailforperhapsahundredyardswhenasharpturntotherightbroughtmetothemouthofalargecave.Theopeningwasaboutfourfeetinheightandthreetofourfeetwide,andatthisopeningthetrailended.

It was nowmorning, and, with the customary lack of dawn which is a startling characteristic ofArizona,ithadbecomedaylightalmostwithoutwarning.

Dismounting,IlaidPowellupontheground,butthemostpainstakingexaminationfailedtorevealthefaintestsparkoflife.Iforcedwaterfrommycanteenbetweenhisdeadlips,bathedhisfaceandrubbedhishands,workingoverhimcontinuouslyforthebetterpartofanhourinthefaceofthefactthatIknewhimtobedead.

IwasveryfondofPowell;hewasthoroughlyamanineveryrespect;apolishedsoutherngentleman;astaunchand truefriend;and itwaswithafeelingof thedeepestgrief that I finallygaveupmycrudeendeavorsatresuscitation.

LeavingPowell'sbodywhereitlayontheledgeIcreptintothecavetoreconnoiter.Ifoundalargechamber,possiblyahundredfeet indiameterandthirtyorfortyfeet inheight;asmoothandwell-wornfloor,andmanyotherevidencesthatthecavehad,atsomeremoteperiod,beeninhabited.Thebackofthe

cavewas so lost in dense shadow that I could not distinguishwhether therewere openings into otherapartmentsornot.

As Iwascontinuingmyexamination I commenced to feel apleasantdrowsinesscreepingovermewhichIattributedtothefatigueofmylongandstrenuousride,andthereactionfromtheexcitementofthefightandthepursuit.IfeltcomparativelysafeinmypresentlocationasIknewthatonemancoulddefendthetrailtothecaveagainstanarmy.

IsoonbecamesodrowsythatIcouldscarcelyresistthestrongdesiretothrowmyselfonthefloorofthecaveforafewmoments'rest,butIknewthatthiswouldneverdo,asitwouldmeancertaindeathatthehandsofmyred friends,whomightbeuponmeatanymoment.Withaneffort I started toward theopeningofthecaveonlytoreeldrunkenlyagainstasidewall,andfromthereslipproneuponthefloor.

CHAPTERII

THEESCAPEOFTHEDEAD

Asenseofdeliciousdreaminessovercameme,mymusclesrelaxed,andIwasonthepointofgivingwaytomydesiretosleepwhenthesoundofapproachinghorsesreachedmyears.Iattemptedtospringtomy feet but was horrified to discover that my muscles refused to respond to my will. I was nowthoroughlyawake,butasunabletomoveamuscleasthoughturnedtostone.Itwasthen,forthefirsttime,that I noticed a slight vapor filling the cave. Itwas extremely tenuous and only noticeable against theopeningwhich led todaylight.Therealsocame tomynostrilsa faintlypungentodor,and IcouldonlyassumethatIhadbeenovercomebysomepoisonousgas,butwhyIshouldretainmymentalfacultiesandyetbeunabletomoveIcouldnotfathom.

IlayfacingtheopeningofthecaveandwhereIcouldseetheshortstretchoftrailwhichlaybetweenthe cave and the turn of the cliff aroundwhich the trail led. The noise of the approaching horses hadceased,andIjudgedtheIndianswerecreepingstealthilyuponmealongthelittleledgewhichledtomylivingtomb.IrememberthatIhopedtheywouldmakeshortworkofmeasIdidnotparticularlyrelishthethoughtoftheinnumerablethingstheymightdotomeifthespiritpromptedthem.

Ihadnotlongtowaitbeforeastealthysoundapprisedmeoftheirnearness,andthenawar-bonneted,paint-streaked facewas thrust cautiously around the shoulder of the cliff, and savage eyes looked intomine.ThathecouldseemeinthedimlightofthecaveIwassurefortheearlymorningsunwasfallingfulluponmethroughtheopening.

Thefellow,insteadofapproaching,merelystoodandstared;hiseyesbulgingandhisjawdropped.And then another savage face appeared, and a third and fourth and fifth, craning their necks over theshouldersoftheirfellowswhomtheycouldnotpassuponthenarrowledge.Eachfacewasthepictureofaweandfear,butforwhatreasonIdidnotknow,nordidIlearnuntiltenyearslater.Thattherewerestillother braves behind those who regardedme was apparent from the fact that the leaders passed backwhisperedwordtothosebehindthem.

Suddenlyalowbutdistinctmoaningsoundissuedfromtherecessesofthecavebehindme,and,asitreachedtheearsoftheIndians,theyturnedandfledinterror,panic-stricken.Sofranticweretheireffortstoescapefromtheunseenthingbehindmethatoneofthebraveswashurledheadlongfromtheclifftotherocksbelow.Theirwildcriesechoedinthecanyonforashorttime,andthenallwasstilloncemore.

Thesoundwhichhadfrightenedthemwasnotrepeated,butithadbeensufficientasitwastostartmespeculatingonthepossiblehorrorwhichlurkedintheshadowsatmyback.FearisarelativetermandsoIcanonlymeasuremyfeelingsatthattimebywhatIhadexperiencedinpreviouspositionsofdangerandby those that I havepassed through since; but I can saywithout shame that if the sensations I enduredduringthenextfewminuteswerefear,thenmayGodhelpthecoward,forcowardiceisofasuretyitsownpunishment.

Tobeheldparalyzed,withone'sbacktowardsomehorribleandunknowndangerfromtheverysoundofwhichtheferociousApachewarriorsturninwildstampede,asaflockofsheepwouldmadlyfleefromapackofwolves,seemstomethelastwordinfearsomepredicamentsforamanwhohadeverbeenusedtofightingforhislifewithalltheenergyofapowerfulphysique.

Several times I thought I heard faint sounds behind me as of somebody moving cautiously, buteventuallyeven theseceased,andIwas left to thecontemplationofmypositionwithout interruption. Icouldbutvaguelyconjecturethecauseofmyparalysis,andmyonlyhopelayinthatitmightpassoffassuddenlyasithadfallenuponme.

Lateintheafternoonmyhorse,whichhadbeenstandingwithdraggingreinbeforethecave,startedslowlydown the trail, evidently in searchof foodandwater, and Iwas left alonewithmymysteriousunknowncompanionandthedeadbodyofmyfriend,whichlayjustwithinmyrangeofvisionupontheledgewhereIhadplaceditintheearlymorning.

Fromthenuntilpossiblymidnightallwassilence,thesilenceofthedead;then,suddenly,theawfulmoanofthemorningbrokeuponmystartledears,andtherecameagainfromtheblackshadowsthesoundofamovingthing,andafaintrustlingasofdeadleaves.Theshocktomyalreadyoverstrainednervoussystemwasterribleintheextreme,andwithasuperhumaneffortIstrovetobreakmyawfulbonds.Itwasaneffortofthemind,ofthewill,ofthenerves;notmuscular,forIcouldnotmoveevensomuchasmylittlefinger,butnonethelessmightyforallthat.Andthensomethinggave,therewasamomentaryfeelingofnausea,asharpclickasofthesnappingofasteelwire,andIstoodwithmybackagainstthewallofthecavefacingmyunknownfoe.

Andthenthemoonlightfloodedthecave,andtherebeforemelaymyownbodyasithadbeenlyingallthesehours,withtheeyesstaringtowardtheopenledgeandthehandsrestinglimplyupontheground.Ilooked first at my lifeless clay there upon the floor of the cave and then down at myself in utterbewilderment;forthereIlayclothed,andyethereIstoodbutnakedasattheminuteofmybirth.

Thetransitionhadbeensosuddenandsounexpectedthat it leftmeforamomentforgetfulofaughtelsethanmystrangemetamorphosis.Myfirstthoughtwas,isthisthendeath!HaveIindeedpassedoverforeverintothatotherlife!ButIcouldnotwellbelievethis,asIcouldfeelmyheartpoundingagainstmyribsfromtheexertionofmyeffortstoreleasemyselffromtheanaesthesiswhichhadheldme.Mybreathwas coming in quick, short gasps, cold sweat stood out from every pore ofmy body, and the ancientexperimentofpinchingrevealedthefactthatIwasanythingotherthanawraith.

AgainwasIsuddenlyrecalledtomyimmediatesurroundingsbyarepetitionoftheweirdmoanfromthe depths of the cave. Naked and unarmed as I was, I had no desire to face the unseen thingwhichmenacedme.

Myrevolverswerestrapped tomy lifelessbodywhich, forsomeunfathomablereason, Icouldnotbringmyselftotouch.Mycarbinewasinitsboot,strappedtomysaddle,andasmyhorsehadwanderedoffIwasleftwithoutmeansofdefense.Myonlyalternativeseemedtolieinflightandmydecisionwascrystallizedbyarecurrenceoftherustlingsoundfromthethingwhichnowseemed,inthedarknessofthecaveandtomydistortedimagination,tobecreepingstealthilyuponme.

Unable longer to resist the temptation to escape this horrible place I leaped quickly through theopeningintothestarlightofaclearArizonanight.Thecrisp,freshmountainairoutsidethecaveactedasanimmediatetonicandIfeltnewlifeandnewcouragecoursingthroughme.PausinguponthebrinkoftheledgeIupbraidedmyselfforwhatnowseemedtomewhollyunwarrantedapprehension.IreasonedwithmyselfthatIhadlainhelplessformanyhourswithinthecave,yetnothinghadmolestedme,andmybetterjudgment,whenpermittedthedirectionofclearandlogicalreasoning,convincedmethatthenoisesIhadheardmusthaveresultedfrompurelynaturalandharmlesscauses;probablytheconformationofthecavewassuchthataslightbreezehadcausedthesoundsIheard.

Idecidedtoinvestigate,butfirstIliftedmyheadtofillmylungswiththepure,invigoratingnightairofthemountains.AsIdidsoIsawstretchingfarbelowmethebeautifulvistaofrockygorge,andlevel,cacti-studdedflat,wroughtbythemoonlightintoamiracleofsoftsplendorandwondrousenchantment.

Few western wonders are more inspiring than the beauties of an Arizona moonlit landscape; thesilveredmountains in the distance, the strange lights and shadows upon hog back and arroyo, and thegrotesquedetailsofthestiff,yetbeautifulcactiformapictureatonceenchantingandinspiring;asthoughonewerecatchingforthefirsttimeaglimpseofsomedeadandforgottenworld,sodifferentisitfromtheaspectofanyotherspotuponourearth.

AsIstoodthusmeditating,Iturnedmygazefromthelandscapetotheheavenswherethemyriadstarsformed a gorgeous and fitting canopy for the wonders of the earthly scene.My attentionwas quicklyrivetedbyalargeredstarclosetothedistanthorizon.AsIgazeduponitIfeltaspellofoverpoweringfascination—itwasMars,thegodofwar,andforme,thefightingman,ithadalwaysheldthepowerofirresistibleenchantment.As Igazedat iton that far-gonenight it seemed tocallacross theunthinkablevoid,toluremetoit,todrawmeasthelodestoneattractsaparticleofiron.

Mylongingwasbeyondthepowerofopposition;Iclosedmyeyes,stretchedoutmyarmstowardthegodofmyvocationandfeltmyselfdrawnwiththesuddennessofthoughtthroughthetracklessimmensityofspace.Therewasaninstantofextremecoldandutterdarkness.

CHAPTERIII

MYADVENTONMARS

I openedmyeyesupona strange andweird landscape. I knew that IwasonMars; notoncedid Iquestion either my sanity or my wakefulness. I was not asleep, no need for pinching here; my innerconsciousnesstoldmeasplainlythatIwasuponMarsasyourconsciousmindtellsyouthatyouareuponEarth.Youdonotquestionthefact;neitherdidI.

Ifoundmyselflyingproneuponabedofyellowish,mosslikevegetationwhichstretchedaroundmeinalldirections for interminablemiles. I seemed tobe lying inadeep, circularbasin, along theoutervergeofwhichIcoulddistinguishtheirregularitiesoflowhills.

Itwasmidday,thesunwasshiningfulluponmeandtheheatofitwasratherintenseuponmynakedbody,yetnogreaterthanwouldhavebeentrueundersimilarconditionsonanArizonadesert.Hereandtherewereslightoutcroppingsofquartz-bearingrockwhichglistened in thesunlight;anda little tomyleft,perhapsahundredyards,appearedalow,walledenclosureaboutfourfeetinheight.Nowater,andnoothervegetationthanthemosswasinevidence,andasIwassomewhat thirstyIdeterminedtodoalittleexploring.

SpringingtomyfeetIreceivedmyfirstMartiansurprise,fortheeffort,whichonEarthwouldhavebroughtmestandingupright,carriedmeintotheMartianairtotheheightofaboutthreeyards.Ialightedsoftly upon the ground, however, without appreciable shock or jar. Now commenced a series ofevolutionswhicheven thenseemed ludicrous in theextreme. I found that Imust learn towalkalloveragain,asthemuscularexertionwhichcarriedmeeasilyandsafelyuponEarthplayedstrangeanticswithmeuponMars.

Insteadofprogressing inasaneanddignifiedmanner,myattempts towalk resulted inavarietyofhopswhichtookmeclearofthegroundacoupleoffeetateachstepandlandedmesprawlinguponmyfaceorbackattheendofeachsecondorthirdhop.Mymuscles,perfectlyattunedandaccustomedtotheforceofgravityonEarth,played themischiefwithme inattempting for the first time tocopewith thelessergravitationandlowerairpressureonMars.

Iwasdetermined,however,toexplorethelowstructurewhichwastheonlyevidenceofhabitationinsight,andsoIhitupontheuniqueplanofrevertingtofirstprinciplesinlocomotion,creeping.Ididfairlywellatthisandinafewmomentshadreachedthelow,encirclingwalloftheenclosure.

Thereappearedtobenodoorsorwindowsuponthesidenearestme,butasthewallwasbutaboutfourfeethighIcautiouslygainedmyfeetandpeeredoverthetopuponthestrangestsightithadeverbeengivenmetosee.

Theroofoftheenclosurewasofsolidglassaboutfourorfiveinchesinthickness,andbeneaththiswereseveralhundredlargeeggs,perfectlyroundandsnowywhite.Theeggswerenearlyuniforminsizebeingabouttwoandone-halffeetindiameter.

Fiveorsixhadalreadyhatchedandthegrotesquecaricatureswhichsatblinkinginthesunlightwereenoughtocausemetodoubtmysanity.Theyseemedmostlyhead,withlittlescrawnybodies,longnecksandsixlegs,or,asIafterwardlearned,twolegsandtwoarms,withanintermediarypairoflimbswhichcouldbeusedatwilleitherasarmsorlegs.Theireyesweresetattheextremesidesoftheirheadsatrifleabovethecenterandprotrudedinsuchamannerthattheycouldbedirectedeitherforwardorbackandalso independently of each other, thus permitting this queer animal to look in any direction, or in twodirectionsatonce,withoutthenecessityofturningthehead.

Theears,whichwereslightlyabovetheeyesandclosertogether,weresmall,cup-shapedantennae,protrudingnotmorethananinchontheseyoungspecimens.Theirnoseswerebutlongitudinalslitsinthecenteroftheirfaces,midwaybetweentheirmouthsandears.

Therewasnohairontheirbodies,whichwereofaverylightyellowish-greencolor.Intheadults,asIwastolearnquitesoon,thiscolordeepenstoanolivegreenandisdarkerinthemalethaninthefemale.Further,theheadsoftheadultsarenotsooutofproportiontotheirbodiesasinthecaseoftheyoung.

The irisof theeyes isbloodred,as inAlbinos,while thepupil isdark.Theeyeball itself isverywhite, as are the teeth. These latter add a most ferocious appearance to an otherwise fearsome andterriblecountenance,asthelowertuskscurveupwardtosharppointswhichendaboutwheretheeyesofearthlyhumanbeingsarelocated.Thewhitenessoftheteethisnotthatofivory,butofthesnowiestandmostgleamingofchina.Against thedarkbackgroundoftheiroliveskinstheir tusksstandout inamoststrikingmanner,makingtheseweaponspresentasingularlyformidableappearance.

MostofthesedetailsInotedlater,forIwasgivenbutlittletimetospeculateonthewondersofmynew discovery. I had seen that the eggswere in the process of hatching, and as I stoodwatching thehideous little monsters break from their shells I failed to note the approach of a score of full-grownMartiansfrombehindme.

Coming,astheydid,overthesoftandsoundlessmoss,whichcoverspracticallytheentiresurfaceofMarswiththeexceptionofthefrozenareasatthepolesandthescatteredcultivateddistricts,theymighthave captured me easily, but their intentions were far more sinister. It was the rattling of theaccoutermentsoftheforemostwarriorwhichwarnedme.

OnsuchalittlethingmylifehungthatIoftenmarvelthatIescapedsoeasily.Hadnottherifleoftheleaderofthepartyswungfromitsfasteningsbesidehissaddleinsuchawayastostrikeagainstthebuttofhisgreatmetal-shodspearIshouldhavesnuffedoutwithouteverknowingthatdeathwasnearme.Butthelittlesoundcausedmetoturn,andthereuponme,nottenfeetfrommybreast,wasthepointofthathugespear,aspearfortyfeetlong,tippedwithgleamingmetal,andheldlowatthesideofamountedreplicaofthelittledevilsIhadbeenwatching.

But how puny and harmless they now looked beside this huge and terrific incarnation of hate, ofvengeanceandofdeath.Themanhimself,forsuchImaycallhim,wasfullyfifteenfeetinheightand,onEarth,wouldhaveweighedsomefourhundredpounds.Hesathismountaswesitahorse,graspingtheanimal'sbarrelwithhislowerlimbs,whilethehandsofhistworightarmsheldhisimmensespearlowatthesideofhismount;histwoleftarmswereoutstretchedlaterallytohelppreservehisbalance,thethingherodehavingneitherbridleorreinsofanydescriptionforguidance.

Andhismount!Howcanearthlywordsdescribeit!Ittoweredtenfeetattheshoulder;hadfourlegsoneitherside;abroadflattail,largeratthetipthanattheroot,andwhichitheldstraightoutbehindwhilerunning;agapingmouthwhichsplititsheadfromitssnouttoitslong,massiveneck.

Likeitsmaster,itwasentirelydevoidofhair,butwasofadarkslatecolorandexceedingsmoothandglossy.Itsbellywaswhite,anditslegsshadedfromtheslateofitsshouldersandhipstoavividyellowatthefeet.Thefeetthemselveswereheavilypaddedandnailless,whichfacthadalsocontributedtothenoiselessnessoftheirapproach,and,incommonwithamultiplicityoflegs,isacharacteristicfeatureofthefaunaofMars.Thehighesttypeofmanandoneotheranimal,theonlymammalexistingonMars,alone

havewell-formednails,andthereareabsolutelynohoofedanimalsinexistencethere.

Behindthisfirstchargingdemontrailednineteenothers,similarinallrespects,but,asIlearnedlater,bearingindividualcharacteristicspeculiartothemselves;preciselyasnotwoofusareidenticalalthoughweareallcastinasimilarmold.Thispicture,orrathermaterializednightmare,whichIhavedescribedatlength,madebutoneterribleandswiftimpressiononmeasIturnedtomeetit.

UnarmedandnakedasIwas,thefirstlawofnaturemanifesteditselfintheonlypossiblesolutionofmy immediate problem, and that was to get out of the vicinity of the point of the charging spear.ConsequentlyIgaveaveryearthlyandatthesametimesuperhumanleaptoreachthetopoftheMartianincubator,forsuchIhaddetermineditmustbe.

My effortwas crownedwith a successwhich appalledme no less than it seemed to surprise theMartianwarriors, for it carriedme fully thirty feet into the air and landedmeahundred feet frommypursuersandontheoppositesideoftheenclosure.

Ialighteduponthesoftmosseasilyandwithoutmishap,andturningsawmyenemieslinedupalongthefurtherwall.SomeweresurveyingmewithexpressionswhichIafterwarddiscoveredmarkedextremeastonishment,andtheotherswereevidentlysatisfyingthemselvesthatIhadnotmolestedtheiryoung.

They were conversing together in low tones, and gesticulating and pointing toward me. TheirdiscoverythatIhadnotharmedthelittleMartians,andthatIwasunarmed,musthavecausedthemtolookuponmewithlessferocity;but,asIwastolearnlater,thethingwhichweighedmostinmyfavorwasmyexhibitionofhurdling.

WhiletheMartiansareimmense,theirbonesareverylargeandtheyaremuscledonlyinproportionto the gravitation which theymust overcome. The result is that they are infinitely less agile and lesspowerful,inproportiontotheirweight,thananEarthman,andIdoubtthatwereoneofthemsuddenlytobetransportedtoEarthhecouldlifthisownweightfromtheground;infact,Iamconvincedthathecouldnotdoso.

Myfeat thenwasasmarvelousuponMarsas itwouldhavebeenuponEarth,andfromdesiring toannihilatemetheysuddenlylookeduponmeasawonderfuldiscoverytobecapturedandexhibitedamongtheirfellows.

Therespitemyunexpectedagilityhadgivenmepermittedme to formulateplans for the immediatefutureandtonotemorecloselytheappearanceofthewarriors,forIcouldnotdisassociatethesepeopleinmymindfromthoseotherwarriorswho,onlythedaybefore,hadbeenpursuingme.

InotedthateachwasarmedwithseveralotherweaponsinadditiontothehugespearwhichIhavedescribed.Theweaponwhichcausedmetodecideagainstanattemptatescapebyflightwaswhatwasevidentlyarifleofsomedescription,andwhichIfelt,forsomereason,theywerepeculiarlyefficientinhandling.

These rifleswereofawhitemetal stockedwithwood,which I learned laterwasavery lightandintenselyhardgrowthmuchprizedonMars,andentirelyunknowntousdenizensofEarth.Themetalofthebarrelisanalloycomposedprincipallyofaluminumandsteelwhichtheyhavelearnedtotempertoahardness far exceeding that of the steel with which we are familiar. The weight of these rifles is

comparatively little, andwith the small caliber, explosive, radiumprojectileswhich they use, and thegreat lengthof thebarrel, theyaredeadly in theextremeandat rangeswhichwouldbeunthinkableonEarth.Thetheoreticeffectiveradiusofthisrifleisthreehundredmiles,butthebesttheycandoinactualservicewhenequippedwiththeirwirelessfindersandsightersisbutatrifleovertwohundredmiles.

ThisisquitefarenoughtoimbuemewithgreatrespectfortheMartianfirearm,andsometelepathicforcemust havewarnedme against an attempt to escape in broad daylight from under themuzzles oftwentyofthesedeath-dealingmachines.

TheMartians, after conversing for a short time, turnedand rodeaway in thedirection fromwhichtheyhadcome,leavingoneoftheirnumberalonebytheenclosure.Whentheyhadcoveredperhapstwohundredyardstheyhalted,andturningtheirmountstowardussatwatchingthewarriorbytheenclosure.

Hewastheonewhosespearhadsonearlytransfixedme,andwasevidentlytheleaderoftheband,asIhadnotedthattheyseemedtohavemovedtotheirpresentpositionathisdirection.Whenhisforcehadcome to a halt he dismounted, threwdownhis spear and small arms, and came around the end of theincubator towardme, entirely unarmed and as naked as I, except for the ornaments strapped upon hishead,limbs,andbreast.

Whenhewaswithin about fifty feet ofmeheunclasped an enormousmetal armlet, andholding ittowardmeintheopenpalmofhishand,addressedmeinaclear,resonantvoice,butinalanguage,itisneedlesstosay,Icouldnotunderstand.Hethenstoppedasthoughwaitingformyreply,prickinguphisantennae-likeearsandcockinghisstrange-lookingeyesstillfurthertowardme.

AsthesilencebecamepainfulIconcludedtohazarda littleconversationonmyownpart,asIhadguessedthathewasmakingoverturesofpeace.ThethrowingdownofhisweaponsandthewithdrawingofhistroopbeforehisadvancetowardmewouldhavesignifiedapeacefulmissionanywhereonEarth,sowhynot,then,onMars!

PlacingmyhandovermyheartIbowedlowtotheMartianandexplainedtohimthatwhileIdidnotunderstandhislanguage,hisactionsspokeforthepeaceandfriendshipthatatthepresentmomentweremostdeartomyheart.OfcourseImighthavebeenababblingbrookforall theintelligencemyspeechcarriedtohim,butheunderstoodtheactionwithwhichIimmediatelyfollowedmywords.

Stretchingmyhandtowardhim,Iadvancedandtookthearmletfromhisopenpalm,claspingitaboutmy arm above the elbow; smiled at him and stoodwaiting.Hiswidemouth spread into an answeringsmile,andlockingoneofhisintermediaryarmsinmineweturnedandwalkedbacktowardhismount.Atthe same time hemotioned his followers to advance.They started toward us on awild run, butwerecheckedbyasignalfromhim.EvidentlyhefearedthatwereItobereallyfrightenedagainImightjumpentirelyoutofthelandscape.

Heexchangedafewwordswithhismen,motionedtomethatIwouldridebehindoneofthem,andthenmountedhisownanimal.Thefellowdesignatedreacheddowntwoorthreehandsandliftedmeupbehindhimontheglossybackofhismount,whereIhungonasbestIcouldbythebeltsandstrapswhichheldtheMartian'sweaponsandornaments.

Theentirecavalcadethenturnedandgallopedawaytowardtherangeofhillsinthedistance.

CHAPTERIV

APRISONER

Wehadgoneperhapstenmileswhenthegroundbegantoriseveryrapidly.Wewere,asIwaslatertolearn, nearing the edge of one ofMars' long-dead seas, in the bottomofwhichmy encounterwith theMartianshadtakenplace.

Inashorttimewegainedthefootofthemountains,andaftertraversinganarrowgorgecametoanopenvalley,at thefarextremityofwhichwasa lowtable landuponwhichIbeheldanenormouscity.Towardthiswegalloped,enteringitbywhatappearedtobearuinedroadwayleadingoutfromthecity,butonlytotheedgeofthetableland,whereitendedabruptlyinaflightofbroadsteps.

Uponcloserobservation I sawaswepassed them that thebuildingsweredeserted, andwhilenotgreatlydecayedhadtheappearanceofnothavingbeentenantedforyears,possiblyforages.Towardthecenterofthecitywasalargeplaza,anduponthisandinthebuildingsimmediatelysurroundingitwerecampedsomenineortenhundredcreaturesofthesamebreedasmycaptors,forsuchInowconsideredthemdespitethesuavemannerinwhichIhadbeentrapped.

Withtheexceptionoftheirornamentsallwerenaked.Thewomenvariedinappearancebutlittlefromthemen,exceptthattheirtusksweremuchlargerinproportiontotheirheight,insomeinstancescurvingnearly to theirhigh-set ears.Theirbodieswere smallerand lighter incolor, and their fingersand toesbore the rudimentsofnails,whichwereentirely lackingamong themales.Theadult females ranged inheightfromtentotwelvefeet.

Thechildrenwerelightincolor,evenlighterthanthewomen,andalllookedpreciselyaliketome,exceptthatsomeweretallerthanothers;older,Ipresumed.

Isawnosignsofextremeageamongthem,noristhereanyappreciabledifferenceintheirappearancefromtheageofmaturity,aboutforty,until,atabouttheageofonethousandyears,theygovoluntarilyupontheirlaststrangepilgrimagedowntheriverIss,whichleadsnolivingMartianknowswhitherandfromwhose bosom no Martian has ever returned, or would be allowed to live did he return after onceembarkinguponitscold,darkwaters.

OnlyaboutoneMartianinathousanddiesofsicknessordisease,andpossiblyabouttwentytakethevoluntarypilgrimage.Theotherninehundredandseventy-ninedieviolentdeathsinduels,inhunting,inaviationandinwar;butperhapsbyfarthegreatestdeathlosscomesduringtheageofchildhood,whenvastnumbersofthelittleMartiansfallvictimstothegreatwhiteapesofMars.

TheaveragelifeexpectancyofaMartianaftertheageofmaturityisaboutthreehundredyears,butwouldbenearertheone-thousandmarkwereitnotforthevariousmeansleadingtoviolentdeath.Owingtothewaningresourcesoftheplanetitevidentlybecamenecessarytocounteracttheincreasinglongevitywhich their remarkable skill in therapeutics and surgery produced, and so human life has come to be

considered but lightly on Mars, as is evidenced by their dangerous sports and the almost continualwarfarebetweenthevariouscommunities.

Thereareotherandnaturalcausestendingtowardadiminutionofpopulation,butnothingcontributessogreatlytothisendasthefactthatnomaleorfemaleMartianisevervoluntarilywithoutaweaponofdestruction.

As we neared the plaza and my presence was discovered we were immediately surrounded byhundredsofthecreatureswhoseemedanxioustopluckmefrommyseatbehindmyguard.Awordfromtheleaderofthepartystilledtheirclamor,andweproceededatatrotacrosstheplazatotheentranceofasmagnificentanedificeasmortaleyehasrestedupon.

Thebuildingwaslow,butcoveredanenormousarea.Itwasconstructedofgleamingwhitemarbleinlaidwithgoldandbrilliant stoneswhich sparkledand scintillated in the sunlight.Themainentrancewassomehundredfeetinwidthandprojectedfromthebuildingpropertoformahugecanopyabovetheentrancehall.Therewasnostairway,butagentleinclinetothefirstfloorofthebuildingopenedintoanenormouschamberencircledbygalleries.

Onthefloorof thischamber,whichwasdottedwithhighlycarvedwoodendesksandchairs,wereassembled about forty or fifty male Martians around the steps of a rostrum. On the platform propersquattedanenormouswarriorheavilyloadedwithmetalornaments,gay-coloredfeathersandbeautifullywroughtleathertrappingsingeniouslysetwithpreciousstones.Fromhisshouldersdependedashortcapeofwhitefurlinedwithbrilliantscarletsilk.

What struck me as most remarkable about this assemblage and the hall in which they werecongregatedwasthefactthatthecreatureswereentirelyoutofproportiontothedesks,chairs,andotherfurnishings; these being of a size adapted to human beings such as I, whereas the great bulks of theMartianscould scarcelyhave squeezed into thechairs,norwas there roombeneath thedesks for theirlonglegs.Evidently,then,therewereotherdenizensonMarsthanthewildandgrotesquecreaturesintowhosehandsIhadfallen,buttheevidencesofextremeantiquitywhichshowedallaroundmeindicatedthat thesebuildingsmighthavebelongedtosomelong-extinctandforgottenrace in thedimantiquityofMars.

Ourpartyhadhaltedattheentrancetothebuilding,andatasignfromtheleaderIhadbeenloweredtotheground.Againlockinghisarminmine,wehadproceededintotheaudiencechamber.TherewerefewformalitiesobservedinapproachingtheMartianchieftain.Mycaptormerelystrodeuptotherostrum,theothersmakingwayforhimasheadvanced.Thechieftainrosetohisfeetandutteredthenameofmyescortwho,inturn,haltedandrepeatedthenameoftherulerfollowedbyhistitle.

Atthetime,thisceremonyandthewordstheyutteredmeantnothingtome,butlaterIcametoknowthatthiswasthecustomarygreetingbetweengreenMartians.Hadthemenbeenstrangers,andthereforeunable to exchange names, they would have silently exchanged ornaments, had their missions beenpeaceful—otherwise theywouldhaveexchangedshots,orhave foughtout their introductionwithsomeotheroftheirvariousweapons.

Mycaptor,whosenamewasTarsTarkas,wasvirtually thevice-chieftainof thecommunity, andamanofgreatabilityasastatesmanandwarrior.Heevidentlyexplainedbriefly the incidentsconnectedwithhisexpedition,includingmycapture,andwhenhehadconcludedthechieftainaddressedmeatsome

length.

IrepliedinourgoodoldEnglishtonguemerelytoconvincehimthatneitherofuscouldunderstandthe other; but I noticed that when I smiled slightly on concluding, he did likewise. This fact, and thesimilaroccurrenceduringmyfirsttalkwithTarsTarkas,convincedmethatwehadatleastsomethingincommon; theability to smile, therefore to laugh;denotinga senseofhumor.But Iwas to learn that theMartiansmileismerelyperfunctory,andthattheMartianlaughisathingtocausestrongmentoblanchinhorror.

The ideasof humor among thegreenmenofMars arewidely at variancewithour conceptionsofincitantstomerriment.Thedeathagoniesofafellowbeingare,tothesestrangecreatures,provocativeofthewildesthilarity,whiletheirchiefformofcommonestamusementistoinflictdeathontheirprisonersofwarinvariousingeniousandhorribleways.

Theassembledwarriorsandchieftainsexaminedmeclosely, feelingmymusclesand the textureofmyskin.Theprincipalchieftainthenevidentlysignifiedadesiretoseemeperform,and,motioningmetofollow,hestartedwithTarsTarkasfortheopenplaza.

Now,Ihadmadenoattempttowalk,sincemyfirstsignalfailure,exceptwhiletightlygraspingTarsTarkas' arm, and so now I went skipping and flitting about among the desks and chairs like somemonstrousgrasshopper.Afterbruisingmyself severely,much to theamusementof theMartians, I againhad recourse tocreeping,but thisdidnot suit themand Iwas roughly jerked tomy feetbya toweringfellowwhohadlaughedmostheartilyatmymisfortunes.

As he bangedme down uponmy feet his facewas bent close tomine and I did the only thing agentlemanmight do under the circumstances of brutality, boorishness, and lack of consideration for astranger'srights;Iswungmyfistsquarelytohisjawandhewentdownlikeafelledox.Ashesunktothefloor I wheeled around with my back toward the nearest desk, expecting to be overwhelmed by thevengeanceofhisfellows,butdeterminedtogivethemasgoodabattleastheunequaloddswouldpermitbeforeIgaveupmylife.

My fearswere groundless, however, as the otherMartians, at first struck dumbwithwonderment,finallybrokeintowildpealsoflaughterandapplause.Ididnotrecognizetheapplauseassuch,butlater,whenIhadbecomeacquaintedwiththeircustoms,IlearnedthatIhadwonwhattheyseldomaccord,amanifestationofapprobation.

ThefellowwhomIhadstrucklaywherehehadfallen,nordidanyofhismatesapproachhim.TarsTarkas advanced towardme,holdingoutoneofhis arms, andwe thusproceeded to theplazawithoutfurthermishap.Ididnot,ofcourse,knowthereasonforwhichwehadcometotheopen,butIwasnotlong inbeingenlightened.They first repeated theword "sak"anumberof times, and thenTarsTarkasmadeseveraljumps,repeatingthesamewordbeforeeachleap;then,turningtome,hesaid,"sak!"Isawwhattheywereafter,andgatheringmyselftogetherI"sakked"withsuchmarveloussuccessthatIclearedagoodhundredandfiftyfeet;nordidI,thistime,losemyequilibrium,butlandedsquarelyuponmyfeetwithoutfalling.Ithenreturnedbyeasyjumpsoftwenty-fiveorthirtyfeettothelittlegroupofwarriors.

Myexhibitionhadbeenwitnessedbyseveralhundred lesserMartians,and they immediatelybrokeintodemands for a repetition,which thechieftain thenorderedme tomake;but Iwasbothhungryandthirsty,anddeterminedonthespotthatmyonlymethodofsalvationwastodemandtheconsiderationfrom

these creatures which they evidently would not voluntarily accord. I therefore ignored the repeatedcommandsto"sak,"andeachtimetheyweremadeImotionedtomymouthandrubbedmystomach.

TarsTarkasandthechiefexchangedafewwords,andtheformer,callingtoayoungfemaleamongthe throng,gavehersome instructionsandmotionedme toaccompanyher. Igraspedherprofferedarmandtogetherwecrossedtheplazatowardalargebuildingonthefarside.

My fair companionwasabout eight feet tall, having just arrivedatmaturity,butnotyet toher fullheight.Shewasofalightolive-greencolor,withasmooth,glossyhide.Hername,asIafterwardlearned,wasSola,andshebelongedtotheretinueofTarsTarkas.Sheconductedmetoaspaciouschamberinoneofthebuildingsfrontingontheplaza,andwhich,fromthelitterofsilksandfursuponthefloor,Itooktobethesleepingquartersofseveralofthenatives.

Theroomwaswelllightedbyanumberoflargewindowsandwasbeautifullydecoratedwithmuralpaintingsandmosaics,butuponall thereseemedtorest that indefinabletouchofthefingerofantiquitywhichconvincedmethatthearchitectsandbuildersofthesewondrouscreationshadnothingincommonwiththecrudehalf-bruteswhichnowoccupiedthem.

Solamotionedmetobeseateduponapileofsilksnearthecenteroftheroom,and,turning,madeapeculiar hissing sound, as though signaling to someone in an adjoining room. In response to her call IobtainedmyfirstsightofanewMartianwonder.Itwaddledinonitstenshortlegs,andsquatteddownbeforethegirllikeanobedientpuppy.ThethingwasaboutthesizeofaShetlandpony,butitsheadboreaslightresemblance to thatofafrog,except that the jawswereequippedwith threerowsof long,sharptusks.

CHAPTERV

IELUDEMYWATCHDOG

Solastaredintothebrute'swicked-lookingeyes,mutteredawordortwoofcommand,pointedtome,andleftthechamber.Icouldnotbutwonderwhatthisferocious-lookingmonstrositymightdowhenleftaloneinsuchcloseproximitytosucharelativelytendermorselofmeat;butmyfearsweregroundless,asthebeast, after surveyingme intently for amoment, crossed the room to theonlyexitwhich led to thestreet,andlaydownfulllengthacrossthethreshold.

ThiswasmyfirstexperiencewithaMartianwatchdog,butitwasdestinednottobemylast,forthisfellowguardedmecarefullyduringthetimeIremainedacaptiveamongthesegreenmen;twicesavingmylife,andnevervoluntarilybeingawayfrommeamoment.

WhileSolawasawayI tookoccasion toexaminemoreminutely theroominwhichI foundmyselfcaptive.Themuralpaintingdepictedscenesofrareandwonderfulbeauty;mountains,rivers,lake,ocean,meadow,treesandflowers,windingroadways,sun-kissedgardens—sceneswhichmighthaveportrayedearthlyviewsbutforthedifferentcoloringsofthevegetation.Theworkhadevidentlybeenwroughtbya

masterhand,sosubtletheatmosphere,soperfectthetechnique;yetnowherewastherearepresentationofalivinganimal,eitherhumanorbrute,bywhichIcouldguessatthelikenessoftheseotherandperhapsextinctdenizensofMars.

While I was allowingmy fancy to run riot in wild conjecture on the possible explanation of thestrangeanomalieswhichIhadsofarmetwithonMars,Solareturnedbearingbothfoodanddrink.Thesesheplacedon the floorbesideme,andseatingherselfashortwaysoff regardedme intently.Thefoodconsisted of about a pound of some solid substance of the consistency of cheese and almost tasteless,whiletheliquidwasapparentlymilkfromsomeanimal.Itwasnotunpleasanttothetaste,thoughslightlyacid, and I learned in a short time to prize it very highly. It came, as I later discovered, not from ananimal,asthereisonlyonemammalonMarsandthatoneveryrareindeed,butfromalargeplantwhichgrowspracticallywithoutwater,butseemstodistillitsplentifulsupplyofmilkfromtheproductsofthesoil,themoistureoftheair,andtheraysofthesun.Asingleplantofthisspecieswillgiveeightortenquartsofmilkperday.

AfterIhadeatenIwasgreatlyinvigorated,butfeelingtheneedofrestIstretchedoutuponthesilksandwassoonasleep.Imusthavesleptseveralhours,asitwasdarkwhenIawoke,andIwasverycold.Inoticedthatsomeonehadthrownafuroverme,butithadbecomepartiallydislodgedandinthedarknessIcouldnotseetoreplaceit.Suddenlyahandreachedoutandpulledthefuroverme,shortlyafterwardsaddinganothertomycovering.

IpresumedthatmywatchfulguardianwasSola,norwasIwrong.Thisgirlalone,amongallthegreenMartianswithwhomIcameincontact,disclosedcharacteristicsofsympathy,kindliness,andaffection;herministrationstomybodilywantswereunfailing,andhersolicitouscaresavedmefrommuchsufferingandmanyhardships.

As Iwas to learn, theMartiannightsareextremelycold, andas there ispracticallyno twilightordawn,thechangesintemperaturearesuddenandmostuncomfortable,asarethetransitionsfrombrilliantdaylight to darkness. The nights are either brilliantly illumined or very dark, for if neither of the twomoonsofMarshappen tobe in the skyalmost totaldarkness results, since the lackof atmosphere,or,rather,theverythinatmosphere,failstodiffusethestarlighttoanygreatextent;ontheotherhand,ifbothofthemoonsareintheheavensatnightthesurfaceofthegroundisbrightlyilluminated.

BothofMars'moonsarevastlynearerherthanisourmoontoEarth;thenearermoonbeingbutaboutfivethousandmilesdistant,whilethefurtherisbutlittlemorethanfourteenthousandmilesaway,againstthenearlyone-quartermillionmileswhichseparateusfromourmoon.ThenearermoonofMarsmakesacompleterevolutionaroundtheplanetinalittleoversevenandone-halfhours,sothatshemaybeseenhurtling through the sky like somehugemeteor twoor three times eachnight, revealing all her phasesduringeachtransitoftheheavens.

ThefurthermoonrevolvesaboutMarsinsomethingoverthirtyandone-quarterhours,andwithhersistersatellitemakesanocturnalMartiansceneoneofsplendidandweirdgrandeur.Anditiswellthatnature has so graciously and abundantly lighted theMartian night, for the greenmen ofMars, being anomadic race without high intellectual development, have but crude means for artificial lighting;dependingprincipallyupontorches,akindofcandle,andapeculiaroillampwhichgeneratesagasandburnswithoutawick.

Thislastdeviceproducesanintenselybrilliantfar-reachingwhitelight,butasthenaturaloilwhichit

requirescanonlybeobtainedbymining inoneof severalwidelyseparatedand remote localities it isseldomusedbythesecreatureswhoseonlythoughtisfortoday,andwhosehatredformanuallaborhaskepttheminasemi-barbaricstateforcountlessages.

After Sola had replenishedmy coverings I again slept, nor did I awaken until daylight. The otheroccupantsoftheroom,fiveinnumber,wereallfemales,andtheywerestillsleeping,piledhighwithamotleyarrayofsilksandfurs.Acrossthethresholdlaystretchedthesleeplessguardianbrute,justasIhadlast seenhimon theprecedingday; apparentlyhehadnotmovedamuscle;his eyeswere fairlyglueduponme,andIfelltowonderingjustwhatmightbefallmeshouldIendeavortoescape.

Ihaveeverbeenpronetoseekadventureandtoinvestigateandexperimentwherewisermenwouldhave leftwell enough alone. It therefore nowoccurred tome that the surestwayof learning the exactattitudeofthisbeasttowardmewouldbetoattempttoleavetheroom.IfeltfairlysecureinmybeliefthatIcouldescapehimshouldhepursuemeonce Iwasoutside thebuilding, for Ihadbegun to takegreatpride inmy ability as a jumper. Furthermore, I could see from the shortness of his legs that the brutehimselfwasnojumperandprobablynorunner.

Slowlyandcarefully,therefore,Igainedmyfeet,onlytoseethatmywatcherdidthesame;cautiouslyIadvancedtowardhim,findingthatbymovingwithashufflinggaitIcouldretainmybalanceaswellasmakereasonablyrapidprogress.AsInearedthebrutehebackedcautiouslyawayfromme,andwhenIhadreachedtheopenhemovedtoonesidetoletmepass.HethenfellinbehindmeandfollowedabouttenpacesinmyrearasImademywayalongthedesertedstreet.

Evidentlyhismissionwastoprotectmeonly,Ithought,butwhenwereachedtheedgeofthecityhesuddenlysprangbeforeme,utteringstrangesoundsandbaringhisuglyandferocioustusks.Thinkingtohavesomeamusementathisexpense,Irushedtowardhim,andwhenalmostuponhimsprangintotheair,alighting far beyond him and away from the city.Hewheeled instantly and chargedmewith themostappallingspeedIhadeverbeheld.Ihadthoughthisshortlegsabartoswiftness,buthadhebeencoursingwithgreyhoundsthelatterwouldhaveappearedasthoughasleeponadoormat.AsIwastolearn,thisisthefleetestanimalonMars,andowingtoitsintelligence,loyalty,andferocityisusedinhunting,inwar,andastheprotectoroftheMartianman.

IquicklysawthatIwouldhavedifficultyinescapingthefangsofthebeastonastraightawaycourse,andsoImethischargebydoublinginmytracksandleapingoverhimashewasalmostuponme.Thismaneuvergavemeaconsiderableadvantage,andIwasabletoreachthecityquiteabitaheadofhim,andashecametearingaftermeIjumpedforawindowaboutthirtyfeetfromthegroundinthefaceofoneofthebuildingsoverlookingthevalley.

GraspingthesillIpulledmyselfuptoasittingposturewithoutlookingintothebuilding,andgazeddownatthebaffledanimalbeneathme.Myexultationwasshort-lived,however,forscarcelyhadIgainedasecureseatuponthesillthanahugehandgraspedmebytheneckfrombehindanddraggedmeviolentlyinto the room. Here I was thrown upon my back, and beheld standing over me a colossal ape-likecreature,whiteandhairlessexceptforanenormousshockofbristlyhairuponitshead.

CHAPTERVI

AFIGHTTHATWONFRIENDS

Thething,whichmorenearlyresembledourearthlymenthanitdidtheMartiansIhadseen,heldmepinionedtothegroundwithonehugefoot,whileitjabberedandgesticulatedatsomeansweringcreaturebehindme.Thisother,whichwasevidentlyitsmate,sooncametowardus,bearingamightystonecudgelwithwhichitevidentlyintendedtobrainme.

Thecreatureswereabouttenorfifteenfeettall,standingerect,andhad,likethegreenMartians,anintermediarysetofarmsor legs,midwaybetween theirupperand lower limbs.Theireyeswereclosetogether and non-protruding; their ears were high set, but more laterally located than those of theMartians,while their snoutsand teethwerestrikingly like thoseofourAfricangorilla.Altogether theywerenotunlovelywhenviewedincomparisonwiththegreenMartians.

Thecudgelwasswinginginthearcwhichendeduponmyupturnedfacewhenaboltofmyriad-leggedhorrorhurleditselfthroughthedoorwayfulluponthebreastofmyexecutioner.Withashriekoffeartheapewhichheldmeleapedthroughtheopenwindow,butitsmateclosedinaterrificdeathstrugglewithmy preserver, which was nothing less than my faithful watch-thing; I cannot bring myself to call sohideousacreatureadog.

AsquicklyaspossibleIgainedmyfeetandbackingagainstthewallIwitnessedsuchabattleasitisvouchsafed few beings to see. The strength, agility, and blind ferocity of these two creatures isapproachedbynothingknowntoearthlyman.Mybeasthadanadvantageinhisfirsthold,havingsunkhismighty fangs far into the breast of his adversary; but the great arms and paws of the ape, backed bymusclesfartranscendingthoseoftheMartianmenIhadseen,hadlockedthethroatofmyguardianandslowlywerechokingouthislife,andbendingbackhisheadandneckuponhisbody,whereImomentarilyexpectedtheformertofalllimpattheendofabrokenneck.

Inaccomplishingthis theapewastearingawaytheentirefrontof itsbreast,whichwasheldinthe

vise-likegripofthepowerfuljaws.Backandforthuponthefloortheyrolled,neitheroneemittingasoundoffearorpain.PresentlyIsawthegreateyesofmybeastbulgingcompletelyfromtheirsocketsandbloodflowingfromitsnostrils.Thathewasweakeningperceptiblywasevident,butsoalsowastheape,whosestrugglesweregrowingmomentarilyless.

SuddenlyIcametomyselfand,withthatstrangeinstinctwhichseemsevertopromptmetomyduty,Iseizedthecudgel,whichhadfallentotheflooratthecommencementofthebattle,andswingingitwithallthepowerofmyearthlyarmsIcrasheditfullupontheheadoftheape,crushinghisskullasthoughithadbeenaneggshell.

Scarcely had the blow descended when I was confronted with a new danger. The ape's mate,recoveredfromitsfirstshockofterror,hadreturnedtothesceneoftheencounterbywayoftheinteriorofthebuilding.Iglimpsedhimjustbeforehereachedthedoorwayandthesightofhim,nowroaringasheperceivedhis lifeless fellowstretchedupon the floor,and frothingat themouth, in theextremityofhisrage,filledme,Imustconfess,withdireforebodings.

Iameverwillingtostandandfightwhentheoddsarenottoooverwhelminglyagainstme,butinthisinstanceIperceivedneitherglorynorprofitinpittingmyrelativelypunystrengthagainsttheironmusclesand brutal ferocity of this enraged denizen of an unknownworld; in fact, the only outcomeof such anencounter,sofarasImightbeconcerned,seemedsuddendeath.

IwasstandingnearthewindowandIknewthatonceinthestreetImightgaintheplazaandsafetybefore the creature could overtakeme; at least therewas a chance for safety in flight, against almostcertaindeathshouldIremainandfighthoweverdesperately.

ItistrueIheldthecudgel,butwhatcouldIdowithitagainsthisfourgreatarms?EvenshouldIbreakoneofthemwithmyfirstblow,forIfiguredthathewouldattempttowardoffthecudgel,hecouldreachoutandannihilatemewiththeothersbeforeIcouldrecoverforasecondattack.

IntheinstantthatthesethoughtspassedthroughmymindIhadturnedtomakeforthewindow,butmyeyesalightingontheformofmyerstwhileguardianthrewallthoughtsofflighttothefourwinds.Helaygaspinguponthefloorofthechamber,hisgreateyesfasteneduponmeinwhatseemedapitifulappealforprotection. I could not withstand that look, nor could I, on second thought, have desertedmy rescuerwithoutgivingasgoodanaccountofmyselfinhisbehalfashehadinmine.

Withoutmoreado,therefore,Iturnedtomeetthechargeoftheinfuriatedbullape.Hewasnowtoocloseuponme for thecudgel toproveofanyeffectiveassistance, so Imerely threw it asheavilyas Icouldathisadvancingbulk.Itstruckhimjustbelowtheknees,elicitingahowlofpainandrage,andsothrowinghimoffhisbalancethathelungedfulluponmewitharmswidestretchedtoeasehisfall.

Again,asontheprecedingday,Ihadrecoursetoearthlytactics,andswingingmyrightfistfulluponthepointofhischinIfolloweditwithasmashinglefttothepitofhisstomach.Theeffectwasmarvelous,for,asIlightlysidestepped,afterdeliveringthesecondblow,hereeledandfelluponthefloordoubledupwith pain and gasping forwind.Leaping over his prostrate body, I seized the cudgel and finished themonsterbeforehecouldregainhisfeet.

AsIdeliveredtheblowalowlaughrangoutbehindme,and,turning,IbeheldTarsTarkas,Sola,andthreeorfourwarriorsstandinginthedoorwayofthechamber.AsmyeyesmettheirsIwas,forthesecond

time,therecipientoftheirzealouslyguardedapplause.

MyabsencehadbeennotedbySolaonherawakening,andshehadquickly informedTarsTarkas,whohadsetout immediatelywithahandfulofwarriors to search forme.As theyhadapproached thelimitsofthecitytheyhadwitnessedtheactionsofthebullapeasheboltedintothebuilding,frothingwithrage.

Theyhadfollowedimmediatelybehindhim,thinkingitbarelypossiblethathisactionsmightproveaclewtomywhereaboutsandhadwitnessedmyshortbutdecisivebattlewithhim.Thisencounter,togetherwithmyset-towiththeMartianwarrioronthepreviousdayandmyfeatsofjumpingplacedmeuponahighpinnacleintheirregard.Evidentlydevoidofallthefinersentimentsoffriendship,love,oraffection,thesepeoplefairlyworshipphysicalprowessandbravery,andnothingistoogoodfortheobjectoftheiradorationaslongashemaintainshispositionbyrepeatedexamplesofhisskill,strength,andcourage.

Sola,whohadaccompaniedthesearchingpartyofherownvolition,wastheonlyoneoftheMartianswhosefacehadnotbeentwistedinlaughterasIbattledformylife.She,onthecontrary,wassoberwithapparentsolicitudeand,assoonasIhadfinishedthemonster,rushedtomeandcarefullyexaminedmybodyforpossiblewoundsorinjuries.SatisfyingherselfthatIhadcomeoffunscathedshesmiledquietly,and,takingmyhand,startedtowardthedoorofthechamber.

Tars Tarkas and the otherwarriors had entered andwere standing over the now rapidly revivingbrute which had saved my life, and whose life I, in turn, had rescued. They seemed to be deep inargument,and finallyoneof themaddressedme,but rememberingmy ignoranceofhis language turnedback to Tars Tarkas,who,with aword and gesture, gave some command to the fellow and turned tofollowusfromtheroom.

Thereseemedsomethingmenacingintheirattitudetowardmybeast,andIhesitatedtoleaveuntilIhadlearnedtheoutcome.ItwaswellIdidso,forthewarriordrewanevillookingpistolfromitsholsterandwasonthepointofputtinganendtothecreaturewhenIsprangforwardandstruckuphisarm.Thebulletstrikingthewoodencasingofthewindowexploded,blowingaholecompletelythroughthewoodandmasonry.

Ithenkneltdownbesidethefearsome-lookingthing,andraisingittoitsfeetmotionedforittofollowme.The looksof surprisewhichmyactions elicited from theMartianswere ludicrous; they couldnotunderstand,exceptinafeebleandchildishway,suchattributesasgratitudeandcompassion.ThewarriorwhosegunIhadstruckuplookedenquiringlyatTarsTarkas,butthelattersignedthatIbelefttomyowndevices,andsowereturnedtotheplazawithmygreatbeastfollowingcloseatheel,andSolagraspingmetightlybythearm.

IhadatleasttwofriendsonMars;ayoungwomanwhowatchedovermewithmotherlysolicitude,andadumbbrutewhich,asIlatercametoknow,heldinitspooruglycarcassmorelove,moreloyalty,moregratitudethancouldhavebeenfoundintheentirefivemilliongreenMartianswhorovethedesertedcitiesanddeadseabottomsofMars.

CHAPTERVII

CHILD-RAISINGONMARS

After a breakfast, which was an exact replica of the meal of the preceding day and an index ofpracticallyeverymealwhichfollowedwhileIwaswiththegreenmenofMars,Solaescortedmetotheplaza, where I found the entire community engaged in watching or helping at the harnessing of hugemastodoniananimals togreat three-wheeledchariots.Therewereabout twohundredand fiftyof thesevehicles, each drawn by a single animal, any one ofwhich, from their appearance,might easily havedrawntheentirewagontrainwhenfullyloaded.

Thechariots themselveswere large,commodious, andgorgeouslydecorated. Ineachwas seatedafemaleMartianloadedwithornamentsofmetal,withjewelsandsilksandfurs,anduponthebackofeachofthebeastswhichdrewthechariotswasperchedayoungMartiandriver.Liketheanimalsuponwhichthewarriorsweremounted,theheavierdraftanimalsworeneitherbitnorbridle,butwereguidedentirelybytelepathicmeans.

ThispoweriswonderfullydevelopedinallMartians,andaccountslargelyforthesimplicityoftheirlanguageandtherelativelyfewspokenwordsexchangedeveninlongconversations.It is theuniversallanguageofMars,throughthemediumofwhichthehigherandloweranimalsofthisworldofparadoxesareabletocommunicatetoagreaterorlessextent,dependingupontheintellectualsphereofthespeciesandthedevelopmentoftheindividual.

Asthecavalcadetookupthelineofmarchinsinglefile,SoladraggedmeintoanemptychariotandweproceededwiththeprocessiontowardthepointbywhichIhadenteredthecitythedaybefore.Attheheadofthecaravanrodesometwohundredwarriors,fiveabreast,andalikenumberbroughtuptherear,whiletwenty-fiveorthirtyoutridersflankedusoneitherside.

Every one but myself—men, women, and children—were heavily armed, and at the tail of eachchariottrottedaMartianhound,myownbeastfollowingcloselybehindours;infact,thefaithfulcreaturenever leftmevoluntarilyduring theentire tenyears I spentonMars.Ourway ledout across the littlevalleybeforethecity,throughthehills,anddownintothedeadseabottomwhichIhadtraversedonmyjourneyfromtheincubatortotheplaza.Theincubator,asitproved,wastheterminalpointofourjourneythisday,and,astheentirecavalcadebrokeintoamadgallopassoonaswereachedthelevelexpanseofseabottom,weweresoonwithinsightofourgoal.

Onreachingitthechariotswereparkedwithmilitaryprecisiononthefoursidesoftheenclosure,andhalfascoreofwarriors,headedbytheenormouschieftain,andincludingTarsTarkasandseveralotherlesserchiefs,dismountedandadvanced toward it. I could seeTarsTarkasexplaining something to theprincipal chieftain,whosename,by theway,was, asnearly as I can translate it intoEnglish,LorquasPtomel,Jed;jedbeinghistitle.

Iwassoonappraisedofthesubjectoftheirconversation,as,callingtoSola,TarsTarkassignedforhertosendmetohim.IhadbythistimemasteredtheintricaciesofwalkingunderMartianconditions,andquicklyrespondingtohiscommandIadvancedtothesideoftheincubatorwherethewarriorsstood.

AsIreachedtheirsideaglanceshowedmethatallbutaveryfeweggshadhatched,theincubator

beingfairlyalivewiththehideouslittledevils.Theyrangedinheightfromthreetofourfeet,andweremovingrestlesslyabouttheenclosureasthoughsearchingforfood.

AsIcametoahaltbeforehim,TarsTarkaspointedovertheincubatorandsaid,"Sak."Isawthathewantedmetorepeatmyperformanceofyesterdayfor theedificationofLorquasPtomel,and,asImustconfess thatmy prowess gaveme no little satisfaction, I responded quickly, leaping entirely over theparkedchariotsonthefarsideoftheincubator.AsIreturned,LorquasPtomelgruntedsomethingatme,andturningtohiswarriorsgaveafewwordsofcommandrelativetotheincubator.TheypaidnofurtherattentiontomeandIwasthuspermittedtoremaincloseandwatchtheiroperations,whichconsistedinbreakinganopeninginthewalloftheincubatorlargeenoughtopermitoftheexitoftheyoungMartians.

Oneither sideof thisopening thewomenand theyoungerMartians,bothmaleand female, formedtwo solidwalls leading out through the chariots and quite away into the plain beyond.Between thesewallsthelittleMartiansscampered,wildasdeer;beingpermittedtorunthefulllengthoftheaisle,wheretheywerecapturedoneatatimebythewomenandolderchildren;thelastinthelinecapturingthefirstlittleonetoreachtheendofthegauntlet,heroppositeinthelinecapturingthesecond,andsoonuntilallthe littlefellowshadleft theenclosureandbeenappropriatedbysomeyouthorfemale.Asthewomencaughttheyoungtheyfelloutoflineandreturnedtotheirrespectivechariots,whilethosewhofellintothehandsoftheyoungmenwerelaterturnedovertosomeofthewomen.

I saw that theceremony, if it couldbedignifiedbysuchaname,wasover,andseekingoutSola Ifoundherinourchariotwithahideouslittlecreatureheldtightlyinherarms.

Theworkof rearingyoung, greenMartians consists solely in teaching them to talk, and touse theweaponsofwarfarewithwhichtheyareloadeddownfromtheveryfirstyearoftheirlives.Comingfromeggs in which they have lain for five years, the period of incubation, they step forth into the worldperfectlydevelopedexceptinsize.Entirelyunknowntotheirmothers,who,inturn,wouldhavedifficultyinpointingoutthefatherswithanydegreeofaccuracy,theyarethecommonchildrenofthecommunity,andtheireducationdevolvesuponthefemaleswhochancetocapturethemastheyleavetheincubator.

Theirfostermothersmaynotevenhavehadaneggintheincubator,aswasthecasewithSola,whohad not commenced to lay, until less than a year before she became the mother of another woman'soffspring.ButthiscountsforlittleamongthegreenMartians,asparentalandfilialloveisasunknowntothemasitiscommonamongus.Ibelievethishorriblesystemwhichhasbeencarriedonforagesisthedirect cause of the loss of all the finer feelings and higher humanitarian instincts among these poorcreatures.Frombirththeyknownofatherormotherlove,theyknownotthemeaningofthewordhome;theyaretaughtthattheyareonlysufferedtoliveuntiltheycandemonstratebytheirphysiqueandferocitythattheyarefittolive.Shouldtheyprovedeformedordefectiveinanywaytheyarepromptlyshot;nordo they see a tear shed for a single one of the many cruel hardships they pass through from earliestinfancy.

IdonotmeanthattheadultMartiansareunnecessarilyorintentionallycrueltotheyoung,buttheirsisa hard and pitiless struggle for existence upon a dying planet, the natural resources of which havedwindledtoapointwherethesupportofeachadditionallifemeansanaddedtaxuponthecommunityintowhichitisthrown.

By careful selection they rear only the hardiest specimens of each species, and with almostsupernaturalforesighttheyregulatethebirthratetomerelyoffsetthelossbydeath.

EachadultMartianfemalebringsforthaboutthirteeneggseachyear,andthosewhichmeetthesize,weight, and specific gravity tests are hidden in the recesses of some subterranean vault where thetemperature is too low for incubation. Every year these eggs are carefully examined by a council oftwenty chieftains, and all but about one hundred of themost perfect are destroyed out of each yearlysupply. At the end of five years about five hundred almost perfect eggs have been chosen from thethousandsbroughtforth.Thesearethenplacedinthealmostair-tightincubatorstobehatchedbythesun'srays after a period of another five years. The hatching which we had witnessed today was a fairlyrepresentative event of its kind, all but about one per cent of the eggs hatching in two days. If theremainingeggseverhatchedweknewnothingofthefateofthelittleMartians.Theywerenotwanted,astheiroffspringmightinheritandtransmitthetendencytoprolongedincubation,andthusupsetthesystemwhichhasmaintainedforagesandwhichpermitstheadultMartianstofigurethepropertimeforreturntotheincubators,almosttoanhour.

The incubators are built in remote fastnesses,where there is little or no likelihood of their beingdiscoveredbyothertribes.Theresultofsuchacatastrophewouldmeannochildreninthecommunityforanotherfiveyears.Iwaslatertowitnesstheresultsofthediscoveryofanalienincubator.

ThecommunityofwhichthegreenMartianswithwhommylotwascastformedapartwascomposedofsomethirtythousandsouls.Theyroamedanenormoustractofaridandsemi-aridlandbetweenfortyand eighty degrees south latitude, and bounded on the east andwest by two large fertile tracts. Theirheadquarterslayinthesouthwestcornerofthisdistrict,nearthecrossingoftwooftheso-calledMartiancanals.

As the incubator hadbeenplaced far north of their own territory in a supposedly uninhabited andunfrequentedarea,wehadbeforeusatremendousjourney,concerningwhichI,ofcourse,knewnothing.

AfterourreturntothedeadcityIpassedseveraldaysincomparativeidleness.Onthedayfollowingour return all thewarriors had ridden forth early in themorning andhadnot returneduntil just beforedarknessfell.AsIlaterlearned,theyhadbeentothesubterraneanvaultsinwhichtheeggswerekeptandhadtransportedthemtotheincubator,whichtheyhadthenwalledupforanotherfiveyears,andwhich,inallprobability,wouldnotbevisitedagainduringthatperiod.

Thevaultswhichhidtheeggsuntiltheywerereadyfortheincubatorwerelocatedmanymilessouthoftheincubator,andwouldbevisitedyearlybythecounciloftwentychieftains.Whytheydidnotarrangetobuildtheirvaultsandincubatorsnearerhomehasalwaysbeenamysterytome,and,likemanyotherMartianmysteries,unsolvedandunsolvablebyearthlyreasoningandcustoms.

Sola'sdutieswerenowdoubled,asshewascompelledtocarefortheyoungMartianaswellasforme,butneitheroneofusrequiredmuchattention,andaswewerebothaboutequallyadvancedinMartianeducation,Solatookituponherselftotrainustogether.

Herprizeconsistedinamaleaboutfourfeettall,verystrongandphysicallyperfect;also,helearnedquickly, andwe had considerable amusement, at least I did, over the keen rivalrywe displayed. TheMartianlanguage,asIhavesaid,isextremelysimple,andinaweekIcouldmakeallmywantsknownandunderstandnearlyeverything thatwassaid tome.Likewise,underSola's tutelage, IdevelopedmytelepathicpowerssothatIshortlycouldsensepracticallyeverythingthatwentonaroundme.

WhatsurprisedSolamostinmewasthatwhileIcouldcatchtelepathicmessageseasilyfromothers,

and often when they were not intended for me, no one could read a jot from my mind under anycircumstances.Atfirstthisvexedme,butlaterIwasverygladofit,asitgavemeanundoubtedadvantageovertheMartians.

CHAPTERVIII

AFAIRCAPTIVEFROMTHESKY

Thethirddayaftertheincubatorceremonywesetforthtowardhome,butscarcelyhadtheheadoftheprocessiondebouchedintotheopengroundbeforethecitythanordersweregivenforanimmediateandhastyreturn.Asthoughtrainedforyearsinthisparticularevolution,thegreenMartiansmeltedlikemistintothespaciousdoorwaysofthenearbybuildings,until,inlessthanthreeminutes,theentirecavalcadeofchariots,mastodonsandmountedwarriorswasnowheretobeseen.

SolaandIhadenteredabuildinguponthefrontofthecity,infact,thesameoneinwhichIhadhadmyencounterwiththeapes,and,wishingtoseewhathadcausedthesuddenretreat,Imountedtoanupperfloorandpeeredfromthewindowoutoverthevalleyandthehillsbeyond;andthereIsawthecauseoftheirsuddenscurryingtocover.Ahugecraft,long,low,andgray-painted,swungslowlyoverthecrestofthenearesthill.Followingitcameanother,andanother,andanother,untiltwentyofthem,swinginglowabovetheground,sailedslowlyandmajesticallytowardus.

Eachcarriedastrangebannerswungfromstemtosternabovetheupperworks,andupontheprowofeachwaspaintedsomeodddevicethatgleamedinthesunlightandshowedplainlyevenatthedistanceatwhichwewerefromthevessels.Icouldseefigurescrowdingtheforwarddecksandupperworksoftheaircraft.WhethertheyhaddiscoveredusorsimplywerelookingatthedesertedcityIcouldnotsay,butinanyeventtheyreceivedarudereception,forsuddenlyandwithoutwarningthegreenMartianwarriorsfireda terrificvolley from thewindowsof thebuildings facing the littlevalleyacrosswhich thegreatshipsweresopeacefullyadvancing.

Instantlythescenechangedasbymagic;theforemostvesselswungbroadsidetowardus,andbringinghergunsintoplayreturnedourfire,atthesametimemovingparalleltoourfrontforashortdistanceandthen turning backwith the evident intention of completing a great circlewhichwould bring her up topositiononcemoreoppositeour firing line; theothervessels followed inherwake, eachoneopeninguponusassheswungintoposition.Ourownfireneverdiminished,andIdoubtiftwenty-fivepercentofourshotswentwild. Ithadneverbeengivenme toseesuchdeadlyaccuracyofaim,and it seemedasthougha little figureononeof thecraftdroppedat theexplosionofeachbullet,while thebannersandupperworksdissolved inspurtsof flameas the irresistibleprojectilesofourwarriorsmowedthroughthem.

The fire from the vessels was most ineffectual, owing, as I afterward learned, to the unexpectedsuddenness of the first volley, which caught the ship's crews entirely unprepared and the sightingapparatusofthegunsunprotectedfromthedeadlyaimofourwarriors.

It seems that eachgreenwarriorhas certainobjectivepoints forhis fireunder relatively identicalcircumstancesofwarfare.Forexample,aproportionofthem,alwaysthebestmarksmen,directtheirfireentirely upon the wireless finding and sighting apparatus of the big guns of an attacking naval force;another detail attends to the smaller guns in the sameway; others pick off the gunners; still others theofficers;whilecertainotherquotasconcentratetheirattentionupontheothermembersofthecrew,upontheupperworks,anduponthesteeringgearandpropellers.

Twentyminutesafterthefirstvolleythegreatfleetswungtrailingoffinthedirectionfromwhichithadfirstappeared.Severalofthecraftwerelimpingperceptibly,andseemedbutbarelyunderthecontroloftheirdepletedcrews.Theirfirehadceasedentirelyandalltheirenergiesseemedfocuseduponescape.Ourwarriorsthenrusheduptotheroofsofthebuildingswhichweoccupiedandfollowedtheretreatingarmadawithacontinuousfusilladeofdeadlyfire.

Onebyone,however,theshipsmanagedtodipbelowthecrestsoftheoutlyinghillsuntilonlyonebarely moving craft was in sight. This had received the brunt of our fire and seemed to be entirelyunmanned,asnotamovingfigurewasvisibleuponherdecks.Slowlysheswungfromhercourse,circlingback toward us in an erratic and pitifulmanner. Instantly the warriors ceased firing, for it was quiteapparentthatthevesselwasentirelyhelpless,and,farfrombeinginapositiontoinflictharmuponus,shecouldnotevencontrolherselfsufficientlytoescape.

Asshenearedthecitythewarriorsrushedoutupontheplaintomeether,butitwasevidentthatshestillwastoohighforthemtohopetoreachherdecks.FrommyvantagepointinthewindowIcouldseethebodiesofhercrewstrewnabout,althoughIcouldnotmakeoutwhatmannerofcreaturestheymightbe.Notasignoflifewasmanifestuponherasshedriftedslowlywiththelightbreezeinasoutheasterlydirection.

Shewasdriftingsomefiftyfeetabovetheground,followedbyallbutsomehundredofthewarriorswho had been ordered back to the roofs to cover the possibility of a return of the fleet, or ofreinforcements.Itsoonbecameevidentthatshewouldstrikethefaceofthebuildingsaboutamilesouthof our position, and as Iwatched the progress of the chase I sawa number ofwarriors gallop ahead,dismountandenterthebuildingsheseemeddestinedtotouch.

Asthecraftnearedthebuilding,andjustbeforeshestruck,theMartianwarriorsswarmeduponherfromthewindows,andwiththeirgreatspearseasedtheshockofthecollision,andinafewmomentstheyhadthrownoutgrapplinghooksandthebigboatwasbeinghauledtogroundbytheirfellowsbelow.

Aftermakingherfast,theyswarmedthesidesandsearchedthevesselfromstemtostern.Icouldseethemexaminingthedeadsailors,evidentlyforsignsoflife,andpresentlyapartyofthemappearedfrombelowdragging a little figure among them.The creaturewas considerably less than half as tall as thegreenMartianwarriors,andfrommybalconyIcouldseethatitwalkederectupontwolegsandsurmisedthatitwassomenewandstrangeMartianmonstrositywithwhichIhadnotasyetbecomeacquainted.

They removed their prisoner to the ground and then commenced a systematic rifling of the vessel.Thisoperationrequiredseveralhours,duringwhichtimeanumberofthechariotswererequisitionedtotransport the loot, which consisted in arms, ammunition, silks, furs, jewels, strangely carved stonevessels,andaquantityofsolidfoodsandliquids,includingmanycasksofwater,thefirstIhadseensincemyadventuponMars.

Afterthelastloadhadbeenremovedthewarriorsmadelinesfasttothecraftandtowedherfaroutintothevalleyinasouthwesterlydirection.Afewofthemthenboardedherandwerebusilyengagedinwhatappeared,frommydistantposition,astheemptyingofthecontentsofvariouscarboysuponthedeadbodiesofthesailorsandoverthedecksandworksofthevessel.

Thisoperationconcluded, theyhastilyclamberedoverhersides,slidingdowntheguyropes to theground.Thelastwarriortoleavethedeckturnedandthrewsomethingbackuponthevessel,waitinganinstanttonotetheoutcomeofhisact.Asafaintspurtofflamerosefromthepointwherethemissilestruckhe swungover the side andwasquicklyupon theground.Scarcelyhadhe alighted than theguy ropeswere simultaneously released, and the great warship, lightened by the removal of the loot, soaredmajesticallyintotheair,herdecksandupperworksamassofroaringflames.

Slowlyshedriftedtothesoutheast,risinghigherandhigherastheflamesateawayherwoodenpartsanddiminishedtheweightuponher.AscendingtotheroofofthebuildingIwatchedherforhours,untilfinallyshewaslostinthedimvistasofthedistance.Thesightwasawe-inspiringintheextremeasonecontemplatedthismightyfloatingfuneralpyre,driftingunguidedandunmannedthroughthelonelywastesof theMartianheavens;aderelictofdeathanddestruction, typifying the lifestoryof thesestrangeandferociouscreaturesintowhoseunfriendlyhandsfatehadcarriedit.

Much depressed, and, tome, unaccountably so, I slowly descended to the street. The scene I hadwitnessedseemed tomark thedefeatandannihilationof theforcesofakindredpeople, rather than theroutingbyourgreenwarriorsofahordeofsimilar, thoughunfriendly,creatures.Icouldnotfathomtheseeminghallucination,norcouldIfreemyselffromit;butsomewhereintheinnermostrecessesofmysoulIfeltastrangeyearningtowardtheseunknownfoemen,andamightyhopesurgedthroughmethatthefleetwould return and demand a reckoning from the green warriors who had so ruthlessly and wantonlyattackedit.

Closeatmyheel,inhisnowaccustomedplace,followedWoola,thehound,andasIemergeduponthestreetSolarusheduptomeasthoughIhadbeentheobjectofsomesearchonherpart.Thecavalcadewas returning to theplaza, thehomewardmarchhavingbeengivenup for thatday;nor, in fact,was itrecommencedformorethanaweek,owingtothefearofareturnattackbytheaircraft.

LorquasPtomelwas tooastuteanoldwarrior tobecaughtupontheopenplainswithacaravanofchariotsandchildren,andsoweremainedatthedesertedcityuntilthedangerseemedpassed.

AsSolaandIenteredtheplazaasightmetmyeyeswhichfilledmywholebeingwithagreatsurgeofmingledhope, fear, exultation, anddepression, andyetmostdominantwasa subtle senseof relief andhappiness;forjustaswenearedthethrongofMartiansIcaughtaglimpseoftheprisonerfromthebattlecraftwhowasbeingroughlydraggedintoanearbybuildingbyacoupleofgreenMartianfemales.

Andthesightwhichmetmyeyeswasthatofaslender,girlishfigure,similar ineverydetail to theearthlywomenofmypastlife.Shedidnotseemeatfirst,butjustasshewasdisappearingthroughtheportalofthebuildingwhichwastobeherprisonsheturned,andhereyesmetmine.Herfacewasovaland beautiful in the extreme, her every feature was finely chiseled and exquisite, her eyes large andlustrousandherheadsurmountedbyamassofcoalblack,wavinghair,caughtlooselyintoastrangeyetbecomingcoiffure.Herskinwasofalightreddishcoppercolor,againstwhichthecrimsonglowofhercheeksandtherubyofherbeautifullymoldedlipsshonewithastrangelyenhancingeffect.

Shewas as destitute of clothes as the greenMartianswho accompanied her; indeed, save for herhighlywroughtornamentsshewasentirelynaked,norcouldanyapparelhaveenhancedthebeautyofherperfectandsymmetricalfigure.

Ashergazerestedonmehereyesopenedwideinastonishment,andshemadealittlesignwithherfreehand;asignwhichIdidnot,ofcourse,understand.Justamomentwegazeduponeachother,andthenthelookofhopeandrenewedcouragewhichhadglorifiedherfaceasshediscoveredme,fadedintooneof utter dejection, mingled with loathing and contempt. I realized I had not answered her signal, andignorant as I was of Martian customs, I intuitively felt that she had made an appeal for succor andprotectionwhichmyunfortunateignorancehadpreventedmefromanswering.Andthenshewasdraggedoutofmysightintothedepthsofthedesertededifice.

CHAPTERIX

ILEARNTHELANGUAGE

AsIcamebacktomyselfIglancedatSola,whohadwitnessedthisencounterandIwassurprisedtonoteastrangeexpressionuponherusuallyexpressionlesscountenance.WhatherthoughtswereIdidnotknow,forasyetIhadlearnedbutlittleoftheMartiantongue;enoughonlytosufficeformydailyneeds.

As I reached the doorway of our building a strange surprise awaited me. A warrior approachedbearing the arms, ornaments, and full accouterments of his kind.These he presented tomewith a fewunintelligiblewords,andabearingatoncerespectfulandmenacing.

Later, Sola, with the aid of several of the otherwomen, remodeled the trappings to fitmy lesserproportions,andaftertheycompletedtheworkIwentaboutgarbedinallthepanoplyofwar.

FromthenonSolainstructedmeinthemysteriesofthevariousweapons,andwiththeMartianyoungIspentseveralhourseachdaypracticingupontheplaza.Iwasnotyetproficientwithalltheweapons,butmygreatfamiliaritywithsimilarearthlyweaponsmademeanunusuallyaptpupil,andIprogressedinaverysatisfactorymanner.

The training ofmyself and the youngMartianswas conducted solely by thewomen,whonot onlyattendtotheeducationoftheyoungintheartsofindividualdefenseandoffense,butarealsotheartisanswho produce every manufactured article wrought by the green Martians. They make the powder, thecartridges,thefirearms;infacteverythingofvalueisproducedbythefemales.Intimeofactualwarfarethey formapartof the reserves,andwhen thenecessityarises fightwithevengreater intelligenceandferocitythanthemen.

Themenaretrainedinthehigherbranchesoftheartofwar;instrategyandthemaneuveringoflargebodies of troops. They make the laws as they are needed; a new law for each emergency. They areunfettered by precedent in the administration of justice. Customs have been handed down by ages ofrepetition,but thepunishmentforignoringacustomisamatterfor individual treatmentbyajuryofthe

culprit'speers,andImaysaythatjusticeseldommissesfire,butseemsrathertoruleininverseratiototheascendencyoflaw.InonerespectatleasttheMartiansareahappypeople;theyhavenolawyers.

Ididnotsee theprisoneragainforseveraldayssubsequent toourfirstencounter,and thenonly tocatchafleetingglimpseofherasshewasbeingconductedtothegreataudiencechamberwhereIhadhadmyfirstmeetingwithLorquasPtomel.Icouldnotbutnotetheunnecessaryharshnessandbrutalitywithwhich her guards treated her; so different from the almostmaternal kindlinesswhich Solamanifestedtowardme,andtherespectfulattitudeofthefewgreenMartianswhotookthetroubletonoticemeatall.

IhadobservedonthetwooccasionswhenIhadseenherthattheprisonerexchangedwordswithherguards,andthisconvincedmethattheyspoke,oratleastcouldmakethemselvesunderstoodbyacommonlanguage.With thisaddedincentiveInearlydroveSoladistractedbymyimportunities tohastenonmyeducationandwithinafewmoredaysIhadmasteredtheMartiantonguesufficientlywelltoenablemetocarryonapassableconversationandtofullyunderstandpracticallyallthatIheard.

Atthistimeoursleepingquarterswereoccupiedbythreeorfourfemalesandacoupleoftherecentlyhatchedyoung,besideSolaandheryouthfulward,myself,andWoolathehound.Aftertheyhadretiredforthe night it was customary for the adults to carry on a desultory conversation for a short time beforelapsingintosleep,andnowthatIcouldunderstandtheirlanguageIwasalwaysakeenlistener,althoughIneverprofferedanyremarksmyself.

Onthenightfollowingtheprisoner'svisittotheaudiencechambertheconversationfinallyfelluponthis subject, and I was all ears on the instant. I had feared to question Sola relative to the beautifulcaptive,asIcouldnotbutrecallthestrangeexpressionIhadnoteduponherfaceaftermyfirstencounterwith the prisoner. That it denoted jealousy I could not say, and yet, judging all things by mundanestandardsasIstilldid,IfeltitsafertoaffectindifferenceinthematteruntilIlearnedmoresurelySola'sattitudetowardtheobjectofmysolicitude.

Sarkoja,oneoftheolderwomenwhosharedourdomicile,hadbeenpresentattheaudienceasoneofthecaptive'sguards,anditwastowardherthequestionturned.

"When,"askedoneof thewomen,"willweenjoythedeaththroesof theredone?ordoesLorquasPtomel,Jed,intendholdingherforransom?"

"TheyhavedecidedtocarryherwithusbacktoThark,andexhibitherlastagoniesatthegreatgamesbeforeTalHajus,"repliedSarkoja.

"Whatwillbethemannerofhergoingout?"inquiredSola."Sheisverysmallandverybeautiful;Ihadhopedthattheywouldholdherforransom."

SarkojaandtheotherwomengruntedangrilyatthisevidenceofweaknessonthepartofSola.

"Itissad,Sola,thatyouwerenotbornamillionyearsago,"snappedSarkoja,"whenallthehollowsofthelandwerefilledwithwater,andthepeopleswereassoftasthestufftheysailedupon.Inourdaywehaveprogressedtoapointwheresuchsentimentsmarkweaknessandatavism.ItwillnotbewellforyoutopermitTarsTarkastolearnthatyouholdsuchdegeneratesentiments,asIdoubtthathewouldcaretoentrustsuchasyouwiththegraveresponsibilitiesofmaternity."

"Iseenothingwrongwithmyexpressionofinterestinthisredwoman,"retortedSola."Shehasneverharmedus,norwouldsheshouldwehavefallenintoherhands.Itisonlythemenofherkindwhowaruponus,andIhaveever thought that theirattitude towardus isbut the reflectionofours toward them.Theyliveatpeacewithalltheirfellows,exceptwhendutycallsuponthemtomakewar,whileweareatpeacewithnone;foreverwarringamongourownkindaswellasupontheredmen,andeveninourowncommunitiestheindividualsfightamongstthemselves.Oh,itisonecontinual,awfulperiodofbloodshedfromthetimewebreaktheshelluntilwegladlyembracethebosomoftheriverofmystery,thedarkandancientIsswhichcarriesustoanunknown,butatleastnomorefrightfulandterribleexistence!Fortunateindeedishewhomeetshisendinanearlydeath.SaywhatyoupleasetoTarsTarkas,hecanmeteoutnoworsefatetomethanacontinuationofthehorribleexistenceweareforcedtoleadinthislife."

ThiswildoutbreakonthepartofSolasogreatlysurprisedandshockedtheotherwomen,that,afterafewwordsofgeneralreprimand,theyalllapsedintosilenceandweresoonasleep.OnethingtheepisodehadaccomplishedwastoassuremeofSola'sfriendlinesstowardthepoorgirl,andalsotoconvincemethatIhadbeenextremelyfortunateinfallingintoherhandsratherthanthoseofsomeoftheotherfemales.Iknewthatshewasfondofme,andnowthatIhaddiscoveredthatshehatedcrueltyandbarbarityIwasconfidentthatIcoulddependuponhertoaidmeandthegirlcaptivetoescape,providedofcoursethatsuchathingwaswithintherangeofpossibilities.

Ididnotevenknowthattherewereanybetterconditionstoescapeto,butIwasmorethanwillingtotakemy chances among people fashioned after my ownmold rather than to remain longer among thehideousandbloodthirstygreenmenofMars.Butwheretogo,andhow,wasasmuchofapuzzletomeastheage-oldsearchforthespringofeternallifehasbeentoearthlymensincethebeginningoftime.

IdecidedthatatthefirstopportunityIwouldtakeSolaintomyconfidenceandopenlyaskhertoaidme,andwiththisresolutionstronguponmeIturnedamongmysilksandfursandsleptthedreamlessandrefreshingsleepofMars.

CHAPTERX

CHAMPIONANDCHIEF

EarlythenextmorningIwasastir.Considerablefreedomwasallowedme,asSolahadinformedmethatsolongasIdidnotattempttoleavethecityIwasfreetogoandcomeasIpleased.Shehadwarnedme, however, against venturing forth unarmed, as this city, like all other deserted metropolises of anancientMartiancivilization,waspeopledbythegreatwhiteapesofmysecondday'sadventure.

InadvisingmethatImustnotleavetheboundariesofthecitySolahadexplainedthatWoolawouldpreventthisanywayshouldIattemptit,andshewarnedmemosturgentlynottoarousehisfiercenaturebyignoringhiswarningsshouldIventuretooclosetotheforbiddenterritory.Hisnaturewassuch,shesaid,that hewould bringme back into the city dead or alive should I persist in opposing him; "preferablydead,"sheadded.

OnthismorningIhadchosenanewstreettoexplorewhensuddenlyIfoundmyselfatthelimitsofthecity.Beforemewere lowhillspiercedbynarrowand invitingravines. I longed toexplore thecountrybefore me, and, like the pioneer stock from which I sprang, to view what the landscape beyond theencirclinghillsmightdisclosefromthesummitswhichshutoutmyview.

ItalsooccurredtomethatthiswouldproveanexcellentopportunitytotestthequalitiesofWoola.Iwasconvincedthatthebrutelovedme;IhadseenmoreevidencesofaffectioninhimthaninanyotherMartiananimal,manorbeast,andIwassurethatgratitudefortheactsthathadtwicesavedhislifewouldmorethanoutweighhisloyaltytothedutyimposeduponhimbycruelandlovelessmasters.

As I approached theboundary lineWoola rananxiouslybeforeme,and thrusthisbodyagainstmylegs.Hisexpressionwaspleadingratherthanferocious,nordidhebarehisgreattusksorutterhisfearfulgutturalwarnings.Denied the friendship andcompanionshipofmykind, I haddevelopedconsiderableaffectionforWoolaandSola,forthenormalearthlymanmusthavesomeoutletforhisnaturalaffections,andsoIdecideduponanappealtoalikeinstinctinthisgreatbrute,surethatIwouldnotbedisappointed.

Ihadneverpettednor fondledhim,butnowI satupon thegroundandputtingmyarmsaroundhisheavyneckIstrokedandcoaxedhim,talkinginmynewlyacquiredMartiantongueasIwouldhavetomyhoundathome,asIwouldhavetalkedtoanyotherfriendamongtheloweranimals.Hisresponsetomymanifestation of affection was remarkable to a degree; he stretched his great mouth to its full width,baring the entire expanse of his upper rowsof tusks andwrinklinghis snout until his great eyeswerealmost hidden by the folds of flesh. If you have ever seen a collie smile youmay have some idea ofWoola'sfacialdistortion.

He threw himself upon his back and fairlywallowed atmy feet; jumped up and sprang uponme,rollingmeupon thegroundbyhisgreatweight; thenwrigglingandsquirmingaroundme likeaplayfulpuppypresentingitsbackforthepettingitcraves.Icouldnotresisttheludicrousnessofthespectacle,andholdingmysidesIrockedbackandforthinthefirstlaughterwhichhadpassedmylipsinmanydays;thefirst,infact,sincethemorningPowellhadleftcampwhenhishorse,longunused,hadprecipitatelyandunexpectedlybuckedhimoffheadforemostintoapotoffrijoles.

MylaughterfrightenedWoola,hisanticsceasedandhecrawledpitifullytowardme,pokinghisuglyheadfar intomylap;andthenIrememberedwhat laughtersignifiedonMars—torture,suffering,death.Quietingmyself,Irubbedthepooroldfellow'sheadandback,talkedtohimforafewminutes,andtheninanauthoritativetonecommandedhimtofollowme,andarisingstartedforthehills.

There was no further question of authority between us; Woola was my devoted slave from thatmomenthence,andIhisonlyandundisputedmaster.Mywalktothehillsoccupiedbutafewminutes,andI foundnothingofparticular interest to rewardme.Numerousbrilliantly coloredand strangely formedwildflowersdottedtheravinesandfromthesummitofthefirsthillIsawstillotherhillsstretchingofftoward the north, and rising, one range above another, until lost in mountains of quite respectabledimensions; though I afterward found that only a few peaks on allMars exceed four thousand feet inheight;thesuggestionofmagnitudewasmerelyrelative.

My morning's walk had been large with importance to me for it had resulted in a perfectunderstandingwithWoola,uponwhomTarsTarkas relied formysafekeeping. Inowknew thatwhiletheoreticallyaprisonerIwasvirtuallyfree,andIhastenedtoregainthecitylimitsbeforethedefectionofWoolacouldbediscoveredbyhiserstwhilemasters.Theadventuredecidedmeneveragaintoleavethe

limitsofmyprescribedstampinggroundsuntilIwasreadytoventureforthforgoodandall,asitwouldcertainlyresultinacurtailmentofmyliberties,aswellastheprobabledeathofWoola,werewetobediscovered.

OnregainingtheplazaIhadmythirdglimpseofthecaptivegirl.Shewasstandingwithherguardsbefore theentrance to theaudiencechamber,andas Iapproachedshegavemeonehaughtyglanceandturnedherbackfulluponme.Theactwassowomanly,soearthlywomanly,thatthoughitstungmyprideitalsowarmedmyheartwithafeelingofcompanionship;itwasgoodtoknowthatsomeoneelseonMarsbesidemyself had human instincts of a civilized order, even though themanifestation of themwas sopainfulandmortifying.

HadagreenMartianwomandesiredtoshowdislikeorcontemptshewould,inalllikelihood,havedone it with a sword thrust or a movement of her trigger finger; but as their sentiments are mostlyatrophieditwouldhaverequiredaseriousinjurytohavearousedsuchpassionsinthem.Sola,letmeadd,wasanexception;Ineversawherperformacrueloruncouthact,orfailinuniformkindlinessandgoodnature.Shewasindeed,asherfellowMartianhadsaidofher,anatavism;adearandpreciousreversiontoaformertypeoflovedandlovingancestor.

Seeing that theprisoner seemed thecenterofattraction Ihalted toview theproceedings. Ihadnotlong to wait for presently Lorquas Ptomel and his retinue of chieftains approached the building and,signing the guards to follow with the prisoner entered the audience chamber. Realizing that I was asomewhatfavoredcharacter,andalsoconvincedthatthewarriorsdidnotknowofmyproficiencyintheirlanguage,asIhadpleadwithSolatokeepthisasecretonthegroundsthatIdidnotwishtobeforcedtotalkwith themen until I had perfectlymastered theMartian tongue, I chanced an attempt to enter theaudiencechamberandlistentotheproceedings.

Thecouncilsquatteduponthestepsoftherostrum,whilebelowthemstoodtheprisonerandhertwoguards.IsawthatoneofthewomenwasSarkoja,andthusunderstoodhowshehadbeenpresentatthehearingoftheprecedingday,theresultsofwhichshehadreportedtotheoccupantsofourdormitorylastnight. Her attitude toward the captive was most harsh and brutal. When she held her, she sunk herrudimentary nails into the poor girl's flesh, or twisted her arm in amost painfulmanner.When itwasnecessarytomovefromonespottoanothersheeitherjerkedherroughly,orpushedherheadlongbeforeher. She seemed to be venting upon this poor defenseless creature all the hatred, cruelty, ferocity, andspiteofherninehundredyears,backedbyunguessableagesoffierceandbrutalancestors.

Theotherwomanwaslesscruelbecauseshewasentirelyindifferent;iftheprisonerhadbeenlefttoheralone,andfortunatelyshewasatnight,shewouldhavereceivednoharshtreatment,nor,bythesametokenwouldshehavereceivedanyattentionatall.

As Lorquas Ptomel raised his eyes to address the prisoner they fell onme and he turned to TarsTarkaswithaword,andgestureofimpatience.TarsTarkasmadesomereplywhichIcouldnotcatch,butwhichcausedLorquasPtomeltosmile;afterwhichtheypaidnofurtherattentiontome.

"Whatisyourname?"askedLorquasPtomel,addressingtheprisoner.

"DejahThoris,daughterofMorsKajakofHelium."

"Andthenatureofyourexpedition?"hecontinued.

"It was a purely scientific research party sent out bymy father's father, the Jeddak of Helium, torecharttheaircurrents,andtotakeatmosphericdensitytests,"repliedthefairprisoner,inalow,well-modulatedvoice.

"Wewereunpreparedforbattle,"shecontinued,"aswewereonapeacefulmission,asourbannersandthecolorsofourcraftdenoted.Theworkweweredoingwasasmuchinyourinterestsasinours,foryouknowfullwellthatwereitnotforourlaborsandthefruitsofourscientificoperationstherewouldnotbeenoughairorwateronMarstosupportasinglehumanlife.Forageswehavemaintainedtheairandwatersupplyatpracticallythesamepointwithoutanappreciableloss,andwehavedonethisinthefaceofthebrutalandignorantinterferenceofyougreenmen.

"Why,oh,whywillyounotlearntoliveinamitywithyourfellows.Mustyouevergoondowntheagestoyourfinalextinctionbutlittleabovetheplaneofthedumbbrutesthatserveyou!Apeoplewithoutwrittenlanguage,withoutart,withouthomes,withoutlove;thevictimsofeonsofthehorriblecommunityidea. Owning everything in common, even to your women and children, has resulted in your owningnothingincommon.Youhateeachotherasyouhateallelseexceptyourselves.Comebacktothewaysofourcommonancestors,comebacktothelightofkindlinessandfellowship.Thewayisopentoyou,youwillfindthehandsoftheredmenstretchedouttoaidyou.Togetherwemaydostillmoretoregenerateourdyingplanet.Thegranddaughterofthegreatestandmightiestoftheredjeddakshasaskedyou.Willyoucome?"

Lorquas Ptomel and thewarriors sat looking silently and intently at the youngwoman for severalmomentsaftershehadceasedspeaking.Whatwaspassingintheirmindsnomanmayknow,butthattheyweremovedItrulybelieve,andifonemanhighamongthemhadbeenstrongenoughtoriseabovecustom,thatmomentwouldhavemarkedanewandmightyeraforMars.

IsawTarsTarkasrisetospeak,andonhisfacewassuchanexpressionasIhadneverseenuponthecountenanceofagreenMartianwarrior.Itbespokeaninwardandmightybattlewithself,withheredity,with age-old custom, and as he opened hismouth to speak, a look almost of benignity, of kindliness,momentarilylighteduphisfierceandterriblecountenance.

Whatwordsofmomentwere tohave fallen fromhis lipswerenever spoken, as just thenayoungwarrior,evidentlysensingthetrendof thoughtamongtheoldermen, leapeddownfromthestepsof therostrum, and striking the frail captive a powerful blow across the face,which felled her to the floor,placed his foot upon her prostrate form and turning toward the assembled council broke into peals ofhorrid,mirthlesslaughter.

For an instant I thoughtTarsTarkaswould strike himdead, nor did the aspect ofLorquasPtomelauguranytoofavorablyforthebrute,butthemoodpassed,theiroldselvesreassertedtheirascendency,andtheysmiled.Itwasportentoushoweverthattheydidnotlaughaloud,forthebrute'sactconstitutedaside-splittingwitticismaccordingtotheethicswhichrulegreenMartianhumor.

ThatIhavetakenmomentstowritedownapartofwhatoccurredasthatblowfelldoesnotsignifythat I remained inactive forany such lengthof time. I think Imusthave sensed somethingofwhatwascoming,forIrealizenowthatIwascrouchedasforaspringasIsawtheblowaimedatherbeautiful,upturned,pleadingface,anderethehanddescendedIwashalfwayacrossthehall.

Scarcelyhadhishideouslaughrangoutbutonce,whenIwasuponhim.Thebrutewastwelvefeetin

height and armed to the teeth, but I believe that I could have accounted for thewhole roomful in theterrificintensityofmyrage.Springingupward,Istruckhimfullinthefaceasheturnedatmywarningcryandthenashedrewhisshort-swordIdrewmineandsprangupagainuponhisbreast,hookingonelegover thebuttofhispistolandgraspingoneofhishuge tuskswithmylefthandwhileIdeliveredblowafterblowuponhisenormouschest.

Hecouldnotusehisshort-swordtoadvantagebecauseIwastooclosetohim,norcouldhedrawhispistol,whichheattemptedtodoindirectoppositiontoMartiancustomwhichsaysthatyoumaynotfightafellowwarriorinprivatecombatwithanyotherthantheweaponwithwhichyouareattacked.Infacthecoulddonothingbutmakeawildandfutileattempt todislodgeme.Withallhis immensebulkhewaslittle ifanystronger thanI,and itwasbut thematterofamomentor twobeforehesank,bleedingandlifeless,tothefloor.

DejahThorishadraisedherselfupononeelbowandwaswatchingthebattlewithwide,staringeyes.WhenIhadregainedmyfeetIraisedherinmyarmsandborehertooneofthebenchesatthesideoftheroom.

Again noMartian interfered with me, and tearing a piece of silk frommy cape I endeavored tostaunchtheflowofbloodfromhernostrils.Iwassoonsuccessfulasherinjuriesamountedtolittlemorethananordinarynosebleed,andwhenshecouldspeaksheplacedherhanduponmyarmandlookingupintomyeyes,said:

"Whydidyoudoit?Youwhorefusedmeevenfriendlyrecognitioninthefirsthourofmyperil!Andnowyouriskyour lifeandkilloneofyourcompanionsformysake.Icannotunderstand.Whatstrangemannerofmanareyou,thatyouconsortwiththegreenmen,thoughyourformisthatofmyrace,whileyour color is little darker than that of the white ape? Tell me, are you human, or are youmore thanhuman?"

"Itisastrangetale,"Ireplied,"toolongtoattempttotellyounow,andonewhichIsomuchdoubtthecredibilityofmyselfthatIfeartohopethatotherswillbelieveit.Sufficeit,forthepresent,thatIamyourfriend,and,sofarasourcaptorswillpermit,yourprotectorandyourservant."

"Thenyoutooareaprisoner?Butwhy,then,thosearmsandtheregaliaofaTharkianchieftain?Whatisyourname?Whereyourcountry?"

"Yes,DejahThoris, I too amaprisoner;myname is JohnCarter, and I claimVirginia, oneof theUnitedStatesofAmerica,Earth,asmyhome;butwhyIampermittedtoweararmsIdonotknow,norwasIawarethatmyregaliawasthatofachieftain."

We were interrupted at this juncture by the approach of one of the warriors, bearing arms,accoutrementsandornaments,andinaflashoneofherquestionswasansweredandapuzzleclearedupforme. I saw that the body ofmy dead antagonist had been stripped, and I read in themenacing yetrespectfulattitudeofthewarriorwhohadbroughtmethesetrophiesofthekillthesamedemeanorasthatevincedbytheotherwhohadbroughtmemyoriginalequipment,andnowforthefirsttimeIrealizedthatmy blow, on the occasion ofmy first battle in the audience chamber had resulted in the death ofmyadversary.

Thereasonforthewholeattitudedisplayedtowardmewasnowapparent;Ihadwonmyspurs,soto

speak,andinthecrudejustice,whichalwaysmarksMartiandealings,andwhich,amongotherthings,hascausedmetocallhertheplanetofparadoxes,Iwasaccordedthehonorsdueaconqueror;thetrappingsandthepositionof themanIkilled.In truth,IwasaMartianchieftain,andthisI learnedlaterwasthecauseofmygreatfreedomandmytolerationintheaudiencechamber.

As I had turned to receive the deadwarrior's chattels I had noticed that Tars Tarkas and severalothers had pushed forward toward us, and the eyes of the former rested uponme in amost quizzicalmanner.Finallyheaddressedme:

"Youspeakthe tongueofBarsoomquitereadilyforonewhowasdeafanddumbtousafewshortdaysago.Wheredidyoulearnit,JohnCarter?"

"You,yourself,areresponsible,TarsTarkas,"Ireplied,"inthatyoufurnishedmewithaninstructressofremarkableability;IhavetothankSolaformylearning."

"Shehasdonewell,"heanswered,"butyoureducationinotherrespectsneedsconsiderablepolish.Doyouknowwhatyourunprecedentedtemeritywouldhavecostyouhadyoufailedtokilleitherofthetwochieftainswhosemetalyounowwear?"

"IpresumethatthatonewhomIhadfailedtokill,wouldhavekilledme,"Ianswered,smiling.

"No, you are wrong. Only in the last extremity of self-defense would a Martian warrior kill aprisoner; we like to save them for other purposes," and his face bespoke possibilities that were notpleasanttodwellupon.

"But one thing can save you now," he continued. "Should you, in recognition of your remarkablevalor,ferocity,andprowess,beconsideredbyTalHajusasworthyofhisserviceyoumaybetakenintothecommunityandbecomeafull-fledgedTharkian.UntilwereachtheheadquartersofTalHajusitisthewillofLorquasPtomelthatyoubeaccordedtherespectyouractshaveearnedyou.YouwillbetreatedbyusasaTharkianchieftain,butyoumustnotforgetthateverychiefwhoranksyouisresponsibleforyoursafedeliverytoourmightyandmostferociousruler.Iamdone."

"Ihearyou,TarsTarkas," I answered. "Asyouknow I amnotofBarsoom;yourwaysarenotmyways, and I can only act in the future as I have in the past, in accordance with the dictates of myconscience and guided by the standards ofmine own people. If youwill leaveme alone Iwill go inpeace, but if not, let the individualBarsoomianswithwhom Imust deal either respectmy rights as astrangeramongyou,ortakewhateverconsequencesmaybefall.Ofonethingletusbesure,whatevermaybeyourultimateintentionstowardthisunfortunateyoungwoman,whoeverwouldofferherinjuryorinsultinthefuturemustfigureonmakingafullaccountingtome.Iunderstandthatyoubelittleallsentimentsofgenerosity and kindliness, but I do not, and I can convince your most doughty warrior that thesecharacteristicsarenotincompatiblewithanabilitytofight."

Ordinarily Iamnotgiven to longspeeches,noreverbeforehadIdescended tobombast,but IhadguessedatthekeynotewhichwouldstrikeanansweringchordinthebreastsofthegreenMartians,norwasIwrong,formyharangueevidentlydeeplyimpressedthem,andtheirattitudetowardmethereafterwasstillfurtherrespectful.

Tars Tarkas himself seemed pleased with my reply, but his only comment was more or less

enigmatical—"AndIthinkIknowTalHajus,JeddakofThark."

InowturnedmyattentiontoDejahThoris,andassistinghertoherfeetIturnedwithhertowardtheexit,ignoringherhoveringguardianharpiesaswellastheinquiringglancesofthechieftains.WasInotnowachieftainalso!Well,then,Iwouldassumetheresponsibilitiesofone.Theydidnotmolestus,andsoDejahThoris, Princess ofHelium, and JohnCarter, gentleman ofVirginia, followed by the faithfulWoola,passedthroughuttersilencefromtheaudiencechamberofLorquasPtomel,JedamongtheTharksofBarsoom.

CHAPTERXI

WITHDEJAHTHORIS

AswereachedtheopenthetwofemaleguardswhohadbeendetailedtowatchoverDejahThorishurriedupandmadeasthoughtoassumecustodyofheroncemore.ThepoorchildshrankagainstmeandIfelther twolittlehandsfoldtightlyovermyarm.Wavingthewomenaway,I informedthemthatSolawould attend the captive hereafter, and I furtherwarned Sarkoja that anymore of her cruel attentionsbestoweduponDejahThoriswouldresultinSarkoja'ssuddenandpainfuldemise.

My threatwas unfortunate and resulted inmore harm than good toDejahThoris, for, as I learnedlater,mendonotkillwomenuponMars,norwomen,men.SoSarkojamerelygaveusanuglylookanddepartedtohatchupdeviltriesagainstus.

IsoonfoundSolaandexplainedtoherthatIwishedhertoguardDejahThorisasshehadguardedme;thatIwishedhertofindotherquarterswheretheywouldnotbemolestedbySarkoja,andIfinallyinformedherthatImyselfwouldtakeupmyquartersamongthemen.

Solaglancedattheaccoutermentswhichwerecarriedinmyhandandslungacrossmyshoulder.

"Youareagreatchieftainnow,JohnCarter,"shesaid,"andImustdoyourbidding,thoughindeedIamgladtodoitunderanycircumstances.Themanwhosemetalyoucarrywasyoung,buthewasagreatwarrior,andhadbyhispromotionsandkillswonhiswayclosetotherankofTarsTarkas,who,asyouknow,issecondtoLorquasPtomelonly.Youareeleventh,therearebuttenchieftainsinthiscommunitywhorankyouinprowess."

"AndifIshouldkillLorquasPtomel?"Iasked.

"Youwouldbefirst,JohnCarter;butyoumayonlywinthathonorbythewilloftheentirecouncilthatLorquasPtomelmeetyouincombat,orshouldheattackyou,youmaykillhiminself-defense,andthuswinfirstplace."

Ilaughed,andchangedthesubject.IhadnoparticulardesiretokillLorquasPtomel,andlesstobeajedamongtheTharks.

I accompaniedSola andDejahThoris in a search fornewquarters,whichwe found in abuildingnearertheaudiencechamberandoffarmorepretentiousarchitecturethanourformerhabitation.Wealsofoundinthisbuildingrealsleepingapartmentswithancientbedsofhighlywroughtmetalswingingfromenormous gold chains depending from the marble ceilings. The decoration of the walls was mostelaborate,and,unlikethefrescoesintheotherbuildingsIhadexamined,portrayedmanyhumanfiguresinthecompositions.Thesewereofpeoplelikemyself,andofamuchlightercolorthanDejahThoris.Theywerecladingraceful,flowingrobes,highlyornamentedwithmetalandjewels,andtheir luxurianthairwasofabeautifulgoldenandreddishbronze.Themenwerebeardlessandonlyafewworearms.Thescenesdepictedforthemostpart,afair-skinned,fair-hairedpeopleatplay.

DejahThorisclaspedherhandswithanexclamationofraptureasshegazeduponthesemagnificentworksofart,wroughtbyapeoplelongextinct;whileSola,ontheotherhand,apparentlydidnotseethem.

Wedecided touse this room,on thesecondfloorandoverlooking theplaza, forDejahThorisandSola,andanotherroomadjoiningandintherearforthecookingandsupplies.IthendispatchedSolatobring the bedding and such food and utensils as shemight need, telling her that Iwould guardDejahThorisuntilherreturn.

AsSoladepartedDejahThoristurnedtomewithafaintsmile.

"Andwhereto, then,wouldyourprisonerescapeshouldyou leaveher,unless itwas tofollowyouandcraveyourprotection,andaskyourpardonforthecruelthoughtsshehasharboredagainstyouthesepastfewdays?"

"Youareright,"Ianswered,"thereisnoescapeforeitherofusunlesswegotogether."

"Iheardyourchallenge to thecreatureyoucallTarsTarkas,andI think Iunderstandyourpositionamongthesepeople,butwhatIcannotfathomisyourstatementthatyouarenotofBarsoom."

"Inthenameofmyfirstancestor,then,"shecontinued,"wheremayyoubefrom?Youarelikeuntomypeople,andyetsounlike.Youspeakmylanguage,andyetIheardyoutellTarsTarkasthatyouhadbutlearneditrecently.AllBarsoomiansspeakthesametonguefromtheice-cladsouthtotheice-cladnorth,thoughtheirwrittenlanguagesdiffer.OnlyinthevalleyDor,wheretheriverIssemptiesintothelostseaofKorus,istheresupposedtobeadifferentlanguagespoken,and,exceptinthelegendsofourancestors,thereisnorecordofaBarsoomianreturninguptheriverIss,fromtheshoresofKorusinthevalleyofDor.Donottellmethatyouhavethusreturned!TheywouldkillyouhorriblyanywhereuponthesurfaceofBarsoomifthatweretrue;tellmeitisnot!"

Hereyeswerefilledwithastrange,weirdlight;hervoicewaspleading,andherlittlehands,reachedupuponmybreast,werepressedagainstmeasthoughtowringadenialfrommyveryheart.

"Idonotknowyourcustoms,DejahThoris,butinmyownVirginiaagentlemandoesnotlietosavehimself;IamnotofDor;IhaveneverseenthemysteriousIss;thelostseaofKorusisstilllost,sofarasIamconcerned.Doyoubelieveme?"

AndthenitstruckmesuddenlythatIwasveryanxiousthatsheshouldbelieveme.ItwasnotthatIfearedtheresultswhichwouldfollowageneralbeliefthatIhadreturnedfromtheBarsoomianheavenorhell,orwhateveritwas.Whywasit,then!WhyshouldIcarewhatshethought?Ilookeddownather;her

beautifulfaceupturned,andherwonderfuleyesopeninguptheverydepthofhersoul;andasmyeyesmethersIknewwhy,and—Ishuddered.

A similarwave of feeling seemed to stir her; she drew away frommewith a sigh, andwith herearnest,beautifulfaceturneduptomine,shewhispered:"Ibelieveyou,JohnCarter;Idonotknowwhata'gentleman'is,norhaveIeverheardbeforeofVirginia;butonBarsoomnomanlies;ifhedoesnotwishtospeakthetruthheissilent.WhereisthisVirginia,yourcountry,JohnCarter?"sheasked,anditseemedthatthisfairnameofmyfairlandhadneversoundedmorebeautifulthanasitfellfromthoseperfectlipsonthatfar-goneday.

"Iamofanotherworld,"Ianswered,"thegreatplanetEarth,whichrevolvesaboutourcommonsunandnextwithintheorbitofyourBarsoom,whichweknowasMars.HowIcamehereIcannottellyou,forIdonotknow;buthereIam,andsincemypresencehaspermittedmetoserveDejahThorisIamgladthatIamhere."

She gazed at me with troubled eyes, long and questioningly. That it was difficult to believe mystatementIwellknew,norcouldIhopethatshewoulddosohowevermuchIcravedherconfidenceandrespect.Iwouldmuchrathernothavetoldheranythingofmyantecedents,butnomancouldlookintothedepthofthoseeyesandrefuseherslightestbehest.

Finallyshesmiled,and,rising,said:"IshallhavetobelieveeventhoughIcannotunderstand.IcanreadilyperceivethatyouarenotoftheBarsoomoftoday;youarelikeus,yetdifferent—butwhyshouldItroublemy poor head with such a problem, whenmy heart tells me that I believe because I wish tobelieve!"

Itwasgoodlogic,good,earthly,femininelogic,andifitsatisfiedherIcertainlycouldpicknoflawsinit.Asamatteroffactitwasabouttheonlykindoflogicthatcouldbebroughttobearuponmyproblem.We fell into a general conversation then, asking and answeringmanyquestions on each side. ShewascurioustolearnofthecustomsofmypeopleanddisplayedaremarkableknowledgeofeventsonEarth.WhenIquestionedhercloselyonthisseemingfamiliaritywithearthlythingsshelaughed,andcriedout:

"Why,everyschoolboyonBarsoomknowsthegeography,andmuchconcerningthefaunaandflora,aswellasthehistoryofyourplanetfullyaswellasofhisown.CanwenotseeeverythingwhichtakesplaceuponEarth,asyoucallit;isitnothangingthereintheheavensinplainsight?"

Thisbaffledme,Imustconfess,fullyasmuchasmystatementshadconfoundedher;andItoldherso.She thenexplained ingeneral the instrumentsherpeoplehadusedandbeenperfecting forages,whichpermitthemtothrowuponascreenaperfectimageofwhatistranspiringuponanyplanetanduponmanyof the stars. These pictures are so perfect in detail that, when photographed and enlarged, objects nogreater than a blade of grassmaybe distinctly recognized. I afterward, inHelium, sawmanyof thesepictures,aswellastheinstrumentswhichproducedthem.

"If,then,youaresofamiliarwithearthlythings,"Iasked,"whyisitthatyoudonotrecognizemeasidenticalwiththeinhabitantsofthatplanet?"

Shesmiledagainasonemightinboredindulgenceofaquestioningchild.

"Because,JohnCarter,"shereplied,"nearlyeveryplanetandstarhavingatmosphericconditionsat

all approaching those ofBarsoom, shows formsof animal life almost identicalwith you andme; and,further,Earthmen,almostwithoutexception,cover theirbodieswithstrange,unsightlypiecesofcloth,andtheirheadswithhideouscontraptionsthepurposeofwhichwehavebeenunabletoconceive;whileyou,whenfoundbytheTharkianwarriors,wereentirelyundisfiguredandunadorned.

"The fact that you wore no ornaments is a strong proof of your un-Barsoomian origin, while theabsenceofgrotesquecoveringsmightcauseadoubtastoyourearthliness."

I then narrated the details ofmy departure from theEarth, explaining thatmy body there lay fullyclothed in all the, to her, strange garments ofmundane dwellers.At this point Sola returnedwith ourmeagerbelongingsandheryoungMartianprotege,who,ofcourse,wouldhavetosharethequarterswiththem.

Sola asked us if we had had a visitor during her absence, and seemedmuch surprised when weansweredinthenegative.Itseemedthatasshehadmountedtheapproachtotheupperfloorswhereourquarters were located, she had met Sarkoja descending. We decided that she must have beeneavesdropping,butaswecouldrecallnothingofimportancethathadpassedbetweenuswedismissedthematter as of little consequence,merely promising ourselves to bewarned to the utmost caution in thefuture.

DejahThorisandIthenfelltoexaminingthearchitectureanddecorationsofthebeautifulchambersofthebuildingwewereoccupying.Shetoldmethatthesepeoplehadpresumablyflourishedoverahundredthousandyearsbefore.Theywere theearlyprogenitorsofher race,buthadmixedwith theothergreatraceofearlyMartians,whowereverydark,almostblack,andalsowiththereddishyellowracewhichhadflourishedatthesametime.

ThesethreegreatdivisionsofthehigherMartianshadbeenforcedintoamightyallianceasthedryingupoftheMartianseashadcompelledthemtoseekthecomparativelyfewandalwaysdiminishingfertileareas,andtodefendthemselves,undernewconditionsoflife,againstthewildhordesofgreenmen.

Ages of close relationship and intermarrying had resulted in the race of redmen, ofwhichDejahThoriswas a fair and beautiful daughter.During the ages of hardships and incessantwarring betweentheir own various races, as well as with the greenmen, and before they had fitted themselves to thechanged conditions,much of the high civilization andmany of the arts of the fair-hairedMartians hadbecome lost; but the red race of today has reached a pointwhere it feels that it hasmade up in newdiscoveries and in a more practical civilization for all that lies irretrievably buried with the ancientBarsoomians,beneaththecountlessinterveningages.

TheseancientMartianshadbeenahighlycultivatedandliteraryrace,butduringthevicissitudesofthosetryingcenturiesofreadjustmenttonewconditions,notonlydidtheiradvancementandproductionceaseentirely,butpracticallyalltheirarchives,records,andliteraturewerelost.

DejahThorisrelatedmanyinterestingfactsandlegendsconcerningthislostraceofnobleandkindlypeople. She said that the city in which we were camping was supposed to have been a center ofcommerceandcultureknownasKorad.Ithadbeenbuiltuponabeautiful,naturalharbor,landlockedbymagnificenthills.Thelittlevalleyonthewestfrontofthecity,sheexplained,wasallthatremainedoftheharbor,while the pass through the hills to the old sea bottom had been the channel throughwhich theshippingpasseduptothecity'sgates.

The shores of the ancient seas were dotted with just such cities, and lesser ones, in diminishingnumbers, were to be found converging toward the center of the oceans, as the people had found itnecessarytofollowtherecedingwatersuntilnecessityhadforceduponthemtheirultimatesalvation,theso-calledMartiancanals.

Wehadbeensoengrossedinexplorationofthebuildingandinourconversationthatitwaslateintheafternoonbeforewe realized it.Wewere brought back to a realization of our present conditions by amessengerbearingasummonsfromLorquasPtomeldirectingmetoappearbeforehimforthwith.BiddingDejahThorisandSolafarewell,andcommandingWoolatoremainonguard,Ihastenedtotheaudiencechamber,whereIfoundLorquasPtomelandTarsTarkasseatedupontherostrum.

CHAPTERXII

APRISONERWITHPOWER

AsIenteredandsaluted,LorquasPtomelsignaledmetoadvance,and,fixinghisgreat,hideouseyesuponme,addressedmethus:

"You have been with us a few days, yet during that time you have by your prowess won a highpositionamongus.Bethatasitmay,youarenotoneofus;youoweusnoallegiance.

"Your position is a peculiar one," he continued; "you are a prisoner and yet you give commandswhichmustbeobeyed;youareanalienandyetyouareaTharkianchieftain;youareamidgetandyetyoucankillamightywarriorwithoneblowofyourfist.Andnowyouarereportedtohavebeenplottingtoescapewithanotherprisonerofanotherrace;aprisonerwho,fromherownadmission,halfbelievesyouare returned from the valley of Dor. Either one of these accusations, if proved, would be sufficientgroundsforyourexecution,butweareajustpeopleandyoushallhaveatrialonourreturntoThark,ifTalHajussocommands.

"But,"hecontinued,inhisfiercegutturaltones,"ifyourunoffwiththeredgirlitisIwhoshallhavetoaccount toTalHajus; it is Iwho shallhave to faceTarsTarkas, andeitherdemonstratemy right tocommand,orthemetalfrommydeadcarcasswillgotoabetterman,forsuchisthecustomoftheTharks.

"IhavenoquarrelwithTarsTarkas;togetherwerulesupremethegreatestofthelessercommunitiesamongthegreenmen;wedonotwishtofightbetweenourselves;andsoifyouweredead,JohnCarter,Ishouldbeglad.Under twoconditionsonly,however,mayyoubekilledbyuswithoutorders fromTalHajus; inpersonalcombat inself-defense,shouldyouattackoneofus,orwereyouapprehended inanattempttoescape.

"As amatter of justice Imustwarn you thatwe only await one of these two excuses for riddingourselves of so great a responsibility.The safe deliveryof the redgirl toTalHajus is of the greatestimportance.NotinathousandyearshavetheTharksmadesuchacapture;sheisthegranddaughterofthegreatestoftheredjeddaks,whoisalsoourbitterestenemy.Ihavespoken.Theredgirltoldusthatwe

werewithoutthesoftersentimentsofhumanity,butweareajustandtruthfulrace.Youmaygo."

Turning,Ilefttheaudiencechamber.SothiswasthebeginningofSarkoja'spersecution!IknewthatnoneothercouldberesponsibleforthisreportwhichhadreachedtheearsofLorquasPtomelsoquickly,and now I recalled those portions of our conversation which had touched upon escape and upon myorigin.

SarkojawasatthistimeTarsTarkas'oldestandmosttrustedfemale.Assuchshewasamightypowerbehindthethrone,fornowarriorhadtheconfidenceofLorquasPtomeltosuchanextentasdidhisablestlieutenant,TarsTarkas.

However, insteadofputting thoughtsofpossible escape frommymind,myaudiencewithLorquasPtomel only served to center my every faculty on this subject. Now, more than before, the absolutenecessity for escape, in so far as Dejah Thoris was concerned, was impressed upon me, for I wasconvincedthatsomehorriblefateawaitedherattheheadquartersofTalHajus.

As described bySola, thismonsterwas the exaggerated personification of all the ages of cruelty,ferocity,andbrutalityfromwhichhehaddescended.Cold,cunning,calculating;hewas,also,inmarkedcontrasttomostofhisfellows,aslavetothatbrutepassionwhichthewaningdemandsforprocreationupontheirdyingplanethasalmoststilledintheMartianbreast.

The thought that the divine Dejah Thoris might fall into the clutches of such an abysmal atavismstartedthecoldsweatuponme.Farbetterthatwesavefriendlybulletsforourselvesatthelastmoment,asdidthosebravefrontierwomenofmylostland,whotooktheirownlivesratherthanfallintothehandsoftheIndianbraves.

AsIwanderedabouttheplazalostinmygloomyforebodingsTarsTarkasapproachedmeonhiswayfromtheaudiencechamber.Hisdemeanortowardmewasunchanged,andhegreetedmeasthoughwehadnotjustpartedafewmomentsbefore.

"Whereareyourquarters,JohnCarter?"heasked.

"Ihaveselectednone,"Ireplied."ItseemedbestthatIquarteredeitherbymyselforamongtheotherwarriors,andIwasawaitinganopportunitytoaskyouradvice.Asyouknow,"andIsmiled,"IamnotyetfamiliarwithallthecustomsoftheTharks."

"Comewithme,"hedirected,andtogetherwemovedoffacrosstheplazatoabuildingwhichIwasgladtoseeadjoinedthatoccupiedbySolaandhercharges.

"My quarters are on the first floor of this building," he said, "and the second floor also is fullyoccupiedbywarriors,but the thirdfloorand thefloorsabovearevacant;youmay takeyourchoiceofthese.

"Iunderstand,"hecontinued,"thatyouhavegivenupyourwomantotheredprisoner.Well,asyouhavesaid,yourwaysarenotourways,butyoucanfightwellenoughtodoaboutasyouplease,andso,ifyouwishtogiveyourwomantoacaptive,itisyourownaffair;butasachieftainyoushouldhavethosetoserveyou,andinaccordancewithourcustomsyoumayselectanyorallthefemalesfromtheretinuesofthechieftainswhosemetalyounowwear."

I thanked him, but assured him that I could get along very nicelywithout assistance except in thematterofpreparingfood,andsohepromisedtosendwomentomeforthispurposeandalsoforthecareofmyarmsand themanufactureofmyammunition,whichhesaidwouldbenecessary. Isuggested thattheymightalsobringsomeofthesleepingsilksandfurswhichbelongedtomeasspoilsofcombat,forthenightswerecoldandIhadnoneofmyown.

Hepromisedtodoso,anddeparted.Leftalone,Iascendedthewindingcorridortotheupperfloorsinsearchofsuitablequarters.Thebeautiesoftheotherbuildingswererepeatedinthis,and,asusual,Iwassoonlostinatourofinvestigationanddiscovery.

Ifinallychoseafrontroomonthethirdfloor,becausethisbroughtmenearertoDejahThoris,whoseapartmentwason thesecondfloorof theadjoiningbuilding,and it flasheduponmethat Icouldrigupsomemeansofcommunicationwherebyshemightsignalmeincasesheneededeithermyservicesormyprotection.

Adjoining my sleeping apartment were baths, dressing rooms, and other sleeping and livingapartments,inallsometenroomsonthisfloor.Thewindowsofthebackroomsoverlookedanenormouscourt, which formed the center of the square made by the buildings which faced the four contiguousstreets,andwhichwasnowgivenovertothequarteringofthevariousanimalsbelongingtothewarriorsoccupyingtheadjoiningbuildings.

While the court was entirely overgrown with the yellow, moss-like vegetation which blanketspractically the entire surface of Mars, yet numerous fountains, statuary, benches, and pergola-likecontraptionsborewitnesstothebeautywhichthecourtmusthavepresentedinbygonetimes,whengracedby the fair-haired, laughing peoplewhom stern and unalterable cosmic laws had driven not only fromtheirhomes,butfromallexceptthevaguelegendsoftheirdescendants.

Onecouldeasilypicture thegorgeousfoliageof the luxuriantMartianvegetationwhichoncefilledthisscenewithlifeandcolor;thegracefulfiguresofthebeautifulwomen,thestraightandhandsomemen;thehappyfrolickingchildren—allsunlight,happinessandpeace.Itwasdifficulttorealizethattheyhadgone;downthroughagesofdarkness,cruelty,andignorance,untiltheirhereditaryinstinctsofcultureandhumanitarianismhadrisenascendantoncemoreinthefinalcompositeracewhichnowisdominantuponMars.

Mythoughtswerecutshortbytheadventofseveralyoungfemalesbearingloadsofweapons,silks,furs,jewels,cookingutensils,andcasksoffoodanddrink,includingconsiderablelootfromtheaircraft.Allthis,itseemed,hadbeenthepropertyofthetwochieftainsIhadslain,andnow,bythecustomsoftheTharks, it had becomemine.Atmy direction they placed the stuff in one of the back rooms, and thendeparted,onlytoreturnwithasecondload,whichtheyadvisedmeconstitutedthebalanceofmygoods.On the second trip theywere accompaniedby tenor fifteenotherwomen andyouths,who, it seemed,formedtheretinuesofthetwochieftains.

Theywerenottheirfamilies,northeirwives,northeirservants;therelationshipwaspeculiar,andsounlikeanythingknowntousthatitismostdifficulttodescribe.AllpropertyamongthegreenMartiansisownedincommonbythecommunity,exceptthepersonalweapons,ornamentsandsleepingsilksandfursoftheindividuals.Thesealonecanoneclaimundisputedrightto,normayheaccumulatemoreofthesethanarerequiredforhisactualneeds.Thesurplusheholdsmerelyascustodian,anditispassedontotheyoungermembersofthecommunityasnecessitydemands.

The women and children of a man's retinue may be likened to a military unit for which he isresponsible in variousways, as inmatters of instruction, discipline, sustenance, and the exigencies oftheircontinualroamingsandtheirunendingstrifewithothercommunitiesandwiththeredMartians.Hiswomen are in no sense wives. The greenMartians use no word corresponding in meaning with thisearthlyword.Theirmatingisamatterofcommunityinterestsolely,andisdirectedwithoutreferencetonaturalselection.ThecouncilofchieftainsofeachcommunitycontrolthematterassurelyastheownerofaKentuckyracingstuddirectsthescientificbreedingofhisstockfortheimprovementofthewhole.

Intheoryitmaysoundwell,asisoftenthecasewiththeories,buttheresultsofagesofthisunnaturalpractice,coupledwiththecommunityinterestintheoffspringbeingheldparamounttothatofthemother,isshowninthecold,cruelcreatures,andtheirgloomy,loveless,mirthlessexistence.

ItistruethatthegreenMartiansareabsolutelyvirtuous,bothmenandwomen,withtheexceptionofsuchdegeneratesasTalHajus;butbetterfarafinerbalanceofhumancharacteristicsevenattheexpenseofaslightandoccasionallossofchastity.

FindingthatImustassumeresponsibilityforthesecreatures,whetherIwouldornot,Imadethebestofitanddirectedthemtofindquartersontheupperfloors,leavingthethirdfloortome.OneofthegirlsIchargedwith the duties ofmy simple cuisine, and directed the others to take up the various activitieswhichhadformerlyconstitutedtheirvocations.ThereafterIsawlittleofthem,nordidIcareto.

CHAPTERXIII

LOVE-MAKINGONMARS

Following the battle with the air ships, the community remainedwithin the city for several days,abandoningthehomewardmarchuntiltheycouldfeelreasonablyassuredthattheshipswouldnotreturn;fortobecaughtontheopenplainswithacavalcadeofchariotsandchildrenwasfarfromthedesireofevensowarlikeapeopleasthegreenMartians.

Duringourperiodofinactivity,TarsTarkashadinstructedmeinmanyofthecustomsandartsofwarfamiliartotheTharks,includinglessonsinridingandguidingthegreatbeastswhichborethewarriors.Thesecreatures,whichareknownasthoats,areasdangerousandviciousastheirmasters,butwhenoncesubduedaresufficientlytractableforthepurposesofthegreenMartians.

TwooftheseanimalshadfallentomefromthewarriorswhosemetalIwore,andinashorttimeIcouldhandle themquite aswell as thenativewarriors.Themethodwasnot at all complicated. If thethoatsdidnotrespondwithsufficientceleritytothetelepathicinstructionsoftheirriderstheyweredealta terrific blow between the earswith the butt of a pistol, and if they showed fight this treatmentwascontinueduntilthebruteseitherweresubdued,orhadunseatedtheirriders.

Inthelattercaseitbecamealifeanddeathstrugglebetweenthemanandthebeast.Iftheformerwerequickenoughwithhispistolhemightlivetorideagain,thoughuponsomeotherbeast;ifnot,histornand

mangledbodywasgatheredupbyhiswomenandburnedinaccordancewithTharkiancustom.

MyexperiencewithWooladeterminedmetoattempttheexperimentofkindnessinmytreatmentofmy thoats.First I taught themthat theycouldnotunseatme,andevenrapped themsharplybetween theearstoimpressuponthemmyauthorityandmastery.Then,bydegrees,IwontheirconfidenceinmuchthesamemannerasIhadadoptedcountless timeswithmymanymundanemounts. Iwaseveragoodhandwithanimals,andbyinclination,aswellasbecauseitbroughtmorelastingandsatisfactoryresults,Iwasalwayskindandhumane inmydealingswith the lowerorders. Icould takeahuman life, ifnecessary,withfarlesscompunctionthanthatofapoor,unreasoning,irresponsiblebrute.

Inthecourseofafewdaysmythoatswerethewonderoftheentirecommunity.Theywouldfollowmelikedogs,rubbingtheirgreatsnoutsagainstmybodyinawkwardevidenceofaffection,andrespondtomyeverycommandwithanalacrityanddocilitywhichcausedtheMartianwarriorstoascribetomethepossessionofsomeearthlypowerunknownonMars.

"Howhaveyoubewitchedthem?"askedTarsTarkasoneafternoon,whenhehadseenmerunmyarmfarbetweenthegreat jawsofoneofmythoatswhichhadwedgedapieceofstonebetweentwoofhisteethwhilefeedinguponthemoss-likevegetationwithinourcourtyard.

"By kindness," I replied. "You see, Tars Tarkas, the softer sentiments have their value, even to awarrior. In the height of battle as well as upon themarch I know thatmy thoats will obeymy everycommand,andthereforemyfightingefficiencyisenhanced,andIamabetterwarriorforthereasonthatIam a kindmaster.Your otherwarriorswould find it to the advantage of themselves aswell as of thecommunitytoadoptmymethodsinthisrespect.Onlyafewdayssinceyou,yourself, toldmethatthesegreatbrutes,bytheuncertaintyoftheirtempers,oftenwerethemeansofturningvictoryintodefeat,since,atacrucialmoment,theymightelecttounseatandrendtheirriders."

"Showmehowyouaccomplishtheseresults,"wasTarsTarkas'onlyrejoinder.

AndsoIexplainedascarefullyasIcouldtheentiremethodoftrainingIhadadoptedwithmybeasts,andlaterhehadmerepeatitbeforeLorquasPtomelandtheassembledwarriors.Thatmomentmarkedthebeginningofanewexistenceforthepoorthoats,andbeforeIleftthecommunityofLorquasPtomelIhadthesatisfactionofobservingaregimentofastractableanddocilemountsasonemightcaretosee.Theeffect on the precision and celerity of themilitarymovementswas so remarkable thatLorquasPtomelpresentedmewithamassiveankletofgoldfromhisownleg,asasignofhisappreciationofmyservicetothehorde.

OntheseventhdayfollowingthebattlewiththeaircraftweagaintookupthemarchtowardThark,allprobabilityofanotherattackbeingdeemedremotebyLorquasPtomel.

DuringthedaysjustprecedingourdepartureIhadseenbutlittleofDejahThoris,asIhadbeenkeptverybusybyTarsTarkaswithmylessonsintheartofMartianwarfare,aswellasinthetrainingofmythoats.ThefewtimesIhadvisitedherquartersshehadbeenabsent,walkinguponthestreetswithSola,or investigating thebuildings in thenearvicinityof theplaza. I hadwarned themagainstventuring farfrom the plaza for fear of the great white apes, whose ferocity I was only toowell acquaintedwith.However,sinceWoolaaccompaniedthemonalltheirexcursions,andasSolawaswellarmed,therewascomparativelylittlecauseforfear.

Ontheeveningbeforeourdeparture Isawthemapproachingalongoneof thegreatavenueswhichlead into the plaza from the east. I advanced to meet them, and telling Sola that I would take theresponsibility for Dejah Thoris' safekeeping, I directed her to return to her quarters on some trivialerrand. I liked and trusted Sola, but for some reason I desired to be alone with Dejah Thoris, whorepresentedtomeallthatIhadleftbehinduponEarthinagreeableandcongenialcompanionship.Thereseemedbondsofmutualinterestbetweenusaspowerfulasthoughwehadbeenbornunderthesameroofratherthanupondifferentplanets,hurtlingthroughspacesomeforty-eightmillionmilesapart.

ThatshesharedmysentimentsinthisrespectIwaspositive,foronmyapproachthelookofpitifulhopelessnesslefthersweetcountenancetobereplacedbyasmileofjoyfulwelcome,assheplacedherlittlerighthanduponmyleftshoulderintrueredMartiansalute.

"SarkojatoldSolathatyouhadbecomeatrueThark,"shesaid,"andthatIwouldnowseenomoreofyouthanofanyoftheotherwarriors."

"Sarkojaisaliarofthefirstmagnitude,"Ireplied,"notwithstandingtheproudclaimoftheTharkstoabsoluteverity."

DejahThorislaughed.

"I knew that even though you became amember of the community youwould not cease to bemyfriend;'Awarriormaychangehismetal,butnothisheart,'asthesayingisuponBarsoom."

"Ithinktheyhavebeentryingtokeepusapart,"shecontinued,"forwheneveryouhavebeenoffdutyoneoftheolderwomenofTarsTarkas'retinuehasalwaysarrangedtotrumpupsomeexcusetogetSolaandmeoutofsight.Theyhavehadmedowninthepitsbelowthebuildingshelpingthemmixtheirawfulradium powder, andmake their terrible projectiles. You know that these have to bemanufactured byartificiallight,asexposuretosunlightalwaysresultsinanexplosion.Youhavenoticedthattheirbulletsexplodewhentheystrikeanobject?Well,theopaque,outercoatingisbrokenbytheimpact,exposingaglass cylinder, almost solid, in the forward end ofwhich is aminute particle of radium powder. Themomentthesunlight,eventhoughdiffused,strikesthispowderitexplodeswithaviolencewhichnothingcanwithstand.Ifyoueverwitnessanightbattleyouwillnotetheabsenceoftheseexplosions,whilethemorning following the battlewill be filled at sunrisewith the sharpdetonations of explodingmissilesfiredtheprecedingnight.Asarule,however,non-explodingprojectilesareusedatnight."[IhaveusedthewordradiumindescribingthispowderbecauseinthelightofrecentdiscoveriesonEarthIbelieveittobeamixtureofwhichradiumisthebase.InCaptainCarter'smanuscriptitismentionedalwaysbythenameusedinthewrittenlanguageofHeliumandisspelledinhieroglyphicswhichitwouldbedifficultanduselesstoreproduce.]

While I was much interested in Dejah Thoris' explanation of this wonderful adjunct to Martianwarfare, I was more concerned by the immediate problem of their treatment of her. That they werekeepingherawayfrommewasnotamatterforsurprise,butthattheyshouldsubjecthertodangerousandarduouslaborfilledmewithrage.

"Havetheyeversubjectedyoutocrueltyandignominy,DejahThoris?"Iasked,feelingthehotbloodofmyfightingancestorsleapinmyveinsasIawaitedherreply.

"Onlyinlittleways,JohnCarter,"sheanswered."Nothingthatcanharmmeoutsidemypride.They

knowthatIamthedaughteroftenthousandjeddaks,thatItracemyancestrystraightbackwithoutabreaktothebuilderofthefirstgreatwaterway,andthey,whodonotevenknowtheirownmothers,arejealousofme.Athearttheyhatetheirhorridfates,andsowreaktheirpoorspiteonmewhostandforeverythingtheyhavenot,andforall theymostcraveandnevercanattain.Letuspitythem,mychieftain,foreventhoughwedieattheirhandswecanaffordthempity,sincewearegreaterthantheyandtheyknowit."

HadIknownthesignificanceofthosewords"mychieftain,"asappliedbyaredMartianwomantoaman, I should have had the surprise ofmy life, but I did not know at that time, nor formanymonthsthereafter.Yes,IstillhadmuchtolearnuponBarsoom.

"Ipresumeit is thebetterpartofwisdomthatwebowtoour fatewithasgoodgraceaspossible,DejahThoris;butIhope,nevertheless, thatImaybepresent thenext timethatanyMartian,green,red,pink,orviolet,hasthetemeritytoevensomuchasfrownonyou,myprincess."

DejahThoriscaughtherbreathatmylastwords,andgazeduponmewithdilatedeyesandquickeningbreath,andthen,withanoddlittlelaugh,whichbroughtroguishdimplestothecornersofhermouth,sheshookherheadandcried:

"Whatachild!Agreatwarriorandyetastumblinglittlechild."

"WhathaveIdonenow?"Iasked,insoreperplexity.

"Somedayyoushallknow,JohnCarter,ifwelive;butImaynottellyou.AndI,thedaughterofMorsKajak,sonofTardosMors,havelistenedwithoutanger,"shesoliloquizedinconclusion.

Thenshebrokeoutagainintooneofhergay,happy,laughingmoods;jokingwithmeonmyprowessasaTharkwarriorascontrastedwithmysoftheartandnaturalkindliness.

"Ipresume that shouldyouaccidentallywoundanenemyyouwould takehimhomeandnursehimbacktohealth,"shelaughed.

"ThatispreciselywhatwedoonEarth,"Ianswered."Atleastamongcivilizedmen."

Thismade her laugh again. She could not understand it, for,with all her tenderness andwomanlysweetness,shewasstillaMartian,andtoaMartiantheonlygoodenemyisadeadenemy;foreverydeadfoemanmeanssomuchmoretodividebetweenthosewholive.

Iwas very curious to knowwhat I had said or done to cause her somuch perturbation amomentbeforeandsoIcontinuedtoimportunehertoenlightenme.

"No,"sheexclaimed,"itisenoughthatyouhavesaiditandthatIhavelistened.Andwhenyoulearn,JohnCarter,andifIbedead,aslikelyIshallbeerethefurthermoonhascircledBarsoomanothertwelvetimes,rememberthatIlistenedandthatI—smiled."

ItwasallGreektome,butthemoreIbeggedhertoexplainthemorepositivebecameherdenialsofmyrequest,and,so,inveryhopelessness,Idesisted.

Day had nowgiven away to night and aswewandered along the great avenue lighted by the twomoonsofBarsoom,andwithEarthlookingdownuponusoutofherluminousgreeneye,itseemedthatwe

werealoneintheuniverse,andI,atleast,wascontentthatitshouldbeso.

ThechilloftheMartiannightwasuponus,andremovingmysilksIthrewthemacrosstheshouldersofDejahThoris.AsmyarmrestedforaninstantuponherIfelta thrillpass througheveryfiberofmybeingsuchascontactwithnoothermortalhadevenproduced;anditseemedtomethatshehadleanedslightly toward me, but of that I was not sure. Only I knew that as my arm rested there across hershoulderslongerthantheactofadjustingthesilkrequiredshedidnotdrawaway,nordidshespeak.Andso,insilence,wewalkedthesurfaceofadyingworld,butinthebreastofoneofusatleasthadbeenbornthatwhichiseveroldest,yetevernew.

I lovedDejahThoris.The touchofmyarmuponhernaked shoulderhad spoken tome inwords Iwouldnotmistake,andIknewthatIhadlovedhersincethefirstmomentthatmyeyeshadmethersthatfirsttimeintheplazaofthedeadcityofKorad.

CHAPTERXIV

ADUELTOTHEDEATH

Myfirst impulsewas to tell herofmy love, and then I thoughtof thehelplessnessofherpositionwherein I alone could lighten theburdensofher captivity, andprotecther inmypoorwayagainst thethousandsofhereditaryenemiesshemustfaceuponourarrivalatThark.Icouldnotchancecausingheradditionalpainorsorrowbydeclaringalovewhich,inallprobabilityshedidnotreturn.ShouldIbesoindiscreet,herpositionwouldbeevenmoreunbearablethannow,andthethoughtthatshemightfeelthatIwastakingadvantageofherhelplessness,toinfluenceherdecisionwasthefinalargumentwhichsealedmylips.

"Whyareyousoquiet,DejahThoris?"Iasked."PossiblyyouwouldratherreturntoSolaandyourquarters."

"No,"shemurmured,"Iamhappyhere. Idonotknowwhyit is that Ishouldalwaysbehappyandcontentedwhenyou,JohnCarter,astranger,arewithme;yetatsuchtimesitseemsthatIamsafeandthat,withyou,Ishallsoonreturntomyfather'scourtandfeelhisstrongarmsaboutmeandmymother'stearsandkissesonmycheek."

"Do people kiss, then, upon Barsoom?" I asked, when she had explained the word she used, inanswertomyinquiryastoitsmeaning.

"Parents,brothers,andsisters,yes;and,"sheaddedinalow,thoughtfultone,"lovers."

"Andyou,DejahThoris,haveparentsandbrothersandsisters?"

"Yes."

"Anda—lover?"

Shewassilent,norcouldIventuretorepeatthequestion.

"ThemanofBarsoom,"shefinallyventured,"doesnotaskpersonalquestionsofwomen,excepthismother,andthewomanhehasfoughtforandwon."

"But Ihave fought—" I started, and then Iwishedmy tonguehadbeencut frommymouth; for sheturnedevenasIcaughtmyselfandceased,anddrawingmysilksfromhershouldersheheldthemouttome, andwithout aword, andwith head held high, shemovedwith the carriage of the queen shewastowardtheplazaandthedoorwayofherquarters.

Ididnotattempttofollowher,otherthantoseethatshereachedthebuildinginsafety,but,directingWoolatoaccompanyher,Iturneddisconsolatelyandenteredmyownhouse.Isatforhourscross-legged,andcross-tempered,uponmysilksmeditatinguponthequeerfreakschanceplaysuponuspoordevilsofmortals.

So this was love! I had escaped it for all the years I had roamed the five continents and theirencirclingseas;inspiteofbeautifulwomenandurgingopportunity;inspiteofahalf-desireforloveandaconstant search for my ideal, it had remained for me to fall furiously and hopelessly in love with acreature fromanotherworld,ofa species similarpossibly,yetnot identicalwithmine.Awomanwhowashatchedfromanegg,andwhosespanoflifemightcoverathousandyears;whosepeoplehadstrangecustomsandideas;awomanwhosehopes,whosepleasures,whosestandardsofvirtueandofrightandwrongmightvaryasgreatlyfrommineasdidthoseofthegreenMartians.

Yes,Iwasafool,butIwasinlove,andthoughIwassufferingthegreatestmiseryIhadeverknownIwouldnothavehaditotherwiseforalltherichesofBarsoom.Suchislove,andsuchareloverswhereverloveisknown.

Tome,DejahThoriswasallthatwasperfect;allthatwasvirtuousandbeautifulandnobleandgood.Ibelievedthatfromthebottomofmyheart,fromthedepthofmysoulonthatnightinKoradasIsatcross-legged upon my silks while the nearer moon of Barsoom raced through the western sky toward thehorizon,andlightedupthegoldandmarble,andjeweledmosaicsofmyworld-oldchamber,andIbelieveittodayasIsitatmydeskinthelittlestudyoverlookingtheHudson.Twentyyearshaveintervened;fortenofthemIlivedandfoughtforDejahThorisandherpeople,andfortenIhaveliveduponhermemory.

ThemorningofourdepartureforTharkdawnedclearandhot,asdoallMartianmorningsexceptforthesixweekswhenthesnowmeltsatthepoles.

IsoughtoutDejahThorisinthethrongofdepartingchariots,butsheturnedhershouldertome,andIcouldseetheredbloodmounttohercheek.WiththefoolishinconsistencyofloveIheldmypeacewhenImighthavepledignoranceofthenatureofmyoffense,oratleastthegravityofit,andsohaveeffected,atworst,ahalfconciliation.

IsoughtoutDejahThorisinthethrongofdepartingchariots.

My duty dictated that I must see that she was comfortable, and so I glanced into her chariot andrearrangedhersilksandfurs.IndoingsoInotedwithhorrorthatshewasheavilychainedbyoneankletothesideofthevehicle.

"Whatdoesthismean?"Icried,turningtoSola.

"Sarkojathoughtitbest,"sheanswered,herfacebetokeningherdisapprovaloftheprocedure.

ExaminingthemanaclesIsawthattheyfastenedwithamassivespringlock.

"Whereisthekey,Sola?Letmehaveit."

"Sarkojawearsit,JohnCarter,"sheanswered.

I turned without further word and sought out Tars Tarkas, to whom I vehemently objected to theunnecessaryhumiliationsandcruelties,astheyseemedtomylover'seyes,thatwerebeingheapeduponDejahThoris.

"JohnCarter," he answered, "if ever you andDejahThoris escape theTharks itwill be upon thisjourney.Weknowthatyouwillnotgowithouther.Youhaveshownyourselfamightyfighter,andwedonotwish tomanacle you, sowe hold you both in the easiestway thatwill yet ensure security. I havespoken."

Isawthestrengthofhisreasoningataflash,andknewthatitwasfutiletoappealfromhisdecision,but I asked that the key be taken fromSarkoja and that she be directed to leave the prisoner alone infuture.

"Thismuch,TarsTarkas,youmaydoformeinreturnforthefriendshipthat,Imustconfess,Ifeelforyou."

"Friendship?"hereplied."Thereisnosuchthing,JohnCarter;buthaveyourwill.IshalldirectthatSarkojaceasetoannoythegirl,andImyselfwilltakethecustodyofthekey."

"Unlessyouwishmetoassumetheresponsibility,"Isaid,smiling.

Helookedatmelongandearnestlybeforehespoke.

"WereyoutogivemeyourwordthatneitheryounorDejahThoriswouldattempttoescapeuntilafterwehavesafelyreachedthecourtofTalHajusyoumighthavethekeyandthrowthechainsintotheriverIss."

"Itwerebetterthatyouheldthekey,TarsTarkas,"Ireplied

He smiled, and said nomore, but that night as we weremaking camp I saw him unfasten DejahThoris'fettershimself.

WithallhiscruelferocityandcoldnesstherewasanundercurrentofsomethinginTarsTarkaswhichhe seemed ever battling to subdue. Could it be a vestige of some human instinct come back from anancientforbeartohaunthimwiththehorrorofhispeople'sways!

As I was approachingDejah Thoris' chariot I passed Sarkoja, and the black, venomous look sheaccordedmewasthesweetestbalmIhadfeltformanyhours.Lord,howshehatedme!Itbristledfromhersopalpablythatonemightalmosthavecutitwithasword.

A few moments later I saw her deep in conversation with a warrior named Zad; a big, hulking,powerfulbrute,butonewhohadnevermadeakillamonghisownchieftains,andsowasstillanomad,ormanwithonename;hecouldwina secondnameonlywith themetalof somechieftain. Itwas thiscustomwhichentitledmetothenamesofeitherofthechieftainsIhadkilled;infact,someofthewarriorsaddressedmeasDotarSojat,acombinationofthesurnamesofthetwowarriorchieftainswhosemetalI

hadtaken,or,inotherwords,whomIhadslaininfairfight.

AsSarkojatalkedwithZadhecastoccasionalglancesinmydirection,whilesheseemedtobeurginghimverystronglytosomeaction.Ipaidlittleattentiontoitatthetime,butthenextdayIhadgoodreasontorecallthecircumstances,andatthesametimegainaslightinsightintothedepthsofSarkoja'shatredandthelengthstowhichshewascapableofgoingtowreakherhorridvengeanceonme.

DejahThoriswouldhavenoneofmeagainonthisevening,andthoughIspokehernamesheneitherreplied,norconcededbysomuchastheflutterofaneyelidthatsherealizedmyexistence.InmyextremityIdidwhatmostotherloverswouldhavedone;Isoughtwordfromherthroughanintimate.InthisinstanceitwasSolawhomIinterceptedinanotherpartofcamp.

"WhatisthematterwithDejahThoris?"Iblurtedoutather."Whywillshenotspeaktome?"

Sola seemedpuzzledherself, as though such strangeactionson thepart of twohumanswerequitebeyondher,asindeedtheywere,poorchild.

"Shesaysyouhaveangeredher,andthatisallshewillsay,exceptthatsheisthedaughterofajedand thegranddaughterofa jeddakandshehasbeenhumiliatedbyacreaturewhocouldnotpolish theteethofhergrandmother'ssorak."

Iponderedoverthisreportforsometime,finallyasking,"Whatmightasorakbe,Sola?"

"Alittleanimalaboutasbigasmyhand,whichtheredMartianwomenkeeptoplaywith,"explainedSola.

Not fit to polish the teeth of her grandmother's cat! Imust rank pretty low in the consideration ofDejahThoris,Ithought;butIcouldnothelplaughingatthestrangefigureofspeech,sohomelyandinthisrespectsoearthly.Itmademehomesick,foritsoundedverymuchlike"notfittopolishhershoes."Andthencommenceda trainof thoughtquitenew tome. I began towonderwhatmypeople at homeweredoing. I had not seen them for years. There was a family of Carters in Virginia who claimed closerelationshipwithme;Iwassupposedtobeagreatuncle,orsomethingofthekindequallyfoolish.Icouldpassanywherefortwenty-fivetothirtyyearsofage,andtobeagreatunclealwaysseemedtheheightofincongruity,formythoughtsandfeelingswerethoseofaboy.ThereweretwolittlekiddiesintheCarterfamilywhomIhadlovedandwhohadthoughttherewasnooneonEarthlikeUncleJack;Icouldseethemjustasplainly,asIstoodthereunderthemoonlitskiesofBarsoom,andIlongedforthemasIhadneverlonged for anymortalsbefore.Bynatureawanderer, Ihadneverknown the truemeaningof thewordhome,butthegreathalloftheCartershadalwaysstoodforallthattheworddidmeantome,andnowmyheartturnedtowarditfromthecoldandunfriendlypeoplesIhadbeenthrownamongst.FordidnotevenDejahThorisdespiseme!Iwasalowcreature,solowinfactthatIwasnotevenfittopolishtheteethofhergrandmother'scat;andthenmysavingsenseofhumorcametomyrescue,andlaughingIturnedintomysilksandfursandsleptuponthemoon-hauntedgroundthesleepofatiredandhealthyfightingman.

Webrokecamp thenextdayat anearlyhourandmarchedwithonlya singlehaltuntil justbeforedark.Twoincidentsbrokethetediousnessofthemarch.Aboutnoonweespiedfartoourrightwhatwasevidentlyanincubator,andLorquasPtomeldirectedTarsTarkastoinvestigateit.Thelattertookadozenwarriors,includingmyself,andweracedacrossthevelvetycarpetingofmosstothelittleenclosure.

Itwasindeedanincubator,buttheeggswereverysmallincomparisonwiththoseIhadseenhatchinginoursatthetimeofmyarrivalonMars.

TarsTarkasdismountedandexaminedtheenclosureminutely,finallyannouncingthatitbelongedtothegreenmenofWarhoonandthatthecementwasscarcelydrywhereithadbeenwalledup.

"Theycannotbe aday'smarchaheadofus,"he exclaimed, the lightofbattle leaping tohis fierceface.

Thework at the incubatorwas short indeed.Thewarriors tore open the entrance and a couple ofthem,crawlingin,soondemolishedalltheeggswiththeirshort-swords.Thenremountingwedashedbacktojointhecavalcade.DuringtherideItookoccasiontoaskTarsTarkasiftheseWarhoonswhoseeggswehaddestroyedwereasmallerpeoplethanhisTharks.

"InoticedthattheireggsweresomuchsmallerthanthoseIsawhatchinginyourincubator,"Iadded.

Heexplained that theeggshad justbeenplaced there;but, likeallgreenMartianeggs, theywouldgrowduringthefive-yearperiodofincubationuntiltheyobtainedthesizeofthoseIhadseenhatchingonthedayofmyarrivalonBarsoom.Thiswasindeedaninterestingpieceofinformation,forithadalwaysseemed remarkable to me that the green Martian women, large as they were, could bring forth suchenormouseggsasIhadseenthefour-footinfantsemergingfrom.Asamatteroffact,thenew-laideggisbut little largerthananordinarygooseegg,andasitdoesnotcommencetogrowuntilsubjectedtothelightof the sun thechieftainshave littledifficulty in transporting severalhundredsof thematone timefromthestoragevaultstotheincubators.

ShortlyaftertheincidentoftheWarhooneggswehaltedtoresttheanimals,anditwasduringthishaltthat the secondof the day's interesting episodes occurred. Iwas engaged in changingmy riding clothsfromoneofmythoatstotheother,forIdividedtheday'sworkbetweenthem,whenZadapproachedme,andwithoutawordstruckmyanimalaterrificblowwithhislong-sword.

IdidnotneedamanualofgreenMartianetiquettetoknowwhatreplytomake,for,infact,IwassowildwithangerthatIcouldscarcelyrefrainfromdrawingmypistolandshootinghimdownforthebrutehewas;buthestoodwaitingwithdrawnlong-sword,andmyonlychoicewastodrawmyownandmeethiminfairfightwithhischoiceofweaponsoralesserone.

Thislatteralternativeisalwayspermissible,thereforeIcouldhaveusedmyshort-sword,mydagger,myhatchet,ormyfistshadIwished,andbeenentirelywithinmyrights,butIcouldnotusefirearmsoraspearwhileheheldonlyhislong-sword.

IchosethesameweaponhehaddrawnbecauseIknewhepridedhimselfuponhisabilitywithit,andIwished,ifIworstedhimatall,todoitwithhisownweapon.Thefightthatfollowedwasalongoneanddelayed the resumptionof themarch for anhour.The entire community surroundedus, leaving a clearspaceaboutonehundredfeetindiameterforourbattle.

Zadfirstattemptedtorushmedownasabullmightawolf,butIwasmuchtooquickforhim,andeachtimeIside-steppedhisrusheshewouldgolungingpastme,onlytoreceiveanickfrommysworduponhis armorback.Hewas soon streamingblood fromahalfdozenminorwounds,but I couldnotobtainanopeningtodeliveraneffectivethrust.Thenhechangedhistactics,andfightingwarilyandwith

extremedexterity,hetriedtodobysciencewhathewasunabletodobybrutestrength.Imustadmitthathewasamagnificentswordsman,andhaditnotbeenformygreaterenduranceandtheremarkableagilitythelessergravitationofMarslentmeImightnothavebeenabletoputupthecreditablefightIdidagainsthim.

Wecircledforsometimewithoutdoingmuchdamageoneitherside; the long,straight,needle-likeswords flashing in the sunlight, and ringing out upon the stillness as they crashed together with eacheffectiveparry.FinallyZad,realizingthathewastiringmorethanI,evidentlydecidedtocloseinandendthebattleinafinalblazeofgloryforhimself;justasherushedmeablindingflashoflightstruckfullinmyeyes,sothatIcouldnotseehisapproachandcouldonlyleapblindlytoonesideinanefforttoescapethemightyblade that it seemed I could already feel inmyvitals. Iwasonlypartially successful, as asharp pain inmy left shoulder attested, but in the sweep ofmy glance as I sought to again locatemyadversary,asightmetmyastonishedgazewhichpaidmewellforthewoundthetemporaryblindnesshadcausedme.There,uponDejahThoris'chariotstoodthreefigures,forthepurposeevidentlyofwitnessingtheencounterabovetheheadsoftheinterveningTharks.TherewereDejahThoris,Sola,andSarkoja,andas my fleeting glance swept over them a little tableau was presented which will stand graven in mymemorytothedayofmydeath.

AsIlooked,DejahThoristurneduponSarkojawiththefuryofayoungtigressandstrucksomethingfromherupraisedhand;somethingwhichflashedinthesunlightasitspuntotheground.ThenIknewwhathadblindedmeatthatcrucialmomentofthefight,andhowSarkojahadfoundawaytokillmewithoutherself delivering the final thrust.Another thing I saw, too,which almost lostmy life forme then andthere,forittookmymindforthefractionofaninstantentirelyfrommyantagonist;for,asDejahThorisstruckthetinymirrorfromherhand,Sarkoja,herfacelividwithhatredandbaffledrage,whippedoutherdagger and aimed a terrific blow at Dejah Thoris; and then Sola, our dear and faithful Sola, sprangbetweenthem;thelastIsawwasthegreatknifedescendinguponhershieldingbreast.

My enemy had recovered from his thrust and was making it extremely interesting for me, so Ireluctantlygavemyattentiontotheworkinhand,butmymindwasnotuponthebattle.

Werushedeachotherfuriouslytimeaftertime, 'tilsuddenly,feelingthesharppointofhisswordatmybreastinathrustIcouldneitherparrynorescape,Ithrewmyselfuponhimwithoutstretchedswordandwithalltheweightofmybody,determinedthatIwouldnotdiealoneifIcouldpreventit.Ifeltthesteeltearintomychest,allwentblackbeforeme,myheadwhirledindizziness,andIfeltmykneesgivingbeneathme.

CHAPTERXV

SOLATELLSMEHERSTORY

Whenconsciousnessreturned,and,asIsoonlearned,Iwasdownbutamoment,Isprangquicklytomyfeetsearchingformysword,andthereIfoundit,buriedtothehiltinthegreenbreastofZad,wholaystonedeadupontheochremossoftheancientseabottom.AsIregainedmyfullsensesIfoundhisweapon

piercingmy left breast, but only through the flesh andmuscleswhich covermy ribs, entering near thecenterofmychest andcomingoutbelow the shoulder.As Ihad lunged Ihad turned so thathis swordmerelypassedbeneaththemuscles,inflictingapainfulbutnotdangerouswound.

Removing the blade from my body I also regained my own, and turning my back upon his uglycarcass,Imoved,sick,sore,anddisgusted,towardthechariotswhichboremyretinueandmybelongings.AmurmurofMartianapplausegreetedme,butIcarednotforit.

BleedingandweakIreachedmywomen,who,accustomedtosuchhappenings,dressedmywounds,applying thewonderful healing and remedial agents whichmake only themost instantaneous of deathblowsfatal.GiveaMartianwomanachanceanddeathmusttakeabackseat.Theysoonhadmepatchedupsothat,exceptforweaknessfromlossofbloodandalittlesorenessaroundthewound,Isufferednogreatdistressfromthisthrustwhich,underearthlytreatment,undoubtedlywouldhaveputmeflatonmybackfordays.

Assoonas theywerethroughwithmeIhastenedto thechariotofDejahThoris,whereIfoundmypoor Solawith her chest swathed in bandages, but apparently little theworse for her encounter withSarkoja,whosedagger itseemedhadstruck theedgeofoneofSola'smetalbreastornamentsand, thusdeflected,hadinflictedbutaslightfleshwound.

As Iapproached I foundDejahThoris lyingproneuponher silksand furs,her lithe formwrackedwithsobs.Shedidnotnoticemypresence,nordidshehearmespeakingwithSola,whowasstandingashortdistancefromthevehicle.

"Issheinjured?"IaskedofSola,indicatingDejahThorisbyaninclinationofmyhead.

"No,"sheanswered,"shethinksthatyouaredead."

"Andthathergrandmother'scatmaynowhavenoonetopolishitsteeth?"Iqueried,smiling.

"Ithinkyouwrongher,JohnCarter,"saidSola."Idonotunderstandeitherherwaysoryours,butIamsurethegranddaughteroftenthousandjeddakswouldnevergrievelikethisoveranywhoheldbutthehighestclaimuponheraffections.Theyareaproudrace,buttheyarejust,asareallBarsoomians,andyoumusthavehurtorwrongedhergrievously thatshewillnotadmityourexistence living, thoughshemournsyoudead.

"Tears are a strange sightuponBarsoom," shecontinued, "and so it isdifficult forme to interpretthem.Ihaveseenbuttwopeopleweepinallmylife,otherthanDejahThoris;oneweptfromsorrow,theotherfrombaffledrage.Thefirstwasmymother,yearsagobeforetheykilledher;theotherwasSarkoja,whentheydraggedherfrommetoday."

"Yourmother!"Iexclaimed,"but,Sola,youcouldnothaveknownyourmother,child."

"ButIdid.Andmyfatheralso,"sheadded."Ifyouwouldliketohearthestrangeandun-Barsoomianstorycometothechariottonight,JohnCarter,andIwilltellyouthatofwhichIhaveneverspokeninallmylifebefore.Andnowthesignalhasbeengiventoresumethemarch,youmustgo."

"Iwillcometonight,Sola,"Ipromised."BesuretotellDejahThorisIamaliveandwell.Ishallnot

forcemyselfuponher,andbesurethatyoudonotletherknowIsawhertears.IfshewouldspeakwithmeIbutawaithercommand."

Solamounted the chariot,whichwas swinging into its place in line, and I hastened tomywaitingthoatandgallopedtomystationbesideTarsTarkasattherearofthecolumn.

Wemadeamostimposingandawe-inspiringspectacleaswestrungoutacrosstheyellowlandscape;thetwohundredandfiftyornateandbrightlycoloredchariots,precededbyanadvanceguardofsometwohundredmountedwarriorsandchieftainsridingfiveabreastandonehundredyardsapart,andfollowedbya likenumber in thesameformation,withascoreormoreof flankersoneitherside; the fiftyextramastodons,orheavydraughtanimals,knownaszitidars,and thefiveorsixhundredextra thoatsof thewarriorsrunningloosewithinthehollowsquareformedbythesurroundingwarriors.Thegleamingmetalandjewelsofthegorgeousornamentsofthemenandwomen,duplicatedinthetrappingsofthezitidarsand thoats, and interspersedwith the flashing colors ofmagnificent silks and furs and feathers, lent abarbaricsplendortothecaravanwhichwouldhaveturnedanEastIndianpotentategreenwithenvy.

Theenormousbroadtiresof thechariotsandthepaddedfeetof theanimalsbroughtforthnosoundfrom themoss-covered seabottom; and sowemoved inutter silence, like somehugephantasmagoria,exceptwhen the stillnesswas brokenby the guttural growling of a goaded zitidar, or the squealing offightingthoats.ThegreenMartiansconversebutlittle,andthenusuallyinmonosyllables,lowandlikethefaintrumblingofdistantthunder.

Wetraversedatracklesswasteofmosswhich,bendingtothepressureofbroadtireorpaddedfoot,roseupagainbehindus,leavingnosignthatwehadpassed.Wemightindeedhavebeenthewraithsofthedeparteddeaduponthedeadseaofthatdyingplanetforallthesoundorsignwemadeinpassing.ItwasthefirstmarchofalargebodyofmenandanimalsIhadeverwitnessedwhichraisednodustandleftnospoor;forthereisnodustuponMarsexceptinthecultivateddistrictsduringthewintermonths,andeventhentheabsenceofhighwindsrendersitalmostunnoticeable.

Wecampedthatnightatthefootofthehillswehadbeenapproachingfortwodaysandwhichmarkedthesouthernboundaryofthisparticularsea.Ouranimalshadbeentwodayswithoutdrink,norhadtheyhadwaterfornearlytwomonths,notsinceshortlyafterleavingThark;but,asTarsTarkasexplainedtome, they require but little and can live almost indefinitely upon themosswhich coversBarsoom, andwhich,hetoldme,holdsinitstinystemssufficientmoisturetomeetthelimiteddemandsoftheanimals.

Afterpartakingofmyeveningmealofcheese-likefoodandvegetablemilkIsoughtoutSola,whomIfoundworkingbythelightofatorchuponsomeofTarsTarkas'trappings.Shelookedupatmyapproach,herfacelightingwithpleasureandwithwelcome.

"Iamgladyoucame,"shesaid;"DejahThorissleepsandIamlonely.Mineownpeopledonotcareforme,JohnCarter;Iamtoounlikethem.Itisasadfate,sinceImustlivemylifeamongstthem,andIoftenwishthatIwereatruegreenMartianwoman,withoutloveandwithouthope;butIhaveknownloveandsoIamlost.

"Ipromisedtotellyoumystory,orratherthestoryofmyparents.FromwhatIhavelearnedofyouandthewaysofyourpeopleIamsurethatthetalewillnotseemstrangetoyou,butamonggreenMartiansit hasnoparallelwithin thememoryof theoldest livingThark, nordoour legendsholdmany similartales.

"Mymotherwasrathersmall,infacttoosmalltobeallowedtheresponsibilitiesofmaternity,asourchieftainsbreedprincipallyforsize.ShewasalsolesscoldandcruelthanmostgreenMartianwomen,andcaringlittlefortheirsociety,sheoftenroamedthedesertedavenuesofTharkalone,orwentandsatamongthewildflowersthatdeckthenearbyhills,thinkingthoughtsandwishingwisheswhichIbelieveIaloneamongTharkianwomentodaymayunderstand,foramInotthechildofmymother?

"Andthereamongthehillsshemetayoungwarrior,whosedutyitwastoguardthefeedingzitidarsandthoatsandseethattheyroamednotbeyondthehills.TheyspokeatfirstonlyofsuchthingsasinterestacommunityofTharks,butgradually,astheycametomeetmoreoften,and,aswasnowquiteevidenttoboth,nolongerbychance,theytalkedaboutthemselves,theirlikes,theirambitionsandtheirhopes.Shetrustedhimandtoldhimoftheawfulrepugnanceshefeltforthecrueltiesoftheirkind,forthehideous,loveless lives theymustever lead,andthenshewaitedfor thestormofdenunciation tobreakfromhiscold,hardlips;butinsteadhetookherinhisarmsandkissedher.

"Theykepttheirloveasecretforsixlongyears.She,mymother,wasoftheretinueofthegreatTalHajus,whileherloverwasasimplewarrior,wearingonlyhisownmetal.HadtheirdefectionfromthetraditionsoftheTharksbeendiscoveredbothwouldhavepaidthepenaltyinthegreatarenabeforeTalHajusandtheassembledhordes.

"The egg fromwhich I came was hidden beneath a great glass vessel upon the highest andmostinaccessibleofthepartiallyruinedtowersofancientThark.Onceeachyearmymothervisiteditforthefivelongyearsitlaythereintheprocessofincubation.Shedarednotcomeoftener,forinthemightyguiltofherconscienceshefearedthathereverymovewaswatched.Duringthisperiodmyfathergainedgreatdistinctionasawarriorandhadtakenthemetalfromseveralchieftains.Hisloveformymotherhadneverdiminished,andhisownambitioninlifewastoreachapointwherehemightwrestthemetalfromTalHajushimself,andthus,asruleroftheTharks,befreetoclaimherashisown,aswellas,bythemightofhis power, protect the child which otherwise would be quickly dispatched should the truth becomeknown.

"Itwasawilddream,thatofwrestingthemetalfromTalHajusinfiveshortyears,buthisadvancewasrapid,andhesoonstoodhighinthecouncilsofThark.Butonedaythechancewaslostforever,insofarasitcouldcomeintimetosavehislovedones,forhewasorderedawayuponalongexpeditiontotheice-cladsouth,tomakewaruponthenativesthereanddespoilthemoftheirfurs,forsuchisthemannerofthegreenBarsoomian;hedoesnotlaborforwhathecanwrestinbattlefromothers.

"Hewasgoneforfouryears,andwhenhereturnedallhadbeenoverforthree;foraboutayearafterhisdeparture,andshortlybeforethetimeforthereturnofanexpeditionwhichhadgoneforthtofetchthefruitsofacommunityincubator,theegghadhatched.Thereaftermymothercontinuedtokeepmeintheoldtower,visitingmenightlyandlavishinguponmethelovethecommunitylifewouldhaverobbedusbothof. She hoped, upon the return of the expedition from the incubator, to mix me with the other youngassignedtothequartersofTalHajus,andthusescapethefatewhichwouldsurelyfollowdiscoveryofhersinagainsttheancienttraditionsofthegreenmen.

"She taughtme rapidly the languageandcustomsofmykind,andonenight she toldme the story Ihave told to you up to this point, impressing uponme the necessity for absolute secrecy and the greatcautionImustexerciseaftershehadplacedmewiththeotheryoungTharkstopermitnoonetoguessthatIwas further advanced in education than they,norbyany sign todivulge in thepresenceofothersmyaffectionforher,ormyknowledgeofmyparentage;andthendrawingmeclosetohershewhisperedin

myearthenameofmyfather.

"Andthena light flashedoutuponthedarknessof the towerchamber,and therestoodSarkoja,hergleaming,balefuleyesfixedinafrenzyofloathingandcontemptuponmymother.Thetorrentofhatredandabuse shepouredoutuponher turnedmyyoungheart cold in terror.That shehadheard theentirestorywasapparent,andthatshehadsuspectedsomethingwrongfrommymother'slongnightlyabsencesfromherquartersaccountedforherpresencethereonthatfatefulnight.

"Onethingshehadnotheard,nordidsheknow,thewhisperednameofmyfather.Thiswasapparentfromherrepeateddemandsuponmymothertodisclosethenameofherpartnerinsin,butnoamountofabuseor threatscouldwring this fromher, and to saveme fromneedless torture she lied, for she toldSarkojathatshealoneknewnorwouldsheevertellherchild.

"Withfinalimprecations,SarkojahastenedawaytoTalHajustoreportherdiscovery,andwhileshewas gonemymother,wrappingme in the silks and furs of her night coverings, so that Iwas scarcelynoticeable,descendedtothestreetsandranwildlyawaytowardtheoutskirtsofthecity,inthedirectionwhichledtothefarsouth,outtowardthemanwhoseprotectionshemightnotclaim,butonwhosefaceshewishedtolookoncemorebeforeshedied.

"Aswenearedthecity'ssouthernextremityasoundcametousfromacrossthemossyflat,fromthedirectionoftheonlypassthroughthehillswhichledtothegates,thepassbywhichcaravansfromeithernorthorsouthoreastorwestwouldenterthecity.Thesoundsweheardwerethesquealingofthoatsandthegrumblingofzitidars,withtheoccasionalclankofarmswhichannouncedtheapproachofabodyofwarriors.Thethoughtuppermostinhermindwasthatitwasmyfatherreturnedfromhisexpedition,butthecunningoftheTharkheldherfromheadlongandprecipitateflighttogreethim.

"Retreating into theshadowsofadoorwaysheawaited thecomingof thecavalcadewhichshortlyenteredtheavenue,breakingitsformationandthrongingthethoroughfarefromwalltowall.Astheheadoftheprocessionpassedusthelessermoonswungclearoftheoverhangingroofsandlitupthescenewithall thebrilliancyofherwondrous light.Mymother shrank furtherback into the friendly shadows, andfromherhidingplacesawthattheexpeditionwasnotthatofmyfather,butthereturningcaravanbearingtheyoungTharks.Instantlyherplanwasformed,andasagreatchariotswungclosetoourhidingplaceshe slipped stealthily in upon the trailing tailboard, crouching low in the shadow of the high side,strainingmetoherbosominafrenzyoflove.

"Sheknew,whatIdidnot,thatneveragainafterthatnightwouldsheholdmetoherbreast,norwasitlikelywewouldeverlookuponeachother'sfaceagain.Intheconfusionoftheplazashemixedmewiththeotherchildren,whoseguardiansduringthe journeywerenowfree torelinquishtheirresponsibility.Wewereherdedtogetherintoagreatroom,fedbywomenwhohadnotaccompaniedtheexpedition,andthenextdaywewereparceledoutamongtheretinuesofthechieftains.

"Ineversawmymotherafterthatnight.ShewasimprisonedbyTalHajus,andeveryeffort,includingthemosthorribleandshamefultorture,wasbroughttobearuponhertowringfromherlipsthenameofmy father; but she remained steadfast and loyal, dying at last amidst the laughter ofTalHajus andhischieftainsduringsomeawfultortureshewasundergoing.

"I learnedafterwards that she told them that shehadkilledme tosaveme froma like fateat theirhands,andthatshehadthrownmybodytothewhiteapes.Sarkojaalonedisbelievedher,andIfeeltothis

daythatshesuspectsmytrueorigin,butdoesnotdareexposeme,atthepresent,atallevents,becauseshealsoguesses,Iamsure,theidentityofmyfather.

"Whenhereturnedfromhisexpeditionandlearnedthestoryofmymother'sfateIwaspresentasTalHajustoldhim;butneverbythequiverofamuscledidhebetraytheslightestemotion;onlyhedidnotlaughasTalHajusgleefullydescribedherdeathstruggles.Fromthatmomentonhewasthecruelestofthecruel,andIamawaitingthedaywhenheshallwinthegoalofhisambition,andfeelthecarcassofTalHajusbeneathhisfoot,forIamassurethathebutwaitstheopportunitytowreakaterriblevengeance,andthathisgreatloveisasstronginhisbreastaswhenitfirsttransfiguredhimnearlyfortyyearsago,asIamthatwesithereupontheedgeofaworld-oldoceanwhilesensiblepeoplesleep,JohnCarter."

"Andyourfather,Sola,ishewithusnow?"Iasked.

"Yes," she replied, "but he does not knowme forwhat I am, nor does he knowwhobetrayedmymothertoTalHajus.Ialoneknowmyfather'sname,andonlyIandTalHajusandSarkojaknowthatitwasshewhocarriedthetalethatbroughtdeathandtortureuponherheloved."

Wesatsilentforafewmoments,shewrappedinthegloomythoughtsofherterriblepast,andIinpityforthepoorcreatureswhomtheheartless,senselesscustomsoftheirracehaddoomedtolovelesslivesofcrueltyandofhate.Presentlyshespoke.

"JohnCarter,ifeverarealmanwalkedthecold,deadbosomofBarsoomyouareone.IknowthatIcantrustyou,andbecausetheknowledgemaysomedayhelpyouorhimorDejahThorisormyself,Iamgoingtotellyouthenameofmyfather,norplaceanyrestrictionsorconditionsuponyourtongue.Whenthetimecomes,speakthetruthifitseemsbesttoyou.ItrustyoubecauseIknowthatyouarenotcursedwith the terrible trait of absolute andunswerving truthfulness, that you could lie likeoneof yourownVirginiagentlemenifaliewouldsaveothersfromsorroworsuffering.Myfather'snameisTarsTarkas."

CHAPTERXVI

WEPLANESCAPE

TheremainderofourjourneytoTharkwasuneventful.Weweretwentydaysupontheroad,crossingtwo sea bottoms and passing through or around a number of ruined cities,mostly smaller thanKorad.TwicewecrossedthefamousMartianwaterways,orcanals,so-calledbyourearthlyastronomers.Whenweapproachedthesepointsawarriorwouldbesentfaraheadwithapowerfulfieldglass,andifnogreatbodyofredMartiantroopswasinsightwewouldadvanceascloseaspossiblewithoutchanceofbeingseenandthencampuntildark,whenwewouldslowlyapproachthecultivatedtract,and,locatingoneofthenumerous,broadhighwayswhichcrosstheseareasatregular intervals,creepsilentlyandstealthilyacrosstothearidlandsupontheotherside.Itrequiredfivehourstomakeoneofthesecrossingswithoutasinglehalt,andtheotherconsumedtheentirenight,sothatwewerejustleavingtheconfinesofthehigh-walledfieldswhenthesunbrokeoutuponus.

Crossinginthedarkness,aswedid,Iwasunabletoseebutlittle,exceptasthenearermoon,inherwildandceaselesshurtling through theBarsoomianheavens, litup littlepatchesof the landscapefromtime to time, disclosingwalled fields and low, ramblingbuildings, presentingmuch the appearanceofearthlyfarms.Thereweremanytrees,methodicallyarranged,andsomeofthemwereofenormousheight;therewereanimalsinsomeoftheenclosures,andtheyannouncedtheirpresencebyterrifiedsquealingsandsnortingsastheyscentedourqueer,wildbeastsandwilderhumanbeings.

OnlyoncedidIperceiveahumanbeing,and thatwasat the intersectionofourcrossroadwith thewide,whiteturnpikewhichcutseachcultivateddistrictlongitudinallyatitsexactcenter.Thefellowmusthavebeensleepingbesidetheroad,for,asIcameabreastofhim,heraisedupononeelbowandafterasingle glance at the approaching caravan leaped shrieking to his feet and fled madly down the road,scalinganearbywallwiththeagilityofascaredcat.TheTharkspaidhimnottheslightestattention;theywerenotoutuponthewarpath,andtheonlysignthatIhadthattheyhadseenhimwasaquickeningofthepaceofthecaravanaswehastenedtowardtheborderingdesertwhichmarkedourentranceintotherealmofTalHajus.

NotoncedidIhavespeechwithDejahThoris,asshesentnowordtomethatIwouldbewelcomeatherchariot,andmyfoolishpridekeptmefrommakinganyadvances.Iverilybelievethataman'swaywithwomenisininverseratiotohisprowessamongmen.Theweaklingandthesapheadhaveoftengreatabilitytocharmthefairsex,whilethefightingmanwhocanfaceathousandrealdangersunafraid,sitshidingintheshadowslikesomefrightenedchild.

JustthirtydaysaftermyadventuponBarsoomweenteredtheancientcityofThark,fromwhoselong-forgottenpeoplethishordeofgreenmenhavestoleneventheirname.ThehordesofTharknumbersomethirtythousandsouls,andaredividedintotwenty-fivecommunities.Eachcommunityhasitsownjedandlesserchieftains,butallareundertheruleofTalHajus,JeddakofThark.Fivecommunitiesmaketheirheadquarters at the city ofThark, and the balance are scattered amongother deserted cities of ancientMarsthroughoutthedistrictclaimedbyTalHajus.

Wemade our entry into the great central plaza early in the afternoon. Therewere no enthusiasticfriendly greetings for the returned expedition. Those who chanced to be in sight spoke the names ofwarriorsorwomenwithwhomtheycameindirectcontact,intheformalgreetingoftheirkind,butwhenitwasdiscoveredthattheybroughttwocaptivesagreaterinterestwasaroused,andDejahThorisandIwerethecentersofinquiringgroups.

Weweresoonassignedtonewquarters,andthebalanceofthedaywasdevotedtosettlingourselvestothechangedconditions.Myhomenowwasuponanavenueleadingintotheplazafromthesouth,themainarterydownwhichwehadmarchedfromthegatesofthecity.Iwasatthefarendofthesquareandhad an entire building to myself. The same grandeur of architecture which was so noticeable acharacteristicofKoradwasinevidencehere,only,ifthatwerepossible,onalargerandricherscale.Myquarters would have been suitable for housing the greatest of earthly emperors, but to these queercreatures nothing about a building appealed to them but its size and the enormity of its chambers; thelarger the building, themore desirable; and soTalHajus occupiedwhatmust have been an enormouspublicbuilding, the largest in thecity,butentirelyunfittedfor residencepurposes; thenext largestwasreservedforLorquasPtomel,thenextforthejedofalesserrank,andsoontothebottomofthelistoffivejeds.Thewarriorsoccupiedthebuildingswiththechieftainstowhoseretinuestheybelonged;or,iftheypreferred,soughtshelteramonganyofthethousandsofuntenantedbuildingsintheirownquarteroftown;

eachcommunitybeingassignedacertainsectionofthecity.Theselectionofbuildinghadtobemadeinaccordancewiththesedivisions,exceptinsofarasthejedswereconcerned,theyalloccupyingedificeswhichfrontedupontheplaza.

WhenIhadfinallyputmyhouseinorder,orratherseenthatithadbeendone,itwasnearingsunset,andIhastenedoutwiththeintentionof locatingSolaandhercharges,asIhaddetermineduponhavingspeechwithDejahThorisand trying to impressonher thenecessityofourat leastpatchingupa truceuntilIcouldfindsomewayofaidinghertoescape.Isearchedinvainuntiltheupperrimofthegreatredsunwas just disappearing behind the horizon and then I spied the ugly head ofWoola peering from asecond-storywindowontheoppositesideoftheverystreetwhereIwasquartered,butnearertheplaza.

WithoutwaitingforafurtherinvitationIboltedupthewindingrunwaywhichledtothesecondfloor,andenteringagreatchamberatthefrontofthebuildingwasgreetedbythefrenziedWoola,whothrewhisgreatcarcassuponme,nearlyhurlingmetothefloor; thepooroldfellowwassogladtoseemethatIthought he would devour me, his head split from ear to ear, showing his three rows of tusks in hishobgoblinsmile.

Quieting him with a word of command and a caress, I looked hurriedly through the approachinggloomforasignofDejahThoris,and then,notseeingher, Icalledhername.Therewasanansweringmurmurfromthefarcorneroftheapartment,andwithacoupleofquickstridesIwasstandingbesideherwhereshecrouchedamongthefursandsilksuponanancientcarvedwoodenseat.AsIwaitedsherosetoherfullheightandlookingmestraightintheeyesaid:

"WhatwouldDotarSojat,Thark,ofDejahThorishiscaptive?"

"DejahThoris, IdonotknowhowIhaveangeredyou. Itwas furtherest frommydesire tohurtoroffendyou,whomIhadhopedtoprotectandcomfort.Havenoneofmeifitisyourwill,butthatyoumustaidmeineffectingyourescape,ifsuchathingbepossible,isnotmyrequest,butmycommand.Whenyouaresafeoncemoreatyourfather'scourtyoumaydowithmeasyouplease,butfromnowonuntilthatdayIamyourmaster,andyoumustobeyandaidme."

ShelookedatmelongandearnestlyandIthoughtthatshewassofteningtowardme.

"Iunderstandyourwords,DotarSojat,"shereplied,"butyouIdonotunderstand.Youareaqueermixtureofchildandman,ofbruteandnoble.IonlywishthatImightreadyourheart."

"Lookdownatyour feet,DejahThoris; it lies therenowwhere ithas lainsince thatothernightatKorad,andwhereitwilleverliebeatingaloneforyouuntildeathstillsitforever."

Shetookalittlesteptowardme,herbeautifulhandsoutstretchedinastrange,gropinggesture.

"Whatdoyoumean,JohnCarter?"shewhispered."Whatareyousayingtome?"

"IamsayingwhatIhadpromisedmyselfthatIwouldnotsaytoyou,atleastuntilyouwerenolongeracaptiveamongthegreenmen;whatfromyourattitudetowardmeforthepasttwentydaysIhadthoughtnevertosaytoyou;Iamsaying,DejahThoris,thatIamyours,bodyandsoul,toserveyou,tofightforyou,andtodieforyou.OnlyonethingIaskofyouinreturn,andthatisthatyoumakenosign,eitherofcondemnation or of approbation of my words until you are safe among your own people, and that

whateversentimentsyouharbortowardmetheybenotinfluencedorcoloredbygratitude;whateverImaydotoserveyouwillbepromptedsolelyfromselfishmotives,sinceitgivesmemorepleasuretoserveyouthannot."

"Iwillrespectyourwishes,JohnCarter,becauseIunderstandthemotiveswhichpromptthem,andIacceptyourservicenomorewillinglythanIbowtoyourauthority;yourwordshallbemylaw.IhavetwicewrongedyouinmythoughtsandagainIaskyourforgiveness."

Further conversation of a personal naturewas prevented by the entrance of Sola, whowasmuchagitatedandwhollyunlikeherusualcalmandpossessedself.

"ThathorribleSarkojahasbeenbeforeTalHajus,"shecried,"andfromwhatIheardupontheplazathereislittlehopeforeitherofyou."

"Whatdotheysay?"inquiredDejahThoris.

"That youwill be thrown to thewild calots [dogs] in the great arena as soon as the hordes haveassembledfortheyearlygames."

"Sola,"Isaid,"youareaThark,butyouhateandloathethecustomsofyourpeopleasmuchaswedo.Willyounotaccompanyusinonesupremeefforttoescape?IamsurethatDejahThoriscanofferyouahomeandprotectionamongherpeople,andyourfatecanbenoworseamongthemthanitmusteverbehere."

"Yes,"criedDejahThoris,"comewithus,Sola,youwillbebetteroffamongtheredmenofHeliumthanyouarehere,andIcanpromiseyounotonlyahomewithus,buttheloveandaffectionyournaturecravesandwhichmustalwaysbedeniedyoubythecustomsofyourownrace.Comewithus,Sola;wemightgowithoutyou,butyourfatewouldbeterribleiftheythoughtyouhadconnivedtoaidus.Iknowthateventhatfearwouldnottemptyoutointerfereinourescape,butwewantyouwithus,wewantyouto come to a land of sunshine and happiness, amongst a people who know the meaning of love, ofsympathy,andofgratitude.Saythatyouwill,Sola;tellmethatyouwill."

"ThegreatwaterwaywhichleadstoHeliumisbutfiftymilestothesouth,"murmuredSola,half toherself;"aswiftthoatmightmakeitinthreehours;andthentoHeliumitisfivehundredmiles,mostofthewaythroughthinlysettleddistricts.Theywouldknowandtheywouldfollowus.Wemighthideamongthegreattreesforatime,butthechancesaresmallindeedforescape.TheywouldfollowustotheverygatesofHelium,andtheywouldtaketolloflifeateverystep;youdonotknowthem."

"IstherenootherwaywemightreachHelium?"Iasked."Canyounotdrawmearoughmapofthecountrywemusttraverse,DejahThoris?"

"Yes,"shereplied,andtakingagreatdiamondfromherhairshedrewuponthemarblefloorthefirstmapofBarsoomian territory I had ever seen. Itwas crisscrossed in everydirectionwith long straightlines, sometimes running parallel and sometimes converging toward some great circle. The lines, shesaid,werewaterways; thecircles,cities;andonefar tothenorthwestofusshepointedoutasHelium.Therewereothercitiescloser,butshesaidshefearedtoentermanyofthem,astheywerenotallfriendlytowardHelium.

ShedrewuponthemarblefloorthefirstmapofBarsoomianterritoryIhadeverseen.

Finally,afterstudyingthemapcarefullyinthemoonlightwhichnowfloodedtheroom,IpointedoutawaterwayfartothenorthofuswhichalsoseemedtoleadtoHelium.

"Doesnotthispierceyourgrandfather'sterritory?"Iasked.

"Yes,"sheanswered,"butitistwohundredmilesnorthofus;itisoneofthewaterwayswecrossedonthetriptoThark."

"Theywouldneversuspectthatwewouldtryforthatdistantwaterway,"Ianswered,"andthatiswhyIthinkthatitisthebestrouteforourescape."

Solaagreedwithme,anditwasdecidedthatweshouldleaveTharkthissamenight;justasquickly,infact,asIcouldfindandsaddlemythoats.SolawastorideoneandDejahThorisandItheother;eachofuscarryingsufficientfoodanddrinktolastusfortwodays,sincetheanimalscouldnotbeurgedtoorapidlyforsolongadistance.

IdirectedSolatoproceedwithDejahThorisalongoneofthelessfrequentedavenuestothesouthernboundaryof thecity,whereIwouldovertake themwith the thoatsasquicklyaspossible; then, leavingthemtogatherwhatfood,silks,andfursweweretoneed,Islippedquietlytotherearofthefirstfloor,andentered thecourtyard,whereour animalsweremoving restlesslyabout, aswas theirhabit, beforesettlingdownforthenight.

IntheshadowsofthebuildingsandoutbeneaththeradianceoftheMartianmoonsmovedthegreatherdofthoatsandzitidars,thelattergruntingtheirlowgutturalsandtheformeroccasionallyemittingthesharp squeal which denotes the almost habitual state of rage in which these creatures passed theirexistence.Theywerequieternow,owingtotheabsenceofman,butastheyscentedmetheybecamemorerestlessandtheirhideousnoiseincreased.Itwasriskybusiness,thisenteringapaddockofthoatsaloneandatnight;first,becausetheirincreasingnoisinessmightwarnthenearbywarriorsthatsomethingwasamiss,andalsobecausefortheslightestcause,orfornocauseatallsomegreatbullthoatmighttakeituponhimselftoleadachargeuponme.

Havingnodesiretoawakentheirnastytempersuponsuchanightasthis,wheresomuchdependeduponsecrecyanddispatch,Ihuggedtheshadowsof thebuildings, readyatan instant'swarningto leapintothesafetyofanearbydoororwindow.ThusImovedsilentlytothegreatgateswhichopeneduponthestreetatthebackofthecourt,andasInearedtheexitIcalledsoftlytomytwoanimals.HowIthankedthekindprovidencewhichhadgivenmetheforesighttowintheloveandconfidenceofthesewilddumbbrutes, for presently from the far side of the court I saw twohuge bulks forcing theirway towardmethroughthesurgingmountainsofflesh.

Theycamequiteclosetome,rubbingtheirmuzzlesagainstmybodyandnosingforthebitsoffooditwasalwaysmypracticetorewardthemwith.OpeningthegatesIorderedthetwogreatbeaststopassout,andthenslippingquietlyafterthemIclosedtheportalsbehindme.

Ididnotsaddleormounttheanimalsthere,butinsteadwalkedquietlyintheshadowsofthebuildingstowardanunfrequentedavenuewhichledtowardthepointIhadarrangedtomeetDejahThorisandSola.Withthenoiselessnessofdisembodiedspiritswemovedstealthilyalongthedesertedstreets,butnotuntilwewerewithinsightoftheplainbeyondthecitydidIcommencetobreathefreely.IwassurethatSolaandDejahThoriswouldfindnodifficultyinreachingourrendezvousundetected,butwithmygreatthoatsIwasnotsosureformyself,asitwasquiteunusualforwarriorstoleavethecityafterdark;infacttherewasnoplaceforthemtogowithinanybutalongride.

Ireachedtheappointedmeetingplacesafely,butasDejahThorisandSolawerenotthereIledmyanimalsintotheentrancehallofoneofthelargebuildings.Presumingthatoneoftheotherwomenofthesamehouseholdmayhavecome in to speak toSola, andsodelayed theirdeparture, Ididnot feelanyundueapprehensionuntilnearlyanhourhadpassedwithoutasignofthem,andbythetimeanotherhalfhourhadcrawledawayIwasbecomingfilledwithgraveanxiety.Thentherebrokeuponthestillnessof

thenightthesoundofanapproachingparty,which,fromthenoise,Iknewcouldbenofugitivescreepingstealthilytowardliberty.Soonthepartywasnearme,andfromtheblackshadowsofmyentrancewayIperceivedascoreofmountedwarriors,who, inpassing,droppedadozenwords that fetchedmyheartcleanintothetopofmyhead.

"Hewouldlikelyhavearrangedtomeetthemjustwithoutthecity,andso—"Iheardnomore,theyhadpassedon;butitwasenough.Ourplanhadbeendiscovered,andthechancesforescapefromnowontothefearfulendwouldbesmallindeed.MyonehopenowwastoreturnundetectedtothequartersofDejahThorisandlearnwhatfatehadovertakenher,buthowtodoitwith thesegreatmonstrous thoatsuponmyhands,nowthatthecityprobablywasarousedbytheknowledgeofmyescapewasaproblemofnomeanproportions.

Suddenlyanideaoccurredtome,andactingonmyknowledgeoftheconstructionofthebuildingsoftheseancientMartiancitieswithahollowcourtwithinthecenterofeachsquare,Igropedmywayblindlythroughthedarkchambers,callingthegreatthoatsafterme.Theyhaddifficultyinnegotiatingsomeofthedoorways, but as the buildings fronting the city's principal exposures were all designed upon amagnificentscale,theywereabletowrigglethroughwithoutstickingfast;andthuswefinallymadetheinnercourtwhereIfound,asIhadexpected,theusualcarpetofmoss-likevegetationwhichwouldprovetheir foodanddrinkuntil I could return them to their ownenclosure.That theywouldbe asquiet andcontentedhereaselsewhereIwasconfident,norwastherebuttheremotestpossibilitythattheywouldbediscovered,asthegreenmenhadnogreatdesiretoentertheseoutlyingbuildings,whichwerefrequentedbytheonlything,Ibelieve,whichcausedthemthesensationoffear—thegreatwhiteapesofBarsoom.

Removingthesaddletrappings,Ihidthemjustwithinthereardoorwayofthebuildingthroughwhichwehadenteredthecourt,and,turningthebeastsloose,quicklymademywayacrossthecourttotherearof thebuildingsupon the further side, and thence to the avenuebeyond.Waiting in thedoorwayof thebuildinguntilIwasassuredthatnoonewasapproaching,Ihurriedacrosstotheoppositesideandthroughthefirstdoorwaytothecourtbeyond;thus,crossingthroughcourtaftercourtwithonlytheslightchanceofdetectionwhichthenecessarycrossingoftheavenuesentailed,ImademywayinsafetytothecourtyardintherearofDejahThoris'quarters.

Here,ofcourse,Ifoundthebeastsofthewarriorswhoquarteredintheadjacentbuildings,andthewarriorsthemselvesImightexpecttomeetwithinifIentered;but,fortunatelyforme,IhadanotherandsafermethodofreachingtheupperstorywhereDejahThorisshouldbefound,and,afterfirstdeterminingasnearlyaspossiblewhichofthebuildingssheoccupied,forIhadneverobservedthembeforefromthecourtside,ItookadvantageofmyrelativelygreatstrengthandagilityandsprangupwarduntilIgraspedthe sill of a second-storywindowwhich I thought to be in the rear of her apartment.DrawingmyselfinsidetheroomImovedstealthilytowardthefrontofthebuilding,andnotuntilIhadquitereachedthedoorwayofherroomwasImadeawarebyvoicesthatitwasoccupied.

Ididnotrushheadlongin,butlistenedwithouttoassuremyselfthatitwasDejahThorisandthatitwassafetoventurewithin.ItwaswellindeedthatItookthisprecaution,fortheconversationIheardwasinthelowgutturalsofmen,andthewordswhichfinallycametomeprovedamosttimelywarning.Thespeakerwasachieftainandhewasgivingorderstofourofhiswarriors.

"Andwhenhereturnstothischamber,"hewassaying,"ashesurelywillwhenhefindsshedoesnotmeethimatthecity'sedge,youfouraretospringuponhimanddisarmhim.ItwillrequirethecombinedstrengthofallofyoutodoitifthereportstheybringbackfromKoradarecorrect.Whenyouhavehim

fastboundbearhimtothevaultsbeneaththejeddak'squartersandchainhimsecurelywherehemaybefoundwhen Tal Hajuswishes him.Allow him to speakwith none, nor permit any other to enter thisapartmentbeforehecomes.Therewillbenodangerofthegirlreturning,forbythistimesheissafeinthearmsofTalHajus,andmayallherancestorshavepityuponher,forTalHajuswillhavenone;thegreatSarkojahasdoneanoblenight'swork. Igo,and ifyoufail tocapturehimwhenhecomes, IcommendyourcarcassestothecoldbosomofIss."

CHAPTERXVII

ACOSTLYRECAPTURE

AsthespeakerceasedheturnedtoleavetheapartmentbythedoorwhereIwasstanding,butIneededtowaitnolonger;Ihadheardenoughtofillmysoulwithdread,andstealingquietlyawayIreturnedtothecourtyardbythewayIhadcome.Myplanofactionwasformedupontheinstant,andcrossingthesquareandtheborderingavenueupontheoppositesideIsoonstoodwithinthecourtyardofTalHajus.

Thebrilliantlylightedapartmentsofthefirstfloortoldmewherefirsttoseek,andadvancingtothewindowsIpeeredwithin.IsoondiscoveredthatmyapproachwasnottobetheeasythingIhadhoped,for the rear roomsbordering the courtwere filledwithwarriors andwomen. I then glanced up at thestoriesabove,discoveringthatthethirdwasapparentlyunlighted,andsodecidedtomakemyentrancetothebuildingfromthatpoint. Itwas theworkofbutamoment forme to reach thewindowsabove,andsoonIhaddrawnmyselfwithintheshelteringshadowsoftheunlightedthirdfloor.

FortunatelytheroomIhadselectedwasuntenanted,andcreepingnoiselesslytothecorridorbeyondIdiscoveredalightintheapartmentsaheadofme.ReachingwhatappearedtobeadoorwayIdiscoveredthatitwasbutanopeninguponanimmenseinnerchamberwhichtoweredfromthefirstfloor,twostoriesbelowme,tothedome-likeroofofthebuilding,highabovemyhead.Thefloorofthisgreatcircularhallwas throngedwith chieftains, warriors andwomen, and at one endwas a great raised platform uponwhich squatted themost hideous beast I had ever putmy eyes upon.He had all the cold, hard, cruel,terriblefeaturesofthegreenwarriors,butaccentuatedanddebasedbytheanimalpassionstowhichhehad given himself over for many years. There was not a mark of dignity or pride upon his bestialcountenance,whilehis enormousbulk spread itselfoutupon theplatformwherehe squatted like somehugedevilfish,hissixlimbsaccentuatingthesimilarityinahorribleandstartlingmanner.

ButthesightthatfrozemewithapprehensionwasthatofDejahThorisandSolastandingtherebeforehim,andthefiendishleerofhimashelethisgreatprotrudingeyesgloatuponthelinesofherbeautifulfigure.Shewasspeaking,butIcouldnothearwhatshesaid,norcouldImakeoutthelowgrumblingofhisreply.Shestoodthereerectbeforehim,herheadhighheld,andevenatthedistanceIwasfromthemIcouldreadthescornanddisgustuponherfaceassheletherhaughtyglancerestwithoutsignoffearuponhim.Shewas indeed the proud daughter of a thousand jeddaks, every inch of her dear, precious littlebody;sosmall,sofrailbesidethetoweringwarriorsaroundher,but inhermajestydwarfingthemintoinsignificance;shewasthemightiestfigureamongthemandIverilybelievethattheyfeltit.

PresentlyTalHajusmade a sign that the chamber be cleared, and that the prisoners be left alonebefore him. Slowly the chieftains, the warriors and the womenmelted away into the shadows of thesurroundingchambers,andDejahThorisandSolastoodalonebeforethejeddakoftheTharks.

Onechieftainalonehadhesitatedbeforedeparting; I sawhimstanding in the shadowsofamightycolumn,hisfingersnervouslytoyingwiththehiltofhisgreat-swordandhiscrueleyesbentinimplacablehatreduponTalHajus.ItwasTarsTarkas,andIcouldreadhisthoughtsastheywereanopenbookfortheundisguisedloathinguponhisface.Hewasthinkingofthatotherwomanwho,fortyyearsago,hadstoodbeforethisbeast,andcouldIhavespokenawordintohisearatthatmomentthereignofTalHajuswouldhavebeenover;butfinallyhealsostrodefromtheroom,notknowingthathelefthisowndaughteratthemercyofthecreaturehemostloathed.

TalHajus arose, and I, half fearing, half anticipatinghis intentions, hurried to thewinding runwaywhich led to the floors below.No onewas near to interceptme, and I reached themain floor of thechamberunobserved, takingmystation in theshadowof thesamecolumn thatTarsTarkashadbut justdeserted.AsIreachedthefloorTalHajuswasspeaking.

"PrincessofHelium,ImightwringamightyransomfromyourpeoplewouldIbutreturnyoutothemunharmed,butathousandtimesratherwouldIwatchthatbeautifulfacewritheintheagonyoftorture;itshallbe longdrawnout, that Ipromiseyou; tendaysofpleasurewereall tooshort toshowthe loveIharborforyourrace.Theterrorsofyourdeathshallhaunttheslumbersoftheredmenthroughalltheagestocome;theywillshudderintheshadowsofthenightastheirfatherstellthemoftheawfulvengeanceofthegreenmen;ofthepowerandmightandhateandcrueltyofTalHajus.Butbeforethetortureyoushallbemineforoneshorthour,andwordofthattooshallgoforthtoTardosMors,JeddakofHelium,yourgrandfather, thathemaygrovelupon theground in theagonyofhis sorrow.Tomorrow the torturewillcommence;tonightthouartTalHajus';come!"

Hesprangdownfromtheplatformandgraspedherroughlybythearm,butscarcelyhadhetouchedherthanIleapedbetweenthem.Myshort-sword,sharpandgleamingwasinmyrighthand;IcouldhaveplungeditintohisputridheartbeforeherealizedthatIwasuponhim;butasIraisedmyarmtostrikeIthoughtofTarsTarkas,and,withallmyrage,withallmyhatred,Icouldnotrobhimofthatsweetmomentforwhichhehadlivedandhopedalltheselong,wearyyears,andso,instead,Iswungmygoodrightfistfulluponthepointofhisjaw.Withoutasoundheslippedtothefloorasonedead.

In the samedeathly silence I graspedDejahThoris by thehand, andmotioningSola to followwespednoiselesslyfromthechamberandtothefloorabove.Unseenwereachedarearwindowandwiththestraps and leather of my trappings I lowered, first Sola and then Dejah Thoris to the ground below.DroppinglightlyafterthemIdrewthemrapidlyaroundthecourtintheshadowsofthebuildings,andthuswereturnedoverthesamecourseIhadsorecentlyfollowedfromthedistantboundaryofthecity.

WefinallycameuponmythoatsinthecourtyardwhereIhadleftthem,andplacingthetrappingsuponthemwehastenedthroughthebuildingtotheavenuebeyond.Mounting,Solaupononebeast,andDejahThorisbehindmeupontheother,werodefromthecityofTharkthroughthehillstothesouth.

Insteadofcirclingbackaroundthecitytothenorthwestandtowardthenearestwaterwaywhichlaysoshortadistancefromus,weturnedtothenortheastandstruckoutuponthemossywasteacrosswhich,fortwohundreddangerousandwearymiles,layanothermainarteryleadingtoHelium.

Nowordwasspokenuntilwehadleftthecityfarbehind,butIcouldhearthequietsobbingofDejahThorisassheclungtomewithherdearheadrestingagainstmyshoulder.

"Ifwemakeit,mychieftain,thedebtofHeliumwillbeamightyone;greaterthanshecaneverpayyou;andshouldwenotmakeit,"shecontinued,"thedebtisnoless,thoughHeliumwillneverknow,foryouhavesavedthelastofourlinefromworsethandeath."

Ididnotanswer,but insteadreachedtomysideandpressedthelittlefingersofherI lovedwheretheyclungtomeforsupport,andthen,inunbrokensilence,wespedovertheyellow,moonlitmoss;eachofusoccupiedwithhisownthoughts.FormypartIcouldnotbeotherthanjoyfulhadItried,withDejahThoris'warmbodypressedclosetomine,andwithallourunpasseddangermyheartwassingingasgailyasthoughwewerealreadyenteringthegatesofHelium.

Ourearlierplanshadbeensosadlyupsetthatwenowfoundourselveswithoutfoodordrink,andIalonewasarmed.Wethereforeurgedourbeaststoaspeedthatmusttellonthemsorelybeforewecouldhopetosighttheendingofthefirststageofourjourney.

Werodeallnightandallthefollowingdaywithonlyafewshortrests.Onthesecondnightbothweandouranimalswerecompletelyfagged,andsowelaydownuponthemossandsleptforsomefiveorsixhours,takingupthejourneyoncemorebeforedaylight.Allthefollowingdaywerode,andwhen,lateintheafternoonwehadsightednodistanttrees,themarkofthegreatwaterwaysthroughoutallBarsoom,theterribletruthflasheduponus—wewerelost.

Evidentlywehadcircled,butwhichwayitwasdifficulttosay,nordiditseempossiblewiththesuntoguideusbydayandthemoonsandstarsbynight.Atanyratenowaterwaywasinsight,andtheentirepartywasalmostreadytodropfromhunger,thirstandfatigue.Faraheadofusandatrifletotherightwecoulddistinguish theoutlinesof lowmountains.Thesewedecided toattempt to reach in thehope thatfromsomeridgewemightdiscernthemissingwaterway.Nightfelluponusbeforewereachedourgoal,and,almostfaintingfromwearinessandweakness,welaydownandslept.

Iwasawakenedearlyinthemorningbysomehugebodypressingclosetomine,andopeningmyeyeswith a start I beheldmy blessed oldWoola snuggling close tome; the faithful brute had followed usacross that trackless waste to share our fate, whatever it might be. Puttingmy arms about his neck Ipressedmycheekclosetohis,noramIashamedthatIdidit,norofthetearsthatcametomyeyesasIthoughtofhisloveforme.ShortlyafterthisDejahThorisandSolaawakened,anditwasdecidedthatwepushonatonceinanefforttogainthehills.

WehadgonescarcelyamilewhenInoticedthatmythoatwascommencingtostumbleandstaggerinamostpitifulmanner,althoughwehadnotattemptedtoforcethemoutofawalksinceaboutnoonoftheprecedingday.Suddenlyhelurchedwildlytoonesideandpitchedviolentlytotheground.DejahThorisandIwerethrownclearofhimandfelluponthesoftmosswithscarcelyajar;butthepoorbeastwasinapitiable condition, not even being able to rise, although relieved of ourweight. Sola toldme that thecoolnessofthenight,whenitfell,togetherwiththerestwoulddoubtlessrevivehim,andsoIdecidednottokillhim,aswasmyfirstintention,asIhadthoughtitcrueltoleavehimalonetheretodieofhungerandthirst.Relievinghimofhistrappings,whichIflungdownbesidehim,weleftthepoorfellowtohisfate,andpushedonwiththeonethoatasbestwecould.SolaandIwalked,makingDejahThorisride,muchagainstherwill.InthiswaywehadprogressedtowithinaboutamileofthehillswewereendeavoringtoreachwhenDejahThoris,fromherpointofvantageuponthethoat,criedoutthatshesawagreatpartyof

mountedmen filing down from a pass in the hills severalmiles away. Sola and I both looked in thedirection she indicated, and there, plainly discernible, were several hundredmounted warriors. Theyseemedtobeheadedinasouthwesterlydirection,whichwouldtakethemawayfromus.

TheydoubtlesswereTharkwarriorswhohadbeensentout tocaptureus,andwebreathedagreatsigh of relief that theywere traveling in the opposite direction.Quickly liftingDejahThoris from thethoat,Icommandedtheanimaltoliedownandwethreedidthesame,presentingassmallanobjectaspossibleforfearofattractingtheattentionofthewarriorstowardus.

Wecould see themas they filedout of thepass, just for an instant, before theywere lost to viewbehindafriendlyridge;tousamostprovidentialridge;since,hadtheybeeninviewforanygreatlengthoftime,theyscarcelycouldhavefailedtodiscoverus.Aswhatprovedtobethelastwarriorcameintoviewfromthepass,hehaltedand,toourconsternation,threwhissmallbutpowerfulfieldglasstohiseyeand scanned the sea bottom in all directions. Evidently he was a chieftain, for in certain marchingformationsamongthegreenmenachieftainbringsuptheextremerearofthecolumn.Ashisglassswungtowardusourheartsstoppedinourbreasts,andIcouldfeelthecoldsweatstartfromeveryporeinmybody.

Presentlyitswungfulluponusand—stopped.Thetensiononournerveswasnearthebreakingpoint,and I doubt if any of us breathed for the fewmoments he held us covered by his glass; and then helowereditandwecouldseehimshoutacommandtothewarriorswhohadpassedfromoursightbehindtheridge.Hedidnotwaitforthemtojoinhim,however,insteadhewheeledhisthoatandcametearingmadlyinourdirection.

Therewasbutoneslightchanceandthatwemusttakequickly.RaisingmystrangeMartianrifletomyshoulderIsightedandtouchedthebuttonwhichcontrolledthetrigger;therewasasharpexplosionasthemissilereacheditsgoal,andthechargingchieftainpitchedbackwardfromhisflyingmount.

SpringingtomyfeetIurgedthethoattorise,anddirectedSolatotakeDejahThoriswithheruponhimandmakeamightyefforttoreachthehillsbeforethegreenwarriorswereuponus.Iknewthatintheravinesandgulliestheymightfindatemporaryhidingplace,andeventhoughtheydiedthereofhungerandthirstitwouldbebettersothanthattheyfellintothehandsoftheTharks.Forcingmytworevolversupon them as a slightmeans of protection, and, as a last resort, as an escape for themselves from thehorriddeathwhichrecapturewouldsurelymean,IliftedDejahThorisinmyarmsandplacedheruponthethoatbehindSola,whohadalreadymountedatmycommand.

"Good-bye,my princess," Iwhispered, "wemaymeet inHelium yet. I have escaped fromworseplightsthanthis,"andItriedtosmileasIlied.

"What,"shecried,"areyounotcomingwithus?"

"HowmayI,DejahThoris?Someonemustholdthesefellowsoffforawhile,andIcanbetterescapethemalonethancouldthethreeofustogether."

Shesprangquicklyfromthethoatand,throwingherdeararmsaboutmyneck,turnedtoSola,sayingwithquietdignity:"Fly,Sola!DejahThorisremainstodiewiththemansheloves."

Thosewordsareengraveduponmyheart.Ah,gladlywouldIgiveupmylifeathousandtimescouldI

onlyhearthemonceagain;butIcouldnotthengiveevenasecondtotheraptureofhersweetembrace,andpressingmylips tohersfor thefirst time,Ipickedherupbodilyandtossedher toherseatbehindSolaagain,commandingthelatterinperemptorytonestoholdhertherebyforce,andthen,slappingthethoatupontheflank,Isawthemborneaway;DejahThorisstrugglingtothelasttofreeherselffromSola'sgrasp.

Turning,Ibeheldthegreenwarriorsmountingtheridgeandlookingfortheirchieftain.Inamomenttheysawhim,andthenme;butscarcelyhadtheydiscoveredmethanIcommencedfiring,lyingflatuponmybellyinthemoss.Ihadanevenhundredroundsinthemagazineofmyrifle,andanotherhundredinthebeltatmyback,andIkeptupacontinuousstreamoffireuntilIsawallofthewarriorswhohadbeenfirsttoreturnfrombehindtheridgeeitherdeadorscurryingtocover.

Myrespitewasshort-livedhowever,forsoontheentireparty,numberingsomethousandmen,camechargingintoview,racingmadlytowardme.Ifireduntilmyriflewasemptyandtheywerealmostuponme,andthenaglanceshowingmethatDejahThorisandSolahaddisappearedamongthehills,Isprangup,throwingdownmyuselessgun,andstartedawayinthedirectionoppositetothattakenbySolaandhercharge.

IfeverMartianshadanexhibitionofjumping,itwasgrantedthoseastonishedwarriorsonthatdaylong years ago, but while it led them away fromDejah Thoris it did not distract their attention fromendeavoringtocaptureme.

Theyracedwildlyaftermeuntil,finally,myfootstruckaprojectingpieceofquartz,anddownIwentsprawlinguponthemoss.AsIlookeduptheywereuponme,andalthoughIdrewmylong-swordinanattempt tosellmy lifeasdearlyaspossible, itwassoonover. I reeledbeneath theirblowswhichfelluponmeinperfecttorrents;myheadswam;allwasblack,andIwentdownbeneaththemtooblivion.

CHAPTERXVIII

CHAINEDINWARHOON

ItmusthavebeenseveralhoursbeforeIregainedconsciousnessandIwellrememberthefeelingofsurprisewhichsweptovermeasIrealizedthatIwasnotdead.

Iwas lying among a pile of sleeping silks and furs in the corner of a small room inwhichwereseveralgreenwarriors,andbendingovermewasanancientanduglyfemale.

AsIopenedmyeyessheturnedtooneofthewarriors,saying,

"Hewilllive,OJed."

"'Tiswell,"repliedtheonesoaddressed,risingandapproachingmycouch,"heshouldrenderraresportforthegreatgames."

Andnowasmyeyesfelluponhim,IsawthathewasnoThark,forhisornamentsandmetalwerenotofthathorde.Hewasahugefellow,terriblyscarredaboutthefaceandchest,andwithonebrokentuskandamissingear.Strappedoneitherbreastwerehumanskullsanddepending from theseanumberofdriedhumanhands.

HisreferencetothegreatgamesofwhichIhadheardsomuchwhileamongtheTharksconvincedmethatIhadbutjumpedfrompurgatoryintogehenna.

Aftera fewmorewordswith the female,duringwhichsheassuredhim that Iwasnowfully fit totravel,thejedorderedthatwemountandrideafterthemaincolumn.

IwasstrappedsecurelytoaswildandunmanageableathoatasIhadeverseen,and,withamountedwarrioroneithersidetopreventthebeastfrombolting,werodeforthatafuriouspaceinpursuitofthecolumn. My wounds gave me but little pain, so wonderfully and rapidly had the applications andinjectionsofthefemaleexercisedtheirtherapeuticpowers,andsodeftlyhadsheboundandplasteredtheinjuries.

Justbeforedarkwereachedthemainbodyoftroopsshortlyaftertheyhadmadecampforthenight.Iwasimmediatelytakenbeforetheleader,whoprovedtobethejeddakofthehordesofWarhoon.

Likethejedwhohadbroughtme,hewasfrightfullyscarred,andalsodecoratedwiththebreastplateofhumanskullsanddrieddeadhandswhichseemedtomarkallthegreaterwarriorsamongtheWarhoons,aswellastoindicatetheirawfulferocity,whichgreatlytranscendseventhatoftheTharks.

The jeddak, Bar Comas, whowas comparatively young, was the object of the fierce and jealoushatredofhisoldlieutenant,DakKova,thejedwhohadcapturedme,andIcouldnotbutnotethealmoststudiedeffortswhichthelattermadetoaffronthissuperior.

Heentirelyomitted theusualformalsalutationasweenteredthepresenceof the jeddak,andashepushedmeroughlybeforetherulerheexclaimedinaloudandmenacingvoice.

"IhavebroughtastrangecreaturewearingthemetalofaTharkwhomitismypleasuretohavebattlewithawildthoatatthegreatgames."

"HewilldieasBarComas,yourjeddak,seesfit,ifatall,"repliedtheyoungruler,withemphasisanddignity.

"If at all?" roared Dak Kova. "By the dead hands at my throat but he shall die, Bar Comas. Nomaudlinweaknessonyourpartshallsavehim.O,wouldthatWarhoonwereruledbyarealjeddakratherthan by awater-heartedweakling fromwhom even oldDakKova could tear themetal with his barehands!"

BarComaseyedthedefiantandinsubordinatechieftainforaninstant,hisexpressiononeofhaughty,fearless contempt andhate, and thenwithoutdrawingaweaponandwithoututteringawordhehurledhimselfatthethroatofhisdefamer.

IneverbeforehadseentwogreenMartianwarriorsbattlewithnature'sweaponsandtheexhibitionofanimalferocitywhichensuedwasasfearfulathingasthemostdisorderedimaginationcouldpicture.

Theytoreateachothers'eyesandearswiththeirhandsandwiththeirgleamingtusksrepeatedlyslashedandgoreduntilbothwerecutfairlytoribbonsfromheadtofoot.

BarComashadmuchthebetterofthebattleashewasstronger,quickerandmoreintelligent.Itsoonseemed that the encounter was done saving only the final death thrust when Bar Comas slipped inbreakingawayfromaclinch.ItwastheonelittleopeningthatDakKovaneeded,andhurlinghimselfatthebodyofhisadversaryheburiedhissinglemightytuskinBarComas'groinandwithalastpowerfuleffortrippedtheyoungjeddakwideopenthefulllengthofhisbody,thegreattuskfinallywedginginthebonesofBarComas'jaw.Victorandvanquishedrolledlimpandlifelessuponthemoss,ahugemassoftornandbloodyflesh.

BarComaswasstonedead,andonly themostherculeaneffortson thepartofDakKova's femalessavedhimfromthefatehedeserved.ThreedayslaterhewalkedwithoutassistancetothebodyofBarComaswhich,bycustom,hadnotbeenmovedfromwhereitfell,andplacinghisfootupontheneckofhiserstwhilerulerheassumedthetitleofJeddakofWarhoon.

Thedeadjeddak'shandsandheadwereremovedtobeaddedtotheornamentsofhisconqueror,andthenhiswomencrematedwhatremained,amidwildandterriblelaughter.

The injuries to Dak Kova had delayed the march so greatly that it was decided to give up theexpedition, which was a raid upon a small Thark community in retaliation for the destruction of theincubator,untilafterthegreatgames,andtheentirebodyofwarriors,tenthousandinnumber,turnedbacktowardWarhoon.

My introduction to these cruel andbloodthirstypeoplewasbut an index to the scenes Iwitnessedalmostdailywhilewiththem.TheyareasmallerhordethantheTharksbutmuchmoreferocious.NotadaypassedbutthatsomemembersofthevariousWarhooncommunitiesmetindeadlycombat.Ihaveseenashighaseightmortalduelswithinasingleday.

We reached the city ofWarhoon after some three days march and I was immediately cast into adungeonandheavilychainedtothefloorandwalls.Foodwasbroughtmeat intervalsbutowingtotheutterdarknessoftheplaceIdonotknowwhetherIlaytheredays,orweeks,ormonths.Itwasthemosthorribleexperienceofallmylifeandthatmyminddidnotgivewaytotheterrorsofthatinkyblacknesshasbeenawondertomeeversince.Theplacewasfilledwithcreeping,crawlingthings;cold,sinuousbodiespassedovermewhenIlaydown,andinthedarknessIoccasionallycaughtglimpsesofgleaming,fieryeyes,fixedinhorribleintentnessuponme.Nosoundreachedmefromtheworldaboveandnowordwouldmy jailer vouchsafewhenmy foodwas brought tome, although I at first bombarded himwithquestions.

Finally all the hatred andmaniacal loathing for these awful creatures who had placedme in thishorribleplacewascenteredbymytotteringreasonuponthissingleemissarywhorepresentedtometheentirehordeofWarhoons.

Ihadnoticedthathealwaysadvancedwithhisdimtorchtowherehecouldplacethefoodwithinmyreachandashestoopedtoplaceituponthefloorhisheadwasaboutonalevelwithmybreast.So,withthecunningofamadman,IbackedintothefarcornerofmycellwhennextIheardhimapproachingandgatheringalittleslackofthegreatchainwhichheldmeinmyhandIwaitedhiscoming,crouchinglikesomebeastofprey.AshestoopedtoplacemyfooduponthegroundIswungthechainabovemyheadand

crashedthelinkswithallmystrengthuponhisskull.Withoutasoundheslippedtothefloor,stonedead.

Laughingandchatteringlike the idiotIwasfastbecomingIfelluponhisprostrateformmyfingersfeelingforhisdeadthroat.Presentlytheycameincontactwithasmallchainattheendofwhichdangledanumberofkeys.The touchofmyfingerson thesekeysbroughtbackmyreasonwith thesuddennessofthought.NolongerwasIajibberingidiot,butasane,reasoningmanwiththemeansofescapewithinmyveryhands.

AsIwasgropingtoremovethechainfromaboutmyvictim'sneckIglancedupintothedarknesstoseesixpairsofgleamingeyesfixed,unwinking,uponme.SlowlytheyapproachedandslowlyIshrankbackfromtheawfulhorrorofthem.BackintomycornerIcrouchedholdingmyhandspalmsout,beforeme,andstealthilyoncametheawfuleyesuntiltheyreachedthedeadbodyatmyfeet.Thenslowlytheyretreatedbutthistimewithastrangegratingsoundandfinallytheydisappearedinsomeblackanddistantrecessofmydungeon.

CHAPTERXIX

BATTLINGINTHEARENA

Slowly I regainedmycomposureand finallyessayedagain toattempt to remove thekeys from thedeadbodyofmyformerjailer.ButasIreachedoutintothedarknesstolocateitIfoundtomyhorrorthatitwasgone.Thenthetruthflashedonme;theownersofthosegleamingeyeshaddraggedmyprizeawayfromme to be devoured in their neighboring lair; as they had been waiting for days, for weeks, formonths,throughallthisawfuleternityofmyimprisonmenttodragmydeadcarcasstotheirfeast.

Fortwodaysnofoodwasbroughtme,butthenanewmessengerappearedandmyincarcerationwentonasbefore,butnotagaindidIallowmyreasontobesubmergedbythehorrorofmyposition.

Shortlyafterthisepisodeanotherprisonerwasbroughtinandchainednearme.BythedimtorchlightIsawthathewasaredMartianandIcouldscarcelyawaitthedepartureofhisguardstoaddresshim.Astheirretreatingfootstepsdiedawayinthedistance,IcalledoutsoftlytheMartianwordofgreeting,kaor.

"Whoareyouwhospeaksoutofthedarkness?"heanswered

"JohnCarter,afriendoftheredmenofHelium."

"IamofHelium,"hesaid,"butIdonotrecallyourname."

And then I toldhimmy story as I havewritten it here, omittingonly any reference tomy love forDejahThoris.HewasmuchexcitedbythenewsofHelium'sprincessandseemedquitepositivethatsheandSolacouldeasilyhavereachedapointofsafetyfromwheretheyleftme.HesaidthatheknewtheplacewellbecausethedefilethroughwhichtheWarhoonwarriorshadpassedwhentheydiscovereduswastheonlyoneeverusedbythemwhenmarchingtothesouth.

"DejahThorisandSolaenteredthehillsnotfivemilesfromagreatwaterwayandarenowprobablyquitesafe,"heassuredme.

My fellowprisonerwasKantosKan, apadwar (lieutenant) in thenavyofHelium.Hehadbeenamember of the ill-fated expeditionwhich had fallen into the hands of theTharks at the time ofDejahThoris'capture,andhebrieflyrelatedtheeventswhichfollowedthedefeatofthebattleships.

BadlyinjuredandonlypartiallymannedtheyhadlimpedslowlytowardHelium,butwhilepassingnearthecityofZodanga,thecapitalofHelium'shereditaryenemiesamongtheredmenofBarsoom,theyhadbeenattackedbyagreatbodyofwarvesselsandallbutthecrafttowhichKantosKanbelongedwereeither destroyed or captured.His vesselwas chased for days by three of theZodanganwar ships butfinallyescapedduringthedarknessofamoonlessnight.

ThirtydaysafterthecaptureofDejahThoris,oraboutthetimeofourcomingtoThark,hisvesselhadreached Helium with about ten survivors of the original crew of seven hundred officers and men.Immediatelysevengreatfleets,eachofonehundredmightywarships,hadbeendispatchedtosearchforDejahThoris,andfromthesevesselstwothousandsmallercrafthadbeenkeptoutcontinuouslyinfutilesearchforthemissingprincess.

TwogreenMartiancommunitieshadbeenwipedoffthefaceofBarsoombytheavengingfleets,butnotraceofDejahThorishadbeenfound.Theyhadbeensearchingamongthenorthernhordes,andonlywithinthepastfewdayshadtheyextendedtheirquesttothesouth.

KantosKanhadbeendetailed tooneof thesmallone-man fliersandhadhad themisfortune tobediscovered by the Warhoons while exploring their city. The bravery and daring of the man won mygreatestrespectandadmiration.Alonehehadlandedatthecity'sboundaryandonfoothadpenetratedtothe buildings surrounding the plaza. For two days and nights he had explored their quarters and theirdungeonsinsearchofhisbelovedprincessonlytofallintothehandsofapartyofWarhoonsashewasabouttoleave,afterassuringhimselfthatDejahThoriswasnotacaptivethere.

DuringtheperiodofourincarcerationKantosKanandIbecamewellacquainted,andformedawarmpersonalfriendship.Afewdaysonlyelapsed,however,beforeweweredraggedforthfromourdungeonforthegreatgames.Wewereconductedearlyonemorningtoanenormousamphitheater,whichinsteadofhavingbeenbuiltuponthesurfaceofthegroundwasexcavatedbelowthesurface.Ithadpartiallyfilledwithdebrissothathowlargeithadoriginallybeenwasdifficulttosay.InitspresentconditionitheldtheentiretwentythousandWarhoonsoftheassembledhordes.

The arena was immense but extremely uneven and unkempt. Around it the Warhoons had piledbuildingstonefromsomeoftheruinededificesoftheancientcitytopreventtheanimalsandthecaptivesfromescapingintotheaudience,andateachendhadbeenconstructedcagestoholdthemuntiltheirturnscametomeetsomehorribledeathuponthearena.

KantosKanandIwereconfinedtogetherinoneofthecages.Intheotherswerewildcalots,thoats,madzitidars,greenwarriors,andwomenofotherhordes,andmanystrangeandferociouswildbeastsofBarsoomwhichIhadneverbeforeseen.Thedinoftheirroaring,growlingandsquealingwasdeafeningand the formidable appearance of any one of them was enough to make the stoutest heart feel graveforebodings.

KantosKanexplainedtomethatattheendofthedayoneoftheseprisonerswouldgainfreedomandtheotherswouldliedeadaboutthearena.Thewinnersinthevariouscontestsofthedaywouldbepittedagainsteachotheruntilonlytworemainedalive;thevictorinthelastencounterbeingsetfree,whetheranimalorman.Thefollowingmorningthecageswouldbefilledwithanewconsignmentofvictims,andsoonthroughoutthetendaysofthegames.

Shortlyafterwehadbeencagedtheamphitheaterbegantofillandwithinanhoureveryavailablepartoftheseatingspacewasoccupied.DakKova,withhisjedsandchieftains,satatthecenterofonesideofthearenauponalargeraisedplatform.

At a signal fromDakKova the doors of two cageswere thrownopen and a dozen greenMartianfemalesweredriventothecenterofthearena.Eachwasgivenadaggerandthen,atthefarend,apackoftwelvecalots,orwilddogswerelooseduponthem.

Asthebrutes,growlingandfoaming,rusheduponthealmostdefenselesswomenIturnedmyheadthatImightnotsee thehorridsight.Theyellsand laughterof thegreenhordeborewitness to theexcellentqualityofthesportandwhenIturnedbacktothearena,asKantosKantoldmeitwasover,Isawthreevictorious calots, snarling and growling over the bodies of their prey. The women had given a goodaccountofthemselves.

Next amadzitidarwas loosed among the remainingdogs, and so itwent throughout the long,hot,horribleday.

DuringthedayIwaspittedagainstfirstmenandthenbeasts,butasIwasarmedwithalong-swordandalwaysoutclassedmyadversaryinagilityandgenerallyinstrengthaswell,itprovedbutchild'splaytome.Timeand timeagain Iwon theapplauseof thebloodthirstymultitude, and toward theend therewerecriesthatIbetakenfromthearenaandbemadeamemberofthehordesofWarhoon.

Finallytherewerebutthreeofusleft,agreatgreenwarriorofsomefarnorthernhorde,KantosKan,andmyself.

TheothertwoweretobattleandthenItofighttheconquerorforthelibertywhichwasaccordedthefinalwinner.

KantosKanhadfoughtseveraltimesduringthedayandlikemyselfhadalwaysprovenvictorious,butoccasionallyby the smallest ofmargins, especiallywhenpitted against thegreenwarriors. I had littlehope that he could best his giant adversarywhohadmoweddown all before himduring the day.Thefellowtowerednearlysixteenfeetinheight,whileKantosKanwassomeinchesundersixfeet.AstheyadvancedtomeetoneanotherIsawforthefirsttimeatrickofMartianswordsmanshipwhichcenteredKantosKan'severyhopeofvictoryandlifeononecastofthedice,for,ashecametowithinabouttwentyfeetofthehugefellowhethrewhisswordarmfarbehindhimoverhisshoulderandwithamightysweephurledhisweaponpoint foremost at thegreenwarrior. It flew true as an arrowandpiercing thepoordevil'sheartlaidhimdeaduponthearena.

Kantos Kan and I were now pitted against each other but as we approached to the encounter Iwhispered tohim toprolong thebattleuntilnearlydark in thehope thatwemight find somemeansofescape.Thehordeevidentlyguessedthatwehadnoheartstofighteachotherandsotheyhowledinrageasneitherofusplacedafatalthrust.JustasIsawthesuddencomingofdarkIwhisperedtoKantosKanto

thrusthis swordbetweenmy left armandmybody.Ashedid so I staggeredbackclasping the swordtightlywithmy arm and thus fell to the groundwith hisweapon apparently protruding frommy chest.KantosKanperceivedmy coup and steppingquickly tomy side he placedhis foot uponmyneck andwithdrawinghisswordfrommybodygavemethefinaldeathblowthroughtheneckwhichissupposedtoseverthejugularvein,butinthisinstancethecoldbladeslippedharmlesslyintothesandofthearena.Inthedarknesswhichhadnowfallennonecouldtellbutthathehadreallyfinishedme.Iwhisperedtohimtogoandclaimhisfreedomandthenlookformeinthehillseastofthecity,andsoheleftme.

WhentheamphitheaterhadclearedIcreptstealthilytothetopandasthegreatexcavationlayfarfromthe plaza and in an untenanted portion of the great dead city I had little trouble in reaching the hillsbeyond.

CHAPTERXX

INTHEATMOSPHEREFACTORY

For two days I waited there for Kantos Kan, but as he did not come I started off on foot in anorthwesterly direction toward a pointwhere he had toldme lay the nearestwaterway.Myonly foodconsistedofvegetablemilkfromtheplantswhichgavesobounteouslyofthispricelessfluid.

ThroughtwolongweeksIwandered,stumblingthroughthenightsguidedonlybythestarsandhidingduring thedaysbehindsomeprotrudingrockoramongtheoccasionalhills I traversed.Several timesIwasattackedbywildbeasts;strange,uncouthmonstrositiesthatleapeduponmeinthedark,sothatIhadever to grasp my long-sword in my hand that I might be ready for them. Usually my strange, newlyacquired telepathic power warnedme in ample time, but once I was downwith vicious fangs at myjugularandahairyfacepressedclosetominebeforeIknewthatIwaseventhreatened.

WhatmannerofthingwasuponmeIdidnotknow,butthatitwaslargeandheavyandmany-leggedIcouldfeel.Myhandswereatitsthroatbeforethefangshadachancetoburythemselvesinmyneck,andslowlyIforcedthehairyfacefrommeandclosedmyfingers,vise-like,uponitswindpipe.

Withoutsoundwelaythere,thebeastexertingeveryefforttoreachmewiththoseawfulfangs,andIstrainingtomaintainmygripandchokethelifefromitasIkeptitfrommythroat.Slowlymyarmsgavetotheunequalstruggle,andinchbyinchtheburningeyesandgleamingtusksofmyantagonistcrepttowardme,until, as thehairy face touchedmineagain, I realized thatallwasover.And thena livingmassofdestruction sprang from the surrounding darkness full upon the creature that held me pinioned to theground.Thetworolledgrowlinguponthemoss,tearingandrendingoneanotherinafrightfulmanner,butitwas soonover andmypreserver stoodwith loweredheadabove the throatof thedead thingwhichwouldhavekilledme.

Thenearermoon,hurtlingsuddenlyabovethehorizonandlightinguptheBarsoomianscene,showedme thatmypreserverwasWoola,but fromwhencehehadcome,orhow foundme, Iwasat a loss toknow.That Iwas glad of his companionship it is needless to say, butmy pleasure at seeing himwas

temperedbyanxietyastothereasonofhisleavingDejahThoris.OnlyherdeathIfeltsure,couldaccountforhisabsencefromher,sofaithfulIknewhimtobetomycommands.

BythelightofthenowbrilliantmoonsIsawthathewasbutashadowofhisformerself,andasheturnedfrommycaressandcommencedgreedilytodevourthedeadcarcassatmyfeetIrealizedthatthepoor fellowwasmore than half starved. I,myself,was in but little better plight but I could not bringmyselftoeattheuncookedfleshandIhadnomeansofmakingafire.WhenWoolahadfinishedhismealIagaintookupmywearyandseeminglyendlesswanderinginquestoftheelusivewaterway.

AtdaybreakofthefifteenthdayofmysearchIwasoverjoyedtoseethehightreesthatdenotedtheobjectofmysearch.AboutnoonIdraggedmyselfwearilytotheportalsofahugebuildingwhichcoveredperhapsfoursquaremilesandtoweredtwohundredfeet intheair.ItshowednoapertureinthemightywallsotherthanthetinydooratwhichIsankexhausted,norwasthereanysignoflifeaboutit.

Icouldfindnobellorothermethodofmakingmypresenceknowntotheinmatesoftheplace,unlessasmallroundholeinthewallnearthedoorwasforthatpurpose.ItwasofaboutthebignessofaleadpencilandthinkingthatitmightbeinthenatureofaspeakingtubeIputmymouthtoitandwasabouttocall into itwhenavoice issued fromitaskingmewhomImightbe,where from,and thenatureofmyerrand.

IexplainedthatIhadescapedfromtheWarhoonsandwasdyingofstarvationandexhaustion.

"Youwearthemetalofagreenwarriorandarefollowedbyacalot,yetyouareofthefigureofaredman.Incoloryouareneithergreennorred.Inthenameoftheninthray,whatmannerofcreatureareyou?"

"IamafriendoftheredmenofBarsoomandIamstarving.Inthenameofhumanityopentous,"Ireplied.

Presently thedoorcommenced to recedebeforemeuntil ithadsunk into thewall fifty feet, then itstoppedand slid easily to the left, exposinga short, narrowcorridorof concrete, at the further endofwhichwasanotherdoor,similarineveryrespecttotheoneIhadjustpassed.Noonewasinsight,yetimmediatelywepassedthefirstdooritslidgentlyintoplacebehindusandrecededrapidlytoitsoriginalpositioninthefrontwallof thebuilding.AsthedoorhadslippedasideIhadnoteditsgreat thickness,fullytwentyfeet,andasitreacheditsplaceoncemoreafterclosingbehindus,greatcylindersofsteelhaddroppedfromtheceilingbehinditandfittedtheirlowerendsintoaperturescountersunkinthefloor.

Asecondandthirddoorrecededbeforemeandslippedtoonesideasthefirst,beforeIreachedalargeinnerchamberwhereIfoundfoodanddrinksetoutuponagreatstonetable.Avoicedirectedmetosatisfymyhungerandtofeedmycalot,andwhileIwasthusengagedmyinvisiblehostputmethroughasevereandsearchingcross-examination.

"Your statements aremost remarkable," said thevoice,onconcluding itsquestioning, "butyouareevidentlyspeakingthetruth,andit isequallyevident thatyouarenotofBarsoom.Icantell thatbytheconformationofyourbrainandthestrangelocationofyourinternalorgansandtheshapeandsizeofyourheart."

"Canyouseethroughme?"Iexclaimed.

"Yes,Icanseeallbutyourthoughts,andwereyouaBarsoomianIcouldreadthose."

Thenadooropenedat the far sideof thechamberanda strange,driedup, littlemummyofamancametowardme.Heworebutasinglearticleofclothingoradornment,asmallcollarofgoldfromwhichdependeduponhischestagreatornamentaslargeasadinnerplatesetsolidwithhugediamonds,exceptfor the exact centerwhichwas occupied by a strange stone, an inch in diameter, that scintillated ninedifferentanddistinctrays;thesevencolorsofourearthlyprismandtwobeautifulrayswhich,tome,werenewandnameless.Icannotdescribethemanymorethanyoucoulddescriberedtoablindman.Ionlyknowthattheywerebeautifulintheextreme.

Theoldman sat and talkedwithme forhours, and the strangest part of our intercoursewas that IcouldreadhiseverythoughtwhilehecouldnotfathomaniotafrommymindunlessIspoke.

Theoldmansatandtalkedwithmeforhours.

I didnot apprise himofmyability to sensehismental operations, and thus I learned agreat dealwhichprovedofimmensevaluetomelaterandwhichIwouldneverhaveknownhadhesuspectedmystrangepower,fortheMartianshavesuchperfectcontroloftheirmentalmachinerythattheyareabletodirecttheirthoughtswithabsoluteprecision.

The building in which I found myself contained the machinery which produces that artificialatmospherewhichsustainslifeonMars.Thesecretoftheentireprocesshingesontheuseoftheninthray,oneofthebeautifulscintillationswhichIhadnotedemanatingfromthegreatstoneinmyhost'sdiadem.

Thisray isseparatedfromtheotherraysof thesunbymeansoffinelyadjusted instrumentsplacedupontheroofofthehugebuilding,three-quartersofwhichisusedforreservoirsinwhichtheninthrayisstored.Thisproductisthentreatedelectrically,orrathercertainproportionsofrefinedelectricvibrationsareincorporatedwithit,andtheresultisthenpumpedtothefiveprincipalaircentersoftheplanetwhere,asitisreleased,contactwiththeetherofspacetransformsitintoatmosphere.

ThereisalwayssufficientreserveoftheninthraystoredinthegreatbuildingtomaintainthepresentMartian atmosphere for a thousandyears, and the only fear, asmynew friend toldme,was that someaccidentmightbefallthepumpingapparatus.

HeledmetoaninnerchamberwhereIbeheldabatteryoftwentyradiumpumpsanyoneofwhichwasequaltothetaskoffurnishingallMarswiththeatmospherecompound.Foreighthundredyears,hetoldme,hehadwatchedthesepumpswhichareusedalternatelyadayeachatastretch,oralittleovertwenty-four and one-half Earth hours. He has one assistant who divides the watch with him. Half aMartianyear,aboutthreehundredandforty-fourofourdays,eachofthesemenspendaloneinthishuge,isolatedplant.

EveryredMartianistaughtduringearliestchildhoodtheprinciplesofthemanufactureofatmosphere,butonly twoatone timeeverhold thesecretof ingress to thegreatbuilding,which,builtas it iswithwallsahundredandfiftyfeetthick,isabsolutelyunassailable,eventheroofbeingguardedfromassaultbyaircraftbyaglasscoveringfivefeetthick.

Theonlyfear theyentertainofattack is fromthegreenMartiansorsomedementedredman,asallBarsoomians realize that the very existence of every form of life of Mars is dependent upon theuninterruptedworkingofthisplant.

OnecuriousfactIdiscoveredasIwatchedhisthoughtswasthattheouterdoorsaremanipulatedbytelepathicmeans.Thelocksaresofinelyadjustedthat thedoorsarereleasedbytheactionofacertaincombination of thought waves. To experiment with my new-found toy I thought to surprise him intorevealing this combination and so I asked him in a casualmanner how he hadmanaged to unlock themassivedoors forme from the innerchambersof thebuilding.Asquickasa flash there leaped tohismindnineMartiansounds,butasquicklyfadedasheansweredthatthiswasasecrethemustnotdivulge.

From then on hismanner towardme changed as though he feared that he had been surprised intodivulginghisgreatsecret,andIreadsuspicionandfearinhislooksandthoughts,thoughhiswordswerestillfair.

Before I retired for the night he promised to giveme a letter to a nearby agricultural officerwhowouldhelpmeonmywaytoZodanga,whichhesaid,wasthenearestMartiancity.

"Butbe sure thatyoudonot let themknowyouarebound forHeliumas theyareatwarwith thatcountry.MyassistantandIareofnocountry,webelongtoallBarsoomandthistalismanwhichwewearprotectsusinalllands,evenamongthegreenmen—thoughwedonottrustourselvestotheirhandsifwecanavoidit,"headded.

"Andsogood-night,myfriend,"hecontinued,"mayyouhavea longandrestfulsleep—yes,a longsleep."

AndthoughhesmiledpleasantlyIsawinhis thoughts thewish thathehadneveradmittedme,andthen a picture of him standing overme in the night, and the swift thrust of a long dagger and the halfformedwords,"Iamsorry,butitisforthebestgoodofBarsoom."

Asheclosedthedoorofmychamberbehindhimhisthoughtswerecutofffrommeaswasthesightofhim,whichseemedstrangetomeinmylittleknowledgeofthoughttransference.

WhatwasItodo?HowcouldIescapethroughthesemightywalls?EasilycouldIkillhimnowthatIwaswarned,butoncehewasdeadIcouldnomoreescape,andwiththestoppingofthemachineryofthegreatplantIshoulddiewithalltheotherinhabitantsoftheplanet—all,evenDejahThoriswereshenotalreadydead.FortheothersIdidnotgivethesnapofmyfinger,butthethoughtofDejahThorisdrovefrommymindalldesiretokillmymistakenhost.

CautiouslyIopenedthedoorofmyapartmentand,followedbyWoola,soughttheinnerofthegreatdoors.Awildschemehadcometome;IwouldattempttoforcethegreatlocksbytheninethoughtwavesIhadreadinmyhost'smind.

Creeping stealthily throughcorridor after corridor anddownwinding runwayswhich turnedhitherandthitherIfinallyreachedthegreathallinwhichIhadbrokenmylongfastthatmorning.NowherehadIseenmyhost,nordidIknowwherehekepthimselfbynight.

Iwasonthepointofsteppingboldlyoutintotheroomwhenaslightnoisebehindmewarnedmebackintotheshadowsofarecessinthecorridor.DraggingWoolaaftermeIcrouchedlowinthedarkness.

Presentlytheoldmanpassedclosebyme,andasheenteredthedimlylightedchamberwhichIhadbeenabouttopassthroughIsawthatheheldalongthindaggerinhishandandthathewassharpeningituponastone. Inhismindwas thedecision to inspect theradiumpumps,whichwould takeabout thirtyminutes,andthenreturntomybedchamberandfinishme.

Ashepassedthroughthegreathallanddisappeareddowntherunwaywhichledtothepump-room,Istole stealthily frommyhidingplace and crossed to thegreat door, the inner of the threewhich stoodbetweenmeandliberty.

ConcentratingmyminduponthemassivelockIhurledtheninethoughtwavesagainstit.InbreathlessexpectancyIwaited,whenfinallythegreatdoormovedsoftlytowardmeandslidquietlytooneside.OneaftertheothertheremainingmightyportalsopenedatmycommandandWoolaandIsteppedforthintothedarkness,free,butlittlebetteroffthanwehadbeenbefore,otherthanthatwehadfullstomachs.

HasteningawayfromtheshadowsoftheformidablepileImadeforthefirstcrossroad,intendingtostrike the central turnpike as quickly as possible. This I reached aboutmorning and entering the firstenclosureIcametoIsearchedforsomeevidencesofahabitation.

Therewerelowramblingbuildingsofconcretebarredwithheavyimpassabledoors,andnoamountof hammering and hallooing brought any response. Weary and exhausted from sleeplessness I threwmyselfuponthegroundcommandingWoolatostandguard.

Some time later I was awakened by his frightful growlings and openedmy eyes to see three redMartiansstandingashortdistancefromusandcoveringmewiththeirrifles.

"Iamunarmedandnoenemy,"Ihastenedtoexplain."IhavebeenaprisoneramongthegreenmenandamonmywaytoZodanga.AllIaskisfoodandrestformyselfandmycalotandtheproperdirectionsforreachingmydestination."

Theyloweredtheirriflesandadvancedpleasantlytowardmeplacingtheirrighthandsuponmyleftshoulder,afterthemanneroftheircustomofsalute,andaskingmemanyquestionsaboutmyselfandmywanderings.Theythentookmetothehouseofoneofthemwhichwasonlyashortdistanceaway.

ThebuildingsIhadbeenhammeringat in theearlymorningwereoccupiedonlybystockandfarmproduce, thehouseproper standingamongagroveofenormous trees,and, likeall red-Martianhomes,hadbeenraisedatnightsomefortyorfiftyfeetfromthegroundonalargeroundmetalshaftwhichslidupordownwithinasleevesunkintheground,andwasoperatedbyatinyradiumengineintheentrancehallofthebuilding.Insteadofbotheringwithboltsandbarsfortheirdwellings,theredMartianssimplyrunthemupoutofharm'swayduringthenight.Theyalsohaveprivatemeansfor loweringorraisingthemfromthegroundwithoutiftheywishtogoawayandleavethem.

Thesebrothers,withtheirwivesandchildren,occupiedthreesimilarhousesonthisfarm.Theydidno work themselves, being government officers in charge. The labor was performed by convicts,prisonersofwar,delinquentdebtorsandconfirmedbachelorswhoweretoopoortopaythehighcelibatetaxwhichallred-Martiangovernmentsimpose.

TheywerethepersonificationofcordialityandhospitalityandIspentseveraldayswiththem,restingandrecuperatingfrommylongandarduousexperiences.

When they had heard my story—I omitted all reference to Dejah Thoris and the old man of theatmosphereplant—theyadvisedmetocolormybodytomorenearlyresemble theirownraceand thenattempttofindemploymentinZodanga,eitherinthearmyorthenavy.

"The chances are small that your tale will be believed until after you have proven yourtrustworthinessandwonfriendsamongthehighernoblesofthecourt.Thisyoucanmosteasilydothroughmilitaryservice,asweareawarlikepeopleonBarsoom,"explainedoneofthem,"andsaveourrichestfavorsforthefightingman."

WhenIwasreadytodeparttheyfurnishedmewithasmalldomesticbullthoat,suchasisusedforsaddlepurposesbyallredMartians.Theanimalisaboutthesizeofahorseandquitegentle,butincolorandshapeanexactreplicaofhishugeandfiercecousinofthewilds.

Thebrothershadsuppliedmewitha reddishoilwithwhich Ianointedmyentirebodyandoneofthemcutmyhair,whichhadgrownquitelong,intheprevailingfashionofthetime,squareatthebackandbangedinfront,sothatIcouldhavepassedanywhereuponBarsoomasafull-fledgedredMartian.Mymetalandornamentswerealso renewed in thestyleofaZodangangentleman,attached to thehouseofPtor,whichwasthefamilynameofmybenefactors.

TheyfilledalittlesackatmysidewithZodanganmoney.ThemediumofexchangeuponMarsisnotdissimilar fromour own except that the coins are oval. Papermoney is issued by individuals as theyrequireitandredeemedtwiceyearly.Ifamanissuesmorethanhecanredeem,thegovernmentpayshiscreditorsinfullandthedebtorworksouttheamountuponthefarmsorinmines,whichareallownedbythegovernment.Thissuitseverybodyexceptthedebtorasithasbeenadifficultthingtoobtainsufficient

voluntarylabortoworkthegreatisolatedfarmlandsofMars,stretchingastheydolikenarrowribbonsfrompoletopole,throughwildstretchespeopledbywildanimalsandwildermen.

WhenImentionedmyinabilitytorepaythemfortheirkindnesstometheyassuredmethatIwouldhaveampleopportunityifI livedlonguponBarsoom,andbiddingmefarewelltheywatchedmeuntilIwasoutofsightuponthebroadwhiteturnpike.

CHAPTERXXI

ANAIRSCOUTFORZODANGA

As I proceeded on my journey toward Zodanga many strange and interesting sights arrested myattention,andattheseveralfarmhouseswhereIstoppedIlearnedanumberofnewandinstructivethingsconcerningthemethodsandmannersofBarsoom.

ThewaterwhichsuppliesthefarmsofMarsiscollectedinimmenseundergroundreservoirsateitherpolefromthemeltingicecaps,andpumpedthroughlongconduitstothevariouspopulatedcenters.Alongeither side of these conduits, and extending their entire length, lie the cultivated districts. These aredivided into tracts of about the same size, each tract being under the supervision of one or moregovernmentofficers.

Instead of flooding the surface of the fields, and thus wasting immense quantities of water byevaporation,thepreciousliquidiscarriedundergroundthroughavastnetworkofsmallpipesdirectlytotherootsofthevegetation.ThecropsuponMarsarealwaysuniform,fortherearenodroughts,norains,nohighwinds,andnoinsects,ordestroyingbirds.

OnthistripItastedthefirstmeatIhadeatensinceleavingEarth—large,juicysteaksandchopsfromthewell-feddomesticanimalsofthefarms.AlsoIenjoyedlusciousfruitsandvegetables,butnotasinglearticleoffoodwhichwasexactlysimilartoanythingonEarth.Everyplantandflowerandvegetableandanimalhasbeensorefinedbyagesofcareful,scientificcultivationandbreedingthatthelikeofthemonEarthdwindledintopale,gray,characterlessnothingnessbycomparison.

AtasecondstopImetsomehighlycultivatedpeopleofthenobleclassandwhileinconversationwechancedtospeakofHelium.Oneoftheoldermenhadbeenthereonadiplomaticmissionseveralyearsbeforeandspokewithregretoftheconditionswhichseemeddestinedevertokeepthesetwocountriesatwar.

"Helium,"hesaid,"rightlyboaststhemostbeautifulwomenofBarsoom,andofallhertreasuresthewondrousdaughterofMorsKajak,DejahThoris,isthemostexquisiteflower.

"Why,"headded,"thepeoplereallyworshipthegroundshewalksuponandsinceherlossonthatill-starredexpeditionallHeliumhasbeendrapedinmourning.

"ThatourrulershouldhaveattackedthedisabledfleetasitwasreturningtoHeliumwasbutanother

ofhis awfulblunderswhich I fearwill sooneror later compelZodanga toelevate awiserman tohisplace."

"Evennow,thoughourvictoriousarmiesaresurroundingHelium,thepeopleofZodangaarevoicingtheirdispleasure,forthewarisnotapopularone,sinceitisnotbasedonrightorjustice.OurforcestookadvantageoftheabsenceoftheprincipalfleetofHeliumontheirsearchfortheprincess,andsowehavebeenableeasilytoreducethecitytoasorryplight.Itissaidshewillfallwithinthenextfewpassagesofthefurthermoon."

"Andwhat,thinkyou,mayhavebeenthefateoftheprincess,DejahThoris?"Iaskedascasuallyaspossible.

"Sheisdead,"heanswered."Thismuchwaslearnedfromagreenwarriorrecentlycapturedbyourforcesinthesouth.SheescapedfromthehordesofTharkwithastrangecreatureofanotherworld,onlytofallintothehandsoftheWarhoons.Theirthoatswerefoundwanderingupontheseabottomandevidencesofabloodyconflictwerediscoverednearby."

Whilethisinformationwasinnowayreassuring,neitherwasitatallconclusiveproofofthedeathofDejahThoris,andsoIdeterminedtomakeeveryeffortpossibletoreachHeliumasquicklyasIcouldandcarrytoTardosMorssuchnewsofhisgranddaughter'spossiblewhereaboutsaslayinmypower.

TendaysafterleavingthethreePtorbrothersIarrivedatZodanga.FromthemomentthatIhadcomeincontactwiththeredinhabitantsofMarsIhadnoticedthatWooladrewagreatamountofunwelcomeattentiontome,sincethehugebrutebelongedtoaspecieswhichisneverdomesticatedbytheredmen.Were one to stroll downBroadwaywith a Numidian lion at his heels the effect would be somewhatsimilartothatwhichIshouldhaveproducedhadIenteredZodangawithWoola.

TheverythoughtofpartingwiththefaithfulfellowcausedmesogreatregretandgenuinesorrowthatIputitoffuntiljustbeforewearrivedatthecity'sgates;butthen,finally,itbecameimperativethatweseparate. Had nothing further than my own safety or pleasure been at stake no argument could haveprevaileduponmetoturnawaytheonecreatureuponBarsoomthathadneverfailedinademonstrationofaffectionandloyalty;butasIwouldwillinglyhaveofferedmylifeintheserviceofherinsearchofwhomIwas about to challenge the unknown dangers of this, tome,mysterious city, I could not permit evenWoola'slifetothreatenthesuccessofmyventure,muchlesshismomentaryhappiness,forIdoubtednothesoonwouldforgetme.AndsoIbadethepoorbeastanaffectionatefarewell,promisinghim,however,thatifIcamethroughmyadventureinsafetythatinsomewayIshouldfindthemeanstosearchhimout.

He seemed to understand me fully, and when I pointed back in the direction of Thark he turnedsorrowfullyaway,norcouldIbeartowatchhimgo;butresolutelysetmyfacetowardZodangaandwithatouchofheartsicknessapproachedherfrowningwalls.

TheletterIborefromthemgainedmeimmediateentrancetothevast,walledcity.Itwasstillveryearly in themorning and the streetswere practically deserted. The residences, raised high upon theirmetalcolumns,resembledhugerookeries,whiletheuprightsthemselvespresentedtheappearanceofsteeltreetrunks.Theshopsasarulewerenotraisedfromthegroundnorweretheirdoorsboltedorbarred,since thievery is practically unknown upon Barsoom. Assassination is the ever-present fear of allBarsoomians,andforthisreasonalonetheirhomesareraisedhighabovethegroundatnight,orintimesofdanger.

ThePtorbrothershadgivenmeexplicitdirectionsforreachingthepointofthecitywhereIcouldfindliving accommodations and be near the offices of the government agents to whom they had givenmeletters.Mywayledtothecentralsquareorplaza,whichisacharacteristicofallMartiancities.

TheplazaofZodangacoversasquaremileandisboundedbythepalacesofthejeddak,thejeds,andothermembersoftheroyaltyandnobilityofZodanga,aswellasbytheprincipalpublicbuildings,cafes,andshops.

AsIwascrossingthegreatsquarelostinwonderandadmirationofthemagnificentarchitectureandthe gorgeous scarlet vegetation which carpeted the broad lawns I discovered a red Martian walkingbriskly towardme from one of the avenues.He paid not the slightest attention tome, but as he cameabreastIrecognizedhim,andturningIplacedmyhanduponhisshoulder,callingout:

"Kaor,KantosKan!"

LikelightninghewheeledandbeforeIcouldsomuchaslowermyhandthepointofhislong-swordwasatmybreast.

"Whoareyou?"hegrowled, and thenas abackward leapcarriedme fifty feet fromhis swordhedroppedthepointtothegroundandexclaimed,laughing,

"Idonotneedabetter reply, there isbutonemanuponallBarsoomwhocanbounceabout likearubberball.Bythemotherofthefurthermoon,JohnCarter,howcameyouhere,andhaveyoubecomeaDarseenthatyoucanchangeyourcoloratwill?"

"Yougavemeabadhalfminutemyfriend,"hecontinued,afterIhadbrieflyoutlinedmyadventuressincepartingwithhiminthearenaatWarhoon."WeremynameandcityknowntotheZodangansIwouldshortlybesittingonthebanksofthelostseaofKoruswithmyreveredanddepartedancestors.Iamherein the interest of TardosMors, Jeddak of Helium, to discover the whereabouts of Dejah Thoris, ourprincess.SabThan,princeofZodanga,hasherhiddeninthecityandhasfallenmadlyinlovewithher.Hisfather,ThanKosis,JeddakofZodanga,hasmadehervoluntarymarriagetohissonthepriceofpeacebetweenourcountries,butTardosMorswillnotaccedetothedemandsandhassentwordthatheandhispeoplewould rather look upon the dead face of their princess than see herwed to any than her ownchoice,andthatpersonallyhewouldpreferbeingengulfedintheashesofalostandburningHeliumtojoiningthemetalofhishousewiththatofThanKosis.HisreplywasthedeadliestaffronthecouldhaveputuponThanKosisandtheZodangans,buthispeoplelovehimthemoreforitandhisstrengthinHeliumisgreatertodaythanever.

"Ihavebeenherethreedays,"continuedKantosKan,"butIhavenotyetfoundwhereDejahThorisisimprisoned.TodayIjointheZodangannavyasanairscoutandIhopeinthiswaytowintheconfidenceofSabThan,theprince,whoiscommanderofthisdivisionofthenavy,andthuslearnthewhereaboutsofDejahThoris.Iamgladthatyouarehere,JohnCarter,forIknowyourloyaltytomyprincessandtwoofusworkingtogethershouldbeabletoaccomplishmuch."

Theplazawas nowcommencing to fillwith people going and comingupon the daily activities oftheirduties.Theshopswereopeningandthecafesfillingwithearlymorningpatrons.KantosKanledmetooneofthesegorgeouseatingplaceswherewewereservedentirelybymechanicalapparatus.Nohandtouchedthefoodfromthetimeitenteredthebuildinginitsrawstateuntilitemergedhotanddelicious

uponthetablesbeforetheguests,inresponsetothetouchingoftinybuttonstoindicatetheirdesires.

After our meal, Kantos Kan took me with him to the headquarters of the air-scout squadron andintroducingme to his superior asked that I be enrolled as amember of the corps. In accordancewithcustomanexaminationwasnecessary,butKantosKanhad toldme tohaveno fearon this scoreashewouldattend to thatpartof thematter.Heaccomplished thisby takingmyorderforexamination to theexaminingofficerandrepresentinghimselfasJohnCarter.

"This ruse will be discovered later," he cheerfully explained, "when they check up my weights,measurements,andotherpersonalidentificationdata,butitwillbeseveralmonthsbeforethisisdoneandourmissionshouldbeaccomplishedorhavefailedlongbeforethattime."

ThenextfewdayswerespentbyKantosKaninteachingmetheintricaciesofflyingandofrepairingthedaintylittlecontrivanceswhichtheMartiansuseforthispurpose.Thebodyoftheone-manaircraftisaboutsixteenfeetlong,twofeetwideandthreeinchesthick,taperingtoapointateachend.Thedriversitsontopofthisplaneuponaseatconstructedoverthesmall,noiselessradiumenginewhichpropelsit.ThemediumofbuoyancyiscontainedwithinthethinmetalwallsofthebodyandconsistsoftheeighthBarsoomianray,orrayofpropulsion,asitmaybetermedinviewofitsproperties.

This ray, like the ninth ray, is unknown on Earth, but theMartians have discovered that it is aninherentpropertyofalllightnomatterfromwhatsourceitemanates.Theyhavelearnedthatitisthesolareighthraywhichpropelsthelightofthesuntothevariousplanets,andthatitistheindividualeighthrayofeachplanetwhich"reflects,"orpropels the light thusobtainedout into spaceoncemore.The solareighthraywouldbeabsorbedbythesurfaceofBarsoom,buttheBarsoomianeighthray,whichtendstopropel light fromMars into space, is constantly streaming out from the planet constituting a force ofrepulsionofgravitywhichwhenconfinedisabletoliftenormousweightsfromthesurfaceoftheground.

ItisthisraywhichhasenabledthemtosoperfectaviationthatbattleshipsfaroutweighinganythingknownuponEarthsailasgracefullyand lightly through the thinairofBarsoomasa toyballoon in theheavyatmosphereofEarth.

During the early years of the discovery of this ray many strange accidents occurred before theMartianslearnedtomeasureandcontrolthewonderfulpowertheyhadfound.Inoneinstance,someninehundredyearsbefore,thefirstgreatbattleshiptobebuiltwitheighthrayreservoirswasstoredwithtoogreataquantityoftheraysandshehadsailedupfromHeliumwithfivehundredofficersandmen,nevertoreturn.

Herpowerofrepulsionfortheplanetwassogreatthatithadcarriedherfarintospace,whereshecanbeseentoday,bytheaidofpowerfultelescopes,hurtlingthroughtheheavenstenthousandmilesfromMars;atinysatellitethatwillthusencircleBarsoomtotheendoftime.

The fourth day after my arrival at Zodanga I made my first flight, and as a result of it I won apromotionwhichincludedquartersinthepalaceofThanKosis.

AsIroseabovethecityIcircledseveraltimes,asIhadseenKantosKando,andthenthrowingmyengineintotopspeedIracedatterrificvelocitytowardthesouth,followingoneofthegreatwaterwayswhichenterZodangafromthatdirection.

IhadtraversedperhapstwohundredmilesinalittlelessthananhourwhenIdescriedfarbelowmeapartyofthreegreenwarriorsracingmadlytowardasmallfigureonfootwhichseemedtobetryingtoreachtheconfinesofoneofthewalledfields.

Droppingmymachinerapidlytowardthem,andcirclingtotherearofthewarriors,Isoonsawthatthe object of their pursuitwas a redMartianwearing themetal of the scout squadron towhich Iwasattached.Ashortdistanceaway layhis tiny flier, surroundedby the toolswithwhichhehadevidentlybeenoccupiedinrepairingsomedamagewhensurprisedbythegreenwarriors.

Theywerenowalmostuponhim;theirflyingmountschargingdownontherelativelypunyfigureatterrificspeed,whilethewarriorsleanedlowtotheright,withtheirgreatmetal-shodspears.Eachseemedstriving to be the first to impale the poor Zodangan and in anothermoment his fatewould have beensealedhaditnotbeenformytimelyarrival.

DrivingmyfleetaircraftathighspeeddirectlybehindthewarriorsIsoonovertookthemandwithoutdiminishingmy speed I rammed the prow ofmy little flier between the shoulders of the nearest. Theimpactsufficienttohavetornthroughinchesofsolidsteel,hurledthefellow'sheadlessbodyintotheairovertheheadofhisthoat,whereitfellsprawlinguponthemoss.Themountsoftheothertwowarriorsturnedsquealinginterror,andboltedinoppositedirections.

ReducingmyspeedIcircledandcametothegroundatthefeetoftheastonishedZodangan.Hewaswarminhisthanksformytimelyaidandpromisedthatmyday'sworkwouldbringtherewarditmerited,foritwasnoneotherthanacousinofthejeddakofZodangawhoselifeIhadsaved.

Wewasted no time in talk aswe knew that thewarriorswould surely return as soon as they hadgainedcontroloftheirmounts.Hasteningtohisdamagedmachinewewerebendingeveryefforttofinishtheneededrepairsandhadalmostcompletedthemwhenwesawthetwogreenmonstersreturningattopspeed fromopposite sides of us.When theyhad approachedwithin a hundredyards their thoats againbecameunmanageableandabsolutelyrefusedtoadvancefurthertowardtheaircraftwhichhadfrightenedthem.

Thewarriorsfinallydismountedandhobblingtheiranimalsadvancedtowardusonfootwithdrawnlong-swords.

Iadvancedtomeetthelarger,tellingtheZodangantodothebesthecouldwiththeother.Finishingmymanwithalmostnoeffort,ashadnowfrommuchpracticebecomehabitualwithme,IhastenedtoreturntomynewacquaintancewhomIfoundindeedindesperatestraits.

Hewaswoundedanddownwith thehugefootofhisantagonistuponhis throatandthegreat long-swordraisedtodealthefinalthrust.WithaboundIclearedthefiftyfeetinterveningbetweenus,andwithoutstretched point drovemy sword completely through the body of the greenwarrior.His sword fell,harmless,tothegroundandhesanklimplyupontheprostrateformoftheZodangan.

Acursoryexaminationofthelatterrevealednomortalinjuriesandafterabriefrestheassertedthathe felt fit to attempt the return voyage.Hewould have to pilot his own craft, however, as these frailvesselsarenotintendedtoconveybutasingleperson.

Quickly completing the repairswe rose together into the still, cloudlessMartian sky, and at great

speedandwithoutfurthermishapreturnedtoZodanga.

Aswenearedthecitywediscoveredamightyconcourseofciviliansandtroopsassembledupontheplainbeforethecity.Theskywasblackwithnavalvesselsandprivateandpublicpleasurecraft,flyinglongstreamersofgay-coloredsilks,andbannersandflagsofoddandpicturesquedesign.

MycompanionsignaledthatIslowdown,andrunninghismachineclosebesideminesuggestedthatwe approach and watch the ceremony, which, he said, was for the purpose of conferring honors onindividualofficersandmenforbraveryandotherdistinguishedservice.HethenunfurledalittleensignwhichdenotedthathiscraftboreamemberoftheroyalfamilyofZodanga,andtogetherwemadeourwaythroughthemazeoflow-lyingairvesselsuntilwehungdirectlyoverthejeddakofZodangaandhisstaff.All were mounted upon the small domestic bull thoats of the red Martians, and their trappings andornamentationboresuchaquantityofgorgeouslycoloredfeathersthatIcouldnotbutbestruckwiththestartlingresemblancetheconcourseboretoabandoftheredIndiansofmyownEarth.

OneofthestaffcalledtheattentionofThanKosistothepresenceofmycompanionabovethemandthe rulermotioned for him to descend.As theywaited for the troops tomove into position facing thejeddakthetwotalkedearnestlytogether,thejeddakandhisstaffoccasionallyglancingupatme.Icouldnot hear their conversation and presently it ceased and all dismounted, as the last body of troops hadwheeled into position before their emperor. A member of the staff advanced toward the troops, andcallingthenameofasoldiercommandedhimtoadvance.Theofficerthenrecitedthenatureoftheheroicactwhichhadwontheapprovalofthejeddak,andthelatteradvancedandplacedametalornamentupontheleftarmoftheluckyman.

Tenmenhadbeensodecoratedwhentheaidecalledout,

"JohnCarter,airscout!"

NeverinmylifehadIbeensosurprised,butthehabitofmilitarydisciplineisstrongwithinme,andIdroppedmylittlemachine lightly to thegroundandadvancedonfootas Ihadseen theothersdo.AsIhalted before the officer, he addressedme in a voice audible to the entire assemblage of troops andspectators.

"Inrecognition,JohnCarter,"hesaid,"ofyourremarkablecourageandskillindefendingthepersonof the cousin of the jeddak ThanKosis and, singlehanded, vanquishing three greenwarriors, it is thepleasureofourjeddaktoconferonyouthemarkofhisesteem."

ThanKosisthenadvancedtowardmeandplacinganornamentuponme,said:

"My cousin has narrated the details of your wonderful achievement, which seems little short ofmiraculous,andifyoucansowelldefendacousinofthejeddakhowmuchbettercouldyoudefendthepersonofthejeddakhimself.YouarethereforeappointedapadwarofTheGuardsandwillbequarteredinmypalacehereafter."

Ithankedhim,andathisdirectionjoinedthemembersofhisstaff.AftertheceremonyIreturnedmymachinetoitsquartersontheroofofthebarracksoftheair-scoutsquadron,andwithanorderlyfromthepalacetoguidemeIreportedtotheofficerinchargeofthepalace.

CHAPTERXXII

IFINDDEJAH

Themajor-domotowhomIreportedhadbeengiveninstructionstostationmenearthepersonofthejeddak,who,intimeofwar,isalwaysingreatdangerofassassination,astherulethatallisfairinwarseemstoconstitutetheentireethicsofMartianconflict.

HethereforeescortedmeimmediatelytotheapartmentinwhichThanKosisthenwas.Therulerwasengaged in conversation with his son, Sab Than, and several courtiers of his household, and did notperceivemyentrance.

Thewallsoftheapartmentwerecompletelyhungwithsplendidtapestrieswhichhidanywindowsordoorswhichmayhavepiercedthem.Theroomwaslightedbyimprisonedraysofsunshineheldbetweentheceilingproperandwhatappearedtobeaground-glassfalseceilingafewinchesbelow.

Myguidedrewasideoneofthetapestries,disclosingapassagewhichencircledtheroom,betweenthehangingsandthewallsofthechamber.WithinthispassageIwastoremain,hesaid,solongasThanKosiswasintheapartment.WhenheleftIwastofollow.Myonlydutywastoguardtherulerandkeepoutofsightasmuchaspossible.Iwouldberelievedafteraperiodoffourhours.Themajor-domothenleftme.

Thetapestrieswereofastrangeweavingwhichgavetheappearanceofheavysolidityfromoneside,butfrommyhidingplaceIcouldperceiveallthattookplacewithintheroomasreadilyasthoughtherehadbeennocurtainintervening.

ScarcelyhadIgainedmypostthanthetapestryattheoppositeendofthechamberseparatedandfoursoldiersofTheGuardentered,surroundingafemalefigure.AstheyapproachedThanKosisthesoldiersfelltoeithersideandtherestandingbeforethejeddakandnottenfeetfromme,herbeautifulfaceradiantwithsmiles,wasDejahThoris.

SabThan,PrinceofZodanga,advancedtomeether,andhandinhandtheyapproachedclosetothejeddak.ThanKosislookedupinsurprise,and,rising,salutedher.

"TowhatstrangefreakdoIowethisvisitfromthePrincessofHelium,who,twodaysago,withrareconsiderationformypride,assuredmethatshewouldpreferTalHajus,thegreenThark,tomyson?"

DejahThorisonlysmiledthemoreandwiththeroguishdimplesplayingatthecornersofhermouthshemadeanswer:

"FromthebeginningoftimeuponBarsoomithasbeentheprerogativeofwomantochangehermindasshelistedandtodissembleinmattersconcerningherheart.Thatyouwillforgive,ThanKosis,ashasyourson.TwodaysagoIwasnotsureofhisloveforme,butnowIam,andIhavecometobegofyoutoforgetmyrashwordsandtoaccepttheassuranceofthePrincessofHeliumthatwhenthetimecomesshe

willwedSabThan,PrinceofZodanga."

"I am glad that you have so decided," replied ThanKosis. "It is far frommy desire to pushwarfurther against the people of Helium, and, your promise shall be recorded and a proclamation to mypeopleissuedforthwith."

"Itwerebetter,ThanKosis,"interruptedDejahThoris,"thattheproclamationwaittheendingofthiswar.ItwouldlookstrangeindeedtomypeopleandtoyourswerethePrincessofHeliumtogiveherselftohercountry'senemyinthemidstofhostilities."

"Cannotthewarbeendedatonce?"spokeSabThan."ItrequiresbutthewordofThanKosistobringpeace.Sayit,myfather,saythewordthatwillhastenmyhappiness,andendthisunpopularstrife."

"Weshallsee,"repliedThanKosis,"howthepeopleofHeliumtaketopeace.Ishallatleastofferittothem."

DejahThoris,afterafewwords,turnedandlefttheapartment,stillfollowedbyherguards.

Thuswas theedificeofmybriefdreamofhappinessdashed,broken, to thegroundof reality.ThewomanforwhomIhadofferedmylife,andfromwhoselipsIhadsorecentlyheardadeclarationofloveforme,hadlightlyforgottenmyveryexistenceandsmilinglygivenherselftothesonofherpeople'smosthatedenemy.

AlthoughIhadhearditwithmyownearsIcouldnotbelieveit.ImustsearchoutherapartmentsandforcehertorepeatthecrueltruthtomealonebeforeIwouldbeconvinced,andsoIdesertedmypostandhastened through thepassagebehind the tapestries toward thedoorbywhich shehad left thechamber.SlippingquietlythroughthisopeningIdiscoveredamazeofwindingcorridors,branchingandturningineverydirection.

Running rapidly down first one and then another of them I soon became hopelessly lost andwasstandingpantingagainstasidewallwhenIheardvoicesnearme.ApparentlytheywerecomingfromtheoppositesideofthepartitionagainstwhichIleanedandpresentlyImadeoutthetonesofDejahThoris.IcouldnothearthewordsbutIknewthatIcouldnotpossiblybemistakeninthevoice.

Moving on a few steps I discovered another passageway at the end ofwhich lay a door.WalkingboldlyforwardIpushedintotheroomonlytofindmyselfinasmallantechamberinwhichwerethefourguardswhohadaccompaniedher.Oneoftheminstantlyaroseandaccostedme,askingthenatureofmybusiness.

"I am from Than Kosis," I replied, "and wish to speak privately with Dejah Thoris, Princess ofHelium."

"Andyourorder?"askedthefellow.

Ididnotknowwhathemeant,butrepliedthatIwasamemberofTheGuard,andwithoutwaitingforareplyfromhimIstrodetowardtheoppositedooroftheantechamber,behindwhichIcouldhearDejahThorisconversing.

Butmyentrancewasnottobesoeasilyaccomplished.Theguardsmansteppedbeforeme,saying,

"NoonecomesfromThanKosiswithoutcarryinganorderorthepassword.Youmustgivemeoneortheotherbeforeyoumaypass."

"TheonlyorderIrequire,myfriend,toenterwhereIwill,hangsatmyside,"Ianswered,tappingmylong-sword;"willyouletmepassinpeaceorno?"

Forreplyhewhippedouthisownsword,callingtotheothers tojoinhim,andthusthefourstood,withdrawnweapons,barringmyfurtherprogress.

"YouarenotherebytheorderofThanKosis,"criedtheonewhohadfirstaddressedme,"andnotonly shallyounot enter theapartmentsof thePrincessofHeliumbutyou shallgoback toThanKosisunderguardtoexplainthisunwarrantedtemerity.Throwdownyoursword;youcannothopetoovercomefourofus,"headdedwithagrimsmile.

MyreplywasaquickthrustwhichleftmebutthreeantagonistsandIcanassureyouthattheywereworthyofmymetal.Theyhadmebackedagainstthewallinnotime,fightingformylife.SlowlyIworkedmywaytoacorneroftheroomwhereIcouldforcethemtocomeatmeonlyoneatatime,andthuswefoughtupwardoftwentyminutes;theclangingofsteelonsteelproducingaveritablebedlaminthelittleroom.

ThenoisehadbroughtDejahThoristothedoorofherapartment,andthereshestoodthroughouttheconflictwithSolaatherbackpeeringoverhershoulder.HerfacewassetandemotionlessandIknewthatshedidnotrecognizeme,nordidSola.

Finallyaluckycutbroughtdownasecondguardsmanandthen,withonlytwoopposingme,Ichangedmytacticsandrushed themdownafter the fashionofmyfighting thathadwonmemanyavictory.Thethirdfellwithintensecondsafterthesecond,andthelastlaydeaduponthebloodyfloorafewmomentslater.Theywerebravemenandnoblefighters,anditgrievedmethatIhadbeenforcedtokillthem,butIwouldhavewillinglydepopulatedallBarsoomcouldIhavereachedthesideofmyDejahThorisinnootherway.

SheathingmybloodybladeIadvancedtowardmyMartianPrincess,whostillstoodmutelygazingatmewithoutsignofrecognition.

"Whoareyou,Zodangan?"shewhispered."Anotherenemytoharassmeinmymisery?"

"Iamafriend,"Ianswered,"aoncecherishedfriend."

"No friendofHelium'sprincesswears thatmetal," she replied, "andyet thevoice! Ihaveheard itbefore;itisnot—itcannotbe—no,forheisdead."

"Itis,though,myPrincess,noneotherthanJohnCarter,"Isaid."Doyounotrecognize,eventhroughpaintandstrangemetal,theheartofyourchieftain?"

AsIcameclosetohersheswayedtowardmewithoutstretchedhands,butasIreachedtotakeherinmyarmsshedrewbackwithashudderandalittlemoanofmisery.

"Too late, too late," shegrieved. "Omychieftain thatwas, andwhom I thoughtdead,hadyoubut

returnedonelittlehourbefore—butnowitistoolate,toolate."

"What do youmean, Dejah Thoris?" I cried. "That you would not have promised yourself to theZodanganprincehadyouknownthatIlived?"

"Thinkyou,JohnCarter,thatIwouldgivemyhearttoyouyesterdayandtodaytoanother?IthoughtthatitlayburiedwithyourashesinthepitsofWarhoon,andsotodayIhavepromisedmybodytoanothertosavemypeoplefromthecurseofavictoriousZodanganarmy."

"ButIamnotdead,myprincess.Ihavecometoclaimyou,andallZodangacannotpreventit."

"Itistoolate,JohnCarter,mypromiseisgiven,andonBarsoomthatisfinal.Theceremonieswhichfollowlaterarebutmeaninglessformalities.Theymakethefactofmarriagenomorecertainthandoesthefuneralcortegeofajeddakagainplacethesealofdeathuponhim.Iamasgoodasmarried,JohnCarter.Nolongermayyoucallmeyourprincess.Nolongerareyoumychieftain."

"IknowbutlittleofyourcustomshereuponBarsoom,DejahThoris,butIdoknowthatIloveyou,andifyoumeantthelastwordsyouspoketomethatdayasthehordesofWarhoonwerechargingdownuponus,noothermanshalleverclaimyouashisbride.Youmeantthemthen,myprincess,andyoumeanthemstill!Saythatitistrue."

"Imeant them, JohnCarter," shewhispered. "I cannot repeat themnow for I havegivenmyself toanother.Ah, if you had only known ourways,my friend," she continued, half to herself, "the promisewouldhavebeenyourslongmonthsago,andyoucouldhaveclaimedmebeforeallothers.ItmighthavemeantthefallofHelium,butIwouldhavegivenmyempireformyTharkianchief."

Then aloud she said: "Do you remember the night when you offended me? You called me yourprincesswithouthavingaskedmyhandofme,andthenyouboastedthatyouhadfoughtforme.Youdidnotknow,andIshouldnothavebeenoffended;Isee thatnow.But therewasnooneto tellyouwhatIcouldnot,thatuponBarsoomtherearetwokindsofwomeninthecitiesoftheredmen.Theonetheyfightforthattheymayasktheminmarriage;theotherkindtheyfightforalso,butneverasktheirhands.Whenamanhaswonawomanhemayaddressherashisprincess,orinanyoftheseveraltermswhichsignifypossession.Youhadfoughtforme,buthadneveraskedmeinmarriage,andsowhenyoucalledmeyourprincess,yousee,"shefaltered,"Iwashurt,buteventhen,JohnCarter,Ididnotrepulseyou,asIshouldhavedone,untilyoumadeitdoublyworsebytauntingmewithhavingwonmethroughcombat."

"Idonotneedaskyourforgivenessnow,DejahThoris,"Icried."YoumustknowthatmyfaultwasofignoranceofyourBarsoomiancustoms.WhatIfailedtodo,throughimplicitbeliefthatmypetitionwouldbe presumptuous and unwelcome, I do now, Dejah Thoris; I ask you to be my wife, and by all theVirginianfightingbloodthatflowsinmyveinsyoushallbe."

"No,JohnCarter,itisuseless,"shecried,hopelessly,"ImayneverbeyourswhileSabThanlives."

"Youhavesealedhisdeathwarrant,myprincess—SabThandies."

"Nor thateither," shehastened toexplain. "Imaynotwed themanwhoslaysmyhusband,even inself-defense.Itiscustom.WeareruledbycustomuponBarsoom.Itisuseless,myfriend.Youmustbearthesorrowwithme.Thatatleastwemayshareincommon.That,andthememoryofthebriefdaysamong

theTharks.Youmustgonow,noreverseemeagain.Good-bye,mychieftainthatwas."

Disheartenedanddejected,Iwithdrewfromtheroom,butIwasnotentirelydiscouraged,norwouldIadmitthatDejahThoriswaslosttomeuntiltheceremonyhadactuallybeenperformed.

AsIwanderedalongthecorridors,IwasasabsolutelylostinthemazesofwindingpassagewaysasIhadbeenbeforeIdiscoveredDejahThoris'apartments.

I knew thatmy only hope lay in escape from the city of Zodanga, for thematter of the four deadguardsmenwould have to be explained, and as I could never reachmy original postwithout a guide,suspicionwouldsurelyrestonmesosoonasIwasdiscoveredwanderingaimlesslythroughthepalace.

PresentlyIcameuponaspiral runwayleading toa lowerfloor,and this I followeddownwardforseveralstoriesuntilIreachedthedoorwayofalargeapartmentinwhichwereanumberofguardsmen.Thewalls of this roomwere hungwith transparent tapestries behindwhich I secretedmyselfwithoutbeingapprehended.

The conversation of the guardsmen was general, and awakened no interest in me until an officerentered the roomandordered fourof themen to relieve thedetailwhowereguarding thePrincessofHelium.Now, I knew,my troubleswould commence in earnest and indeed theywereuponmeall toosoon, for it seemed that the squadhad scarcely left theguardroombeforeoneof their numberburst inagainbreathlessly,cryingthattheyhadfoundtheirfourcomradesbutcheredintheantechamber.

Inamoment theentirepalacewasalivewithpeople.Guardsmen,officers,courtiers, servants,andslaves ran helter-skelter through the corridors and apartments carrying messages and orders, andsearchingforsignsoftheassassin.

This wasmy opportunity and slim as it appeared I grasped it, for as a number of soldiers camehurryingpastmyhidingplaceIfellinbehindthemandfollowedthroughthemazesofthepalaceuntil,inpassingthroughagreathall,Isawtheblessedlightofdaycominginthroughaseriesoflargerwindows.

Here I left my guides, and, slipping to the nearest window, sought for an avenue of escape. Thewindows opened upon a great balcony which overlooked one of the broad avenues of Zodanga. Thegroundwasaboutthirtyfeetbelow,andatalikedistancefromthebuildingwasawallfullytwentyfeethigh,constructedofpolishedglassaboutafootinthickness.ToaredMartianescapebythispathwouldhave appeared impossible, but to me, with my earthly strength and agility, it seemed alreadyaccomplished.Myonlyfearwasinbeingdetectedbeforedarknessfell,forIcouldnotmaketheleapinbroaddaylightwhilethecourtbelowandtheavenuebeyondwerecrowdedwithZodangans.

AccordinglyIsearchedforahidingplaceandfinallyfoundonebyaccident, insideahugehangingornamentwhichswungfromtheceilingofthehall,andabouttenfeetfromthefloor.Intothecapaciousbowl-likevase I sprangwithease, and scarcelyhad I settleddownwithin it than Iheardanumberofpeopleentertheapartment.ThegroupstoppedbeneathmyhidingplaceandIcouldplainlyoverheartheireveryword.

"ItistheworkofHeliumites,"saidoneofthemen.

"Yes,OJeddak,buthowhad theyaccess to thepalace?Icouldbelieve thatevenwith thediligent

careofyourguardsmenasingleenemymightreachtheinnerchambers,buthowaforceofsixoreightfightingmencouldhavedonesounobservedisbeyondme.Weshallsoonknow,however,forherecomestheroyalpsychologist."

Anothermannowjoinedthegroup,and,aftermakinghisformalgreetingstohisruler,said:

"OmightyJeddak,itisastrangetaleIreadinthedeadmindsofyourfaithfulguardsmen.Theywerefellednotbyanumberoffightingmen,butbyasingleopponent."

Hepausedtoletthefullweightofthisannouncementimpresshishearers,andthathisstatementwasscarcelycreditedwasevidencedby the impatientexclamationof incredulitywhichescaped the lipsofThanKosis.

"Whatmannerofweirdtaleareyoubringingme,Notan?"hecried.

"Itisthetruth,myJeddak,"repliedthepsychologist."Infacttheimpressionswerestronglymarkedonthebrainofeachofthefourguardsmen.Theirantagonistwasaverytallman,wearingthemetalofoneofyourownguardsmen,andhisfightingabilitywaslittleshortofmarvelousforhefoughtfairagainst theentirefourandvanquishedthembyhissurpassingskillandsuperhumanstrengthandendurance.ThoughheworethemetalofZodanga,myJeddak,suchamanwasneverseenbeforeinthisoranyothercountryuponBarsoom.

"ThemindofthePrincessofHeliumwhomIhaveexaminedandquestionedwasablanktome,shehas perfect control, and I could not read one iota of it. She said that she witnessed a portion of theencounter,andthatwhenshelookedtherewasbutonemanengagedwiththeguardsmen;amanwhomshedidnotrecognizeaseverhavingseen."

"Whereismyerstwhilesavior?"spokeanotheroftheparty,andIrecognizedthevoiceofthecousinofThanKosis,whomIhadrescuedfromthegreenwarriors."Bythemetalofmyfirstancestor,"hewenton,"butthedescriptionfitshimtoperfection,especiallyastohisfightingability."

"Where is thisman?"criedThanKosis."Havehimbrought tomeatonce.Whatknowyouofhim,cousin?ItseemedstrangetomenowthatIthinkuponitthatthereshouldhavebeensuchafightingmaninZodanga,ofwhosename,even,wewereignorantbeforetoday.Andhisnametoo,JohnCarter,whoeverheardofsuchanameuponBarsoom!"

WordwassoonbroughtthatIwasnowheretobefound,eitherinthepalaceoratmyformerquartersinthebarracksoftheair-scoutsquadron.KantosKan,theyhadfoundandquestioned,butheknewnothingofmywhereabouts,andastomypast,hehadtoldthemheknewaslittle,sincehehadbutrecentlymetmeduringourcaptivityamongtheWarhoons.

"Keepyoureyesonthisotherone,"commandedThanKosis."HealsoisastrangerandlikelyasnottheybothhailfromHelium,andwhereoneisweshallsoonerorlaterfindtheother.Quadrupletheairpatrol,andleteverymanwholeavesthecitybyairorgroundbesubjectedtotheclosestscrutiny."

AnothermessengernowenteredwithwordthatIwasstillwithinthepalacewalls.

"The likenessofeverypersonwhohasenteredor left thepalacegrounds todayhasbeencarefully

examined,"concludedthefellow,"andnotoneapproachesthelikenessofthisnewpadwaroftheguards,otherthanthatwhichwasrecordedofhimatthetimeheentered."

"Thenwewillhavehimshortly,"commentedThanKosiscontentedly,"andinthemeanwhilewewillrepairtotheapartmentsofthePrincessofHeliumandquestionherinregardtotheaffair.Shemayknowmorethanshecaredtodivulgetoyou,Notan.Come."

They left the hall, and, as darkness had fallenwithout, I slipped lightly frommyhiding place andhastened to the balcony. Fewwere in sight, and choosing amomentwhen none seemed near I sprangquicklytothetopoftheglasswallandfromtheretotheavenuebeyondthepalacegrounds.

CHAPTERXXIII

LOSTINTHESKY

WithouteffortatconcealmentIhastenedtothevicinityofourquarters,whereIfeltsureIshouldfindKantosKan.AsInearedthebuildingIbecamemorecareful,asIjudged,andrightly,thattheplacewouldbeguarded.Severalmenincivilianmetalloiterednearthefrontentranceandintherearwereothers.Myonly means of reaching, unseen, the upper story where our apartments were situated was through anadjoining building, and after considerablemaneuvering Imanaged to attain the roof of a shop severaldoorsaway.

Leapingfromrooftoroof,IsoonreachedanopenwindowinthebuildingwhereIhopedtofindtheHeliumite,andinanothermomentIstoodintheroombeforehim.Hewasaloneandshowednosurpriseatmycoming, sayinghehadexpectedmemuchearlier,asmy tourofdutymusthaveendedsome timesince.

Isawthatheknewnothingoftheeventsofthedayatthepalace,andwhenIhadenlightenedhimhewas all excitement. The news that Dejah Thoris had promised her hand to Sab Than filled himwithdismay.

"Itcannotbe,"heexclaimed."Itisimpossible!WhynomaninallHeliumbutwouldpreferdeathtothe sellingof our lovedprincess to the rulinghouseofZodanga.Shemust have lost hermind to haveassentedtosuchanatrociousbargain.You,whodonotknowhowweofHeliumlovethemembersofourrulinghouse,cannotappreciatethehorrorwithwhichIcontemplatesuchanunholyalliance."

"What canbedone, JohnCarter?"he continued. "You are a resourcefulman.Canyounot thinkofsomewaytosaveHeliumfromthisdisgrace?"

"IfIcancomewithinsword'sreachofSabThan,"Ianswered,"IcansolvethedifficultyinsofarasHeliumisconcerned,butforpersonalreasonsIwouldpreferthatanotherstrucktheblowthatfreesDejahThoris."

KantosKaneyedmenarrowlybeforehespoke.

"Youloveher!"hesaid."Doessheknowit?"

"Sheknowsit,KantosKan,andrepulsesmeonlybecausesheispromisedtoSabThan."

Thesplendid fellowsprang tohis feet, andgraspingmeby theshoulder raisedhis swordonhigh,exclaiming:

"AndhadthechoicebeenlefttomeIcouldnothavechosenamorefittingmateforthefirstprincessofBarsoom.Hereismyhanduponyourshoulder,JohnCarter,andmywordthatSabThanshallgooutatthepointofmyswordforthesakeofmyloveforHelium,forDejahThoris,andforyou.ThisverynightIshalltrytoreachhisquartersinthepalace."

"How?"Iasked."Youarestronglyguardedandaquadrupleforcepatrolsthesky."

Hebenthisheadinthoughtamoment,thenraiseditwithanairofconfidence.

"Ionlyneed topass theseguardsand Icando it,"hesaidat last. "Iknowasecretentrance to thepalacethroughthepinnacleofthehighesttower.IfelluponitbychanceonedayasIwaspassingabovethepalaceonpatrolduty.Inthisworkitisrequiredthatweinvestigateanyunusualoccurrencewemaywitness,andafacepeeringfromthepinnacleofthehightowerofthepalacewas,tome,mostunusual.IthereforedrewnearanddiscoveredthatthepossessorofthepeeringfacewasnoneotherthanSabThan.Hewasslightlyputoutatbeingdetectedandcommandedmetokeepthemattertomyself,explainingthatthepassagefromthetowerleddirectlytohisapartments,andwasknownonlytohim.IfIcanreachtheroofofthebarracksandgetmymachineIcanbeinSabThan'squartersinfiveminutes;buthowamItoescapefromthisbuilding,guardedasyousayitis?"

"Howwellarethemachineshedsatthebarracksguarded?"Iasked.

"Thereisusuallybutonemanondutythereatnightupontheroof."

"Gototheroofofthisbuilding,KantosKan,andwaitmethere."

WithoutstoppingtoexplainmyplansIretracedmywaytothestreetandhastenedtothebarracks.Idid not dare to enter the building, filled as it was with members of the air-scout squadron, who, incommonwithallZodanga,wereonthelookoutforme.

Thebuildingwasanenormousone,rearingits loftyheadfullyathousandfeet intotheair.ButfewbuildingsinZodangawerehigherthanthesebarracks,thoughseveraltoppeditbyafewhundredfeet;thedocksof thegreatbattleshipsof the line standingsome fifteenhundred feet from theground,while thefreightandpassengerstationsofthemerchantsquadronsrosenearlyashigh.

Itwasalongclimbupthefaceofthebuilding,andonefraughtwithmuchdanger,buttherewasnootherway,andsoIessayedthetask.ThefactthatBarsoomianarchitectureisextremelyornatemadethefeatmuch simpler than Ihad anticipated, since I foundornamental ledges andprojectionswhich fairlyformedaperfectladderformeallthewaytotheeavesofthebuilding.HereImetmyfirstrealobstacle.Theeavesprojectednearly twentyfeetfromthewall towhichIclung,andthoughIencircledthegreatbuildingIcouldfindnoopeningthroughthem.

Thetopfloorwasalight,andfilledwithsoldiersengagedinthepastimesoftheirkind;Icouldnot,

therefore,reachtheroofthroughthebuilding.

Therewasoneslight,desperatechance,andthatIdecidedImusttake—itwasforDejahThoris,andnomanhaslivedwhowouldnotriskathousanddeathsforsuchasshe.

Clinging to thewallwithmy feet andonehand, I unloosenedoneof the long leather strapsofmytrappingsattheendofwhichdangledagreathookbywhichairsailorsarehungtothesidesandbottomsof theircraft forvariouspurposesof repair,andbymeansofwhich landingpartiesare lowered to thegroundfromthebattleships.

Iswungthishookcautiouslytotheroofseveraltimesbeforeitfinallyfoundlodgment;gentlyIpulledonittostrengthenitshold,butwhetheritwouldbeartheweightofmybodyIdidnotknow.Itmightbebarelycaughtupontheveryoutervergeoftheroof,sothatasmybodyswungoutattheendofthestrapitwouldslipoffandlaunchmetothepavementathousandfeetbelow.

An instant Ihesitated,and then, releasingmygraspupon thesupportingornament, I swungout intospace at the endof the strap.Farbelowme lay thebrilliantly lighted streets, thehardpavements, anddeath.Therewasalittlejerkatthetopofthesupportingeaves,andanastyslipping,gratingsoundwhichturnedmecoldwithapprehension;thenthehookcaughtandIwassafe.

ClamberingquicklyaloftIgraspedtheedgeoftheeavesanddrewmyselftothesurfaceoftheroofabove.AsIgainedmyfeetIwasconfrontedbythesentryonduty, intothemuzzleofwhoserevolverIfoundmyselflooking.

"Whoareyouandwhencecameyou?"hecried.

"Iamanairscout,friend,andverynearadeadone,forjustbythemerestchanceIescapedfallingtotheavenuebelow,"Ireplied.

"Buthowcameyouupontheroof,man?Noonehaslandedorcomeupfromthebuildingforthepasthour.Quick,explainyourself,orIcalltheguard."

"Lookyouhere,sentry,andyoushallseehowIcameandhowcloseashaveIhadtonotcomingatall," Ianswered, turning towardtheedgeof theroof,where, twentyfeetbelow,at theendofmystrap,hungallmyweapons.

Thefellow,actingonimpulseofcuriosity,steppedtomysideandtohisundoing,forasheleanedtopeerovertheeavesIgraspedhimbyhisthroatandhispistolarmandthrewhimheavilytotheroof.Theweapondroppedfromhisgrasp,andmyfingerschokedoffhisattemptedcryforassistance.IgaggedandboundhimandthenhunghimovertheedgeoftheroofasImyselfhadhungafewmomentsbefore.Iknewitwouldbemorningbeforehewouldbediscovered,andIneededallthetimethatIcouldgain.

DonningmytrappingsandweaponsIhastenedtothesheds,andsoonhadoutbothmymachineandKantosKan's.MakinghisfastbehindmineIstartedmyengine,andskimmingovertheedgeoftheroofIdovedownintothestreetsofthecityfarbelowtheplaneusuallyoccupiedbytheairpatrol.InlessthanaminuteIwassettlingsafelyupontheroofofourapartmentbesidetheastonishedKantosKan.

Ilostnotimeinexplanation,butplungedimmediatelyintoadiscussionofourplansfortheimmediate

future. Itwasdecided that Iwas to try tomakeHeliumwhileKantosKanwas toenter thepalaceanddispatchSabThan. If successful hewas then to followme.He setmycompass forme, a clever littledevicewhichwillremainsteadfastlyfixeduponanygivenpointonthesurfaceofBarsoom,andbiddingeachotherfarewellwerosetogetherandspedinthedirectionofthepalacewhichlayintheroutewhichImusttaketoreachHelium.

Asweneared thehigh towerapatrolshotdownfromabove, throwing itspiercingsearchlight fulluponmycraft,andavoiceroaredoutacommandtohalt,followingwithashotasIpaidnoattentiontohishail.KantosKandroppedquicklyintothedarkness,whileIrosesteadilyandatterrificspeedracedthroughtheMartianskyfollowedbyadozenoftheair-scoutcraftwhichhadjoinedthepursuit,andlaterbya swift cruisercarryingahundredmenandabatteryof rapid-fireguns.By twistingand turningmylittlemachine,nowrisingandnowfalling,Imanagedtoeludetheirsearch-lightsmostofthetime,butIwasalsolosinggroundbythesetactics,andsoIdecidedtohazardeverythingonastraight-awaycourseandleavetheresulttofateandthespeedofmymachine.

KantosKanhadshownmeatrickofgearing,whichisknownonlytothenavyofHelium,thatgreatlyincreasedthespeedofourmachines,sothatIfeltsureIcoulddistancemypursuersifIcoulddodgetheirprojectilesforafewmoments.

AsIspedthroughtheairthescreechingofthebulletsaroundmeconvincedmethatonlybyamiraclecouldIescape,butthediewascast,andthrowingonfullspeedIracedastraightcoursetowardHelium.GraduallyIleftmypursuersfurtherandfurtherbehind,andIwasjustcongratulatingmyselfonmyluckyescape,whenawell-directedshotfromthecruiserexplodedattheprowofmylittlecraft.Theconcussionnearlycapsizedher,andwithasickeningplungeshehurtleddownwardthroughthedarknight.

HowfarIfellbeforeIregainedcontroloftheplaneIdonotknow,butImusthavebeenveryclosetothegroundwhenIstartedtoriseagain,asIplainlyheardthesquealingofanimalsbelowme.RisingagainI scanned theheavens formypursuers, and finallymakingout their lights farbehindme, saw that theywerelanding,evidentlyinsearchofme.

Not until their lights were no longer discernible did I venture to flash my little lamp upon mycompass,andthenIfoundtomyconsternationthatafragmentoftheprojectilehadutterlydestroyedmyonlyguide, aswell asmyspeedometer. Itwas true I could follow the stars in thegeneraldirectionofHelium, but without knowing the exact location of the city or the speed at which I was travelingmychancesforfindingitwereslim.

HeliumliesathousandmilessouthwestofZodanga,andwithmycompassintactIshouldhavemadethetrip,barringaccidents,inbetweenfourandfivehours.Asitturnedout,however,morningfoundmespeedingoveravastexpanseofdeadseabottomafternearlysixhoursofcontinuousflightathighspeed.Presently a great city showed below me, but it was not Helium, as that alone of all Barsoomianmetropolises consists in two immense circularwalled cities about seventy-fivemiles apart andwouldhavebeeneasilydistinguishablefromthealtitudeatwhichIwasflying.

Believing that Ihadcome too far to thenorthandwest, I turnedback in a southeasterlydirection,passingduringtheforenoonseveralotherlargecities,butnoneresemblingthedescriptionwhichKantosKan had givenme ofHelium. In addition to the twin-city formation ofHelium, another distinguishingfeatureisthetwoimmensetowers,oneofvividscarletrisingnearlyamileintotheairfromthecenterofoneofthecities,whiletheother,ofbrightyellowandofthesameheight,markshersister.

CHAPTERXXIV

TARSTARKASFINDSAFRIEND

Aboutnoon Ipassed lowoveragreatdeadcityofancientMars, andas I skimmedoutacross theplainbeyondIcamefulluponseveralthousandgreenwarriorsengagedinaterrificbattle.ScarcelyhadIseenthemthanavolleyofshotswasdirectedatme,andwiththealmostunfailingaccuracyoftheiraimmylittlecraftwasinstantlyaruinedwreck,sinkingerraticallytotheground.

I fell almost directly in the center of the fierce combat, among warriors who had not seen myapproach so busilywere they engaged in life anddeath struggles.Themenwere fightingon footwithlong-swords,whileanoccasionalshot fromasharpshooteron theoutskirtsof theconflictwouldbringdownawarriorwhomightforaninstantseparatehimselffromtheentangledmass.

AsmymachinesankamongthemIrealizedthatitwasfightordie,withgoodchancesofdyinginanyevent,andsoIstruckthegroundwithdrawnlong-swordreadytodefendmyselfasIcould.

Ifellbesideahugemonsterwhowasengagedwiththreeantagonists,andasIglancedathisfierceface,filledwiththelightofbattle,IrecognizedTarsTarkastheThark.Hedidnotseeme,asIwasatriflebehindhim,andjustthenthethreewarriorsopposinghim,andwhomIrecognizedasWarhoons,chargedsimultaneously.Themightyfellowmadequickworkofoneofthem,butinsteppingbackforanotherthrusthefelloveradeadbodybehindhimandwasdownandatthemercyofhisfoesinaninstant.Quickaslightningtheywereuponhim,andTarsTarkaswouldhavebeengatheredtohisfathersinshortorderhadInotsprungbeforehisprostrateformandengagedhisadversaries.IhadaccountedforoneofthemwhenthemightyTharkregainedhisfeetandquicklysettledtheother.

Hegavemeonelook,andaslightsmiletouchedhisgrimlipas,touchingmyshoulder,hesaid,

"Iwouldscarcelyrecognizeyou,JohnCarter,butthereisnoothermortaluponBarsoomwhowouldhavedonewhatyouhaveforme.IthinkIhavelearnedthatthereissuchathingasfriendship,myfriend."

Hesaidnomore,norwasthereopportunity,fortheWarhoonswereclosinginaboutus,andtogetherwefought,shouldertoshoulder,duringallthatlong,hotafternoon,untilthetideofbattleturnedandtheremnantofthefierceWarhoonhordefellbackupontheirthoats,andfledintothegatheringdarkness.

Ten thousandmen had been engaged in that titanic struggle, and upon the field of battle lay threethousanddead.Neithersideaskedorgavequarter,nordidtheyattempttotakeprisoners.

OnourreturntothecityafterthebattlewehadgonedirectlytoTarsTarkas'quarters,whereIwasleftalonewhilethechieftainattendedthecustomarycouncilwhichimmediatelyfollowsanengagement.

AsIsatawaitingthereturnofthegreenwarriorIheardsomethingmoveinanadjoiningapartment,andasIglancedupthererushedsuddenlyuponmeahugeandhideouscreaturewhichboremebackwarduponthepileofsilksandfursuponwhichIhadbeenreclining.ItwasWoola—faithful,lovingWoola.He

hadfoundhiswaybacktoTharkand,asTarsTarkaslatertoldme,hadgoneimmediatelytomyformerquarterswherehehadtakenuphispatheticandseeminglyhopelesswatchformyreturn.

"TalHajusknowsthatyouarehere,JohnCarter,"saidTarsTarkas,onhisreturnfromthejeddak'squarters;"Sarkojasawandrecognizedyouaswewerereturning.TalHajushasorderedmetobringyoubeforehimtonight.Ihavetenthoats,JohnCarter;youmaytakeyourchoicefromamongthem,andIwillaccompanyyoutothenearestwaterwaythatleadstoHelium.TarsTarkasmaybeacruelgreenwarrior,buthecanbeafriendaswell.Come,wemuststart."

"Andwhenyoureturn,TarsTarkas?"Iasked.

"Thewildcalots,possibly,orworse,"hereplied."UnlessIshouldchancetohavetheopportunityIhavesolongwaitedofbattlingwithTalHajus."

"Wewillstay,TarsTarkas,andseeTalHajustonight.Youshallnotsacrificeyourself,anditmaybethattonightyoucanhavethechanceyouwait."

Heobjectedstrenuously,sayingthatTalHajusoftenflewintowildfitsofpassionatthemerethoughtoftheblowIhaddealthim,andthatifeverhelaidhishandsuponmeIwouldbesubjectedtothemosthorribletortures.

WhilewewereeatingIrepeatedtoTarsTarkasthestorywhichSolahadtoldmethatnightupontheseabottomduringthemarchtoThark.

Hesaidbutlittle,butthegreatmusclesofhisfaceworkedinpassionandinagonyatrecollectionofthehorrorswhichhadbeenheapedupontheonlythinghehadeverlovedinallhiscold,cruel,terribleexistence.

HenolongerdemurredwhenIsuggestedthatwegobeforeTalHajus,onlysayingthathewouldliketo speak toSarkoja first.At his request I accompaniedhim toher quarters, and the lookof venomoushatredshecastuponmewasalmostadequaterecompenseforanyfuturemisfortunesthisaccidentalreturntoTharkmightbringme.

"Sarkoja,"saidTarsTarkas,"fortyyearsagoyouwereinstrumentalinbringingaboutthetortureanddeath of awoman namedGozava. I have just discovered that thewarriorwho loved thatwoman haslearnedof yourpart in the transaction.Hemaynot kill you,Sarkoja, it is not our custom,but there isnothingtopreventhimtyingoneendofastrapaboutyourneckandtheotherendtoawildthoat,merelytotest your fitness to survive and help perpetuate our race. Having heard that he would do this on themorrow,Ithoughtitonlyrighttowarnyou,forIamajustman.TheriverIssisbutashortpilgrimage,Sarkoja.Come,JohnCarter."

ThenextmorningSarkojawasgone,norwassheeverseenafter.

Insilencewehastenedtothejeddak'spalace,wherewewereimmediatelyadmittedtohispresence;in fact, he could scarcely wait to see me and was standing erect upon his platform glowering at theentranceasIcamein.

"Straphimtothatpillar,"heshrieked."WeshallseewhoitisdaresstrikethemightyTalHajus.Heat

theirons;withmyownhandsIshallburntheeyesfromhisheadthathemaynotpollutemypersonwithhisvilegaze."

"ChieftainsofThark,"Icried,turningtotheassembledcouncilandignoringTalHajus,"Ihavebeenachiefamongyou,andtodayIhavefoughtforTharkshouldertoshoulderwithhergreatestwarrior.Youoweme,atleast,ahearing.Ihavewonthatmuchtoday.Youclaimtobeajustpeople—"

"Silence,"roaredTalHajus."GagthecreatureandbindhimasIcommand."

"Justice,TalHajus,"exclaimedLorquasPtomel."WhoareyoutosetasidethecustomsofagesamongtheTharks."

"Yes,justice!"echoedadozenvoices,andso,whileTalHajusfumedandfrothed,Icontinued.

"Youareabravepeopleandyoulovebravery,butwherewasyourmightyjeddakduringthefightingtoday?Ididnotseehiminthethickofbattle;hewasnotthere.Herendsdefenselesswomenandlittlechildreninhislair,buthowrecentlyhasoneofyouseenhimfightwithmen?Why,evenI,amidgetbesidehim,felledhimwithasingleblowofmyfist.Is itofsuchthat theTharksfashiontheir jeddaks?TherestandsbesidemenowagreatThark, amightywarrior andanobleman.Chieftains, howsounds,TarsTarkas,JeddakofThark?"

Aroarofdeep-tonedapplausegreetedthissuggestion.

"Itbutremainsforthiscounciltocommand,andTalHajusmustprovehisfitnesstorule.WereheabravemanhewouldinviteTarsTarkastocombat,forhedoesnotlovehim,butTalHajusisafraid;TalHajus,yourjeddak,isacoward.WithmybarehandsIcouldkillhim,andheknowsit."

AfterIceasedtherewastensesilence,asalleyeswereriveteduponTalHajus.Hedidnotspeakormove,buttheblotchygreenofhiscountenanceturnedlivid,andthefrothfrozeuponhislips.

"TalHajus,"saidLorquasPtomelinacold,hardvoice,"neverinmylonglifehaveIseenajeddakoftheTharkssohumiliated.Therecouldbebutoneanswertothisarraignment.Wewaitit."AndstillTalHajusstoodasthoughpetrified.

"Chieftains,"continuedLorquasPtomel,"shall the jeddak,TalHajus,provehisfitness toruleoverTarsTarkas?"

Thereweretwentychieftainsabouttherostrum,andtwentyswordsflashedhighinassent.

There was no alternative. That decree was final, and so Tal Hajus drew his long-sword andadvancedtomeetTarsTarkas.

Thecombatwassoonover,and,withhisfootupontheneckofthedeadmonster,TarsTarkasbecamejeddakamongtheTharks.

Hisfirstactwastomakemeafull-fledgedchieftainwiththerankIhadwonbymycombatsthefirstfewweeksofmycaptivityamongthem.

SeeingthefavorabledispositionofthewarriorstowardTarsTarkas,aswellastowardme,IgraspedtheopportunitytoenlisttheminmycauseagainstZodanga.ItoldTarsTarkasthestoryofmyadventures,andinafewwordshadexplainedtohimthethoughtIhadinmind.

"JohnCarterhasmadeaproposal,"hesaid,addressingthecouncil,"whichmeetswithmysanction.Ishallputittoyoubriefly.DejahThoris,thePrincessofHelium,whowasourprisoner,isnowheldbythejeddak ofZodanga,whose son shemustwed to save her country fromdevastation at the hands of theZodanganforces.

"JohnCarter suggests thatwe rescueher and returnher toHelium.The lootofZodangawouldbemagnificent,andIhaveoftenthoughtthathadweanalliancewiththepeopleofHeliumwecouldobtainsufficientassuranceof sustenance topermitus to increase the sizeand frequencyofourhatchings,andthusbecomeunquestionablysupremeamongthegreenmenofallBarsoom.Whatsayyou?"

Itwasachancetofight,anopportunitytoloot,andtheyrosetothebaitasaspeckledtrouttoafly.

ForTharks theywerewildlyenthusiastic,andbeforeanotherhalfhourhadpassed twentymountedmessengerswerespeedingacrossdeadseabottomstocallthehordestogetherfortheexpedition.

In threedayswewereon themarch towardZodanga,onehundred thousandstrong,asTarsTarkashadbeenabletoenlisttheservicesofthreesmallerhordesonthepromiseofthegreatlootofZodanga.

At theheadof thecolumnI rodebeside thegreatTharkwhileat theheelsofmymount trottedmybelovedWoola.

Wetraveledentirelybynight,timingourmarchessothatwecampedduringthedayatdesertedcitieswhere,eventothebeasts,wewereallkeptindoorsduringthedaylighthours.OnthemarchTarsTarkas,through his remarkable ability and statesmanship, enlisted fifty thousand more warriors from varioushordes,sothat,tendaysafterwesetoutwehaltedatmidnightoutsidethegreatwalledcityofZodanga,onehundredandfiftythousandstrong.

Thefightingstrengthandefficiencyof thishordeofferociousgreenmonsterswasequivalent to tentimestheirnumberofredmen.NeverinthehistoryofBarsoom,TarsTarkastoldme,hadsuchaforceofgreenwarriorsmarchedtobattletogether.Itwasamonstroustasktokeepevenasemblanceofharmonyamong them, and it was a marvel to me that he got them to the city without a mighty battle amongthemselves.

ButaswenearedZodangatheirpersonalquarrelsweresubmergedbytheirgreaterhatredfortheredmen,andespecially for theZodangans,whohad foryearswageda ruthlesscampaignofexterminationagainstthegreenmen,directingspecialattentiontowarddespoilingtheirincubators.

Now thatwewere before Zodanga the task of obtaining entry to the city devolved uponme, anddirectingTarsTarkas toholdhis forces in twodivisionsoutof earshotof the city,with eachdivisionoppositealargegateway,Itooktwentydismountedwarriorsandapproachedoneofthesmallgatesthatpiercedthewallsatshortintervals.Thesegateshavenoregularguard,butarecoveredbysentries,whopatroltheavenuethatencirclesthecityjustwithinthewallsasourmetropolitanpolicepatroltheirbeats.

ThewallsofZodangaareseventy-fivefeetinheightandfiftyfeetthick.Theyarebuiltofenormousblocks of carborundum, and the task of entering the city seemed, to my escort of green warriors, animpossibility.Thefellowswhohadbeendetailedtoaccompanymewereofoneof thesmallerhordes,andthereforedidnotknowme.

Placingthreeofthemwiththeirfacestothewallandarmslocked,Icommandedtwomoretomountto theirshoulders,andasixthIordered toclimbupon theshouldersof theupper two.Theheadof thetopmostwarriortoweredoverfortyfeetfromtheground.

Inthisway,withtenwarriors,Ibuiltaseriesofthreestepsfromthegroundtotheshouldersofthetopmostman.ThenstartingfromashortdistancebehindthemIranswiftlyupfromonetiertothenext,andwithafinalboundfromthebroadshouldersofthehighestIclutchedthetopofthegreatwallandquietlydrewmyselftoitsbroadexpanse.AftermeIdraggedsixlengthsofleatherfromanequalnumberofmywarriors.Theselengthswehadpreviouslyfastenedtogether,andpassingoneendtothetopmostwarriorIloweredtheotherendcautiouslyovertheoppositesideofthewalltowardtheavenuebelow.Noonewasin sight, so, loweringmyself to the end ofmy leather strap, I dropped the remaining thirty feet to thepavementbelow.

IhadlearnedfromKantosKanthesecretofopeningthesegates,andinanothermomentmytwentygreatfightingmenstoodwithinthedoomedcityofZodanga.

IfoundtomydelightthatIhadenteredatthelowerboundaryoftheenormouspalacegrounds.Thebuildingitselfshowedinthedistanceablazeofgloriouslight,andontheinstantIdeterminedtoleadadetachment of warriors directly within the palace itself, while the balance of the great horde wasattackingthebarracksofthesoldiery.

DispatchingoneofmymentoTarsTarkasforadetailoffiftyTharks,withwordofmyintentions,IorderedtenwarriorstocaptureandopenoneofthegreatgateswhilewiththenineremainingItooktheother.Weweretodoourworkquietly,noshotsweretobefiredandnogeneraladvancemadeuntilIhadreachedthepalacewithmyfiftyTharks.Ourplansworkedtoperfection.ThetwosentrieswemetweredispatchedtotheirfathersuponthebanksofthelostseaofKorus,andtheguardsatbothgatesfollowedtheminsilence.

CHAPTERXXV

THELOOTINGOFZODANGA

AsthegreatgatewhereIstoodswungopenmyfiftyTharks,headedbyTarsTarkashimself,rodeinupontheirmightythoats.Iledthemtothepalacewalls,whichInegotiatedeasilywithoutassistance.Onceinside,however, thegategavemeconsiderable trouble,but I finallywas rewardedby seeing it swinguponitshugehinges,andsoonmyfierceescortwasridingacrossthegardensofthejeddakofZodanga.

As we approached the palace I could see through the great windows of the first floor into thebrilliantlyilluminatedaudiencechamberofThanKosis.Theimmensehallwascrowdedwithnoblesandtheirwomen,asthoughsomeimportantfunctionwasinprogress.Therewasnotaguardinsightwithoutthepalace,due,Ipresume,tothefactthatthecityandpalacewallswereconsideredimpregnable,andsoIcamecloseandpeeredwithin.

Atoneendof thechamber,uponmassivegolden thronesencrustedwithdiamonds, satThanKosisandhisconsort,surroundedbyofficersanddignitariesofstate.Beforethemstretchedabroadaislelinedoneithersidewithsoldiery,andasIlookedthereenteredthisaisleatthefarendofthehall,theheadofaprocessionwhichadvancedtothefootofthethrone.

Firsttheremarchedfourofficersofthejeddak'sGuardbearingahugesalveronwhichreposed,uponacushionofscarletsilk,agreatgoldenchainwithacollarandpadlockateachend.DirectlybehindtheseofficerscamefourotherscarryingasimilarsalverwhichsupportedthemagnificentornamentsofaprinceandprincessofthereigninghouseofZodanga.

Atthefootofthethronethesetwopartiesseparatedandhalted,facingeachotheratoppositesidesofthe aisle. Then camemore dignitaries, and the officers of the palace and of the army, and finally twofiguresentirelymuffledinscarletsilk,sothatnotafeatureofeitherwasdiscernible.Thesetwostoppedatthefootofthethrone,facingThanKosis.Whenthebalanceoftheprocessionhadenteredandassumedtheir stations Than Kosis addressed the couple standing before him. I could not hear his words, butpresently two officers advanced and removed the scarlet robe fromone of the figures, and I saw thatKantosKanhadfailedinhismission,foritwasSabThan,PrinceofZodanga,whostoodrevealedbeforeme.

ThanKosisnowtookasetoftheornamentsfromoneofthesalversandplacedoneofthecollarsofgoldabouthisson'sneck,springingthepadlockfast.AfterafewmorewordsaddressedtoSabThanheturnedtotheotherfigure,fromwhichtheofficersnowremovedtheenshroudingsilks,disclosingtomynowcomprehendingviewDejahThoris,PrincessofHelium.

The object of the ceremony was clear to me; in another moment Dejah Thoris would be joinedforever to thePrinceofZodanga. Itwasan impressiveandbeautifulceremony, Ipresume,but tome itseemed the most fiendish sight I had ever witnessed, and as the ornaments were adjusted upon herbeautiful figureandhercollarofgoldswungopen in thehandsofThanKosis I raisedmy long-sword

abovemyhead, and,with theheavyhilt, I shattered theglassof thegreatwindowand sprang into themidstoftheastonishedassemblage.WithaboundIwasonthestepsoftheplatformbesideThanKosis,andashestoodrivetedwithsurpriseIbroughtmylong-sworddownupon thegoldenchain thatwouldhaveboundDejahThoristoanother.

Inaninstantallwasconfusion;athousanddrawnswordsmenacedmefromeveryquarter,andSabThanspranguponmewithajeweleddaggerhehaddrawnfromhisnuptialornaments.IcouldhavekilledhimaseasilyasImightafly,buttheage-oldcustomofBarsoomstayedmyhand,andgraspinghiswristasthedaggerflewtowardmyheartIheldhimasthoughinaviseandwithmylong-swordpointedtothefarendofthehall.

"Zodangahasfallen,"Icried."Look!"

All eyes turned in the direction I had indicated, and there, forging through the portals of theentrancewayrodeTarsTarkasandhisfiftywarriorsontheirgreatthoats.

Acryofalarmandamazementbrokefromtheassemblage,butnowordoffear,andinamomentthesoldiersandnoblesofZodangawerehurlingthemselvesupontheadvancingTharks.

ThrustingSabThanheadlongfromtheplatform,IdrewDejahThoristomyside.BehindthethronewasanarrowdoorwayandinthisThanKosisnowstoodfacingme,withdrawnlong-sword.Inaninstantwewereengaged,andIfoundnomeanantagonist.

AswecircleduponthebroadplatformIsawSabThanrushingupthestepstoaidhisfather,but,asheraisedhishandtostrike,DejahThorissprangbeforehimandthenmyswordfoundthespotthatmadeSabThanjeddakofZodanga.AshisfatherrolleddeaduponthefloorthenewjeddaktorehimselffreefromDejahThoris'grasp,andagainwefacedeachother.Hewassoon joinedbyaquartetofofficers,and,withmybackagainstagoldenthrone,IfoughtonceagainforDejahThoris.IwashardpressedtodefendmyselfandyetnotstrikedownSabThanand,withhim,mylastchancetowinthewomanIloved.My blade was swinging with the rapidity of lightning as I sought to parry the thrusts and cuts of myopponents.TwoIhaddisarmed,andonewasdown,whenseveralmorerushed to theaidof theirnewruler,andtoavengethedeathoftheold.

Astheyadvancedtherewerecriesof"Thewoman!Thewoman!Strikeherdown;itisherplot.Killher!Killher!"

Calling toDejahThoris togetbehindme Iworkedmyway toward the littledoorwaybackof thethrone, but the officers realizedmy intentions, and three of them sprang in behindme and blockedmychancesforgainingapositionwhereIcouldhavedefendedDejahThorisagainstanarmyofswordsmen.

TheTharkswerehavingtheirhandsfullinthecenteroftheroom,andIbegantorealizethatnothingshortofamiraclecouldsaveDejahThorisandmyself,whenIsawTarsTarkassurgingthroughthecrowdofpygmiesthatswarmedabouthim.Withoneswingofhismightylongswordhelaidadozencorpsesathisfeet,andsohehewedapathwaybeforehimuntilinanothermomenthestoodupontheplatformbesideme,dealingdeathanddestructionrightandleft.

ThebraveryoftheZodanganswasawe-inspiring,notoneattemptedtoescape,andwhenthefightingceaseditwasbecauseonlyTharksremainedaliveinthegreathall,otherthanDejahThorisandmyself.

SabThanlaydeadbesidehisfather,andthecorpsesoftheflowerofZodangannobilityandchivalrycoveredthefloorofthebloodyshambles.

MyfirstthoughtwhenthebattlewasoverwasforKantosKan,andleavingDejahThorisinchargeofTarsTarkasItookadozenwarriorsandhastenedtothedungeonsbeneaththepalace.Thejailershadalllefttojointhefightersinthethroneroom,sowesearchedthelabyrinthineprisonwithoutopposition.

IcalledKantosKan'snamealoudineachnewcorridorandcompartment,andfinallyIwasrewardedbyhearingafaintresponse.Guidedbythesound,wesoonfoundhimhelplessinadarkrecess.

Hewas overjoyed at seeingme, and to know themeaning of the fight, faint echoes ofwhich hadreachedhisprisoncell.Hetoldmethattheairpatrolhadcapturedhimbeforehereachedthehightowerofthepalace,sothathehadnotevenseenSabThan.

We discovered that itwould be futile to attempt to cut away the bars and chainswhich held himprisoner, so, at his suggestion I returned to search the bodies on the floor above for keys to open thepadlocksofhiscellandofhischains.

FortunatelyamongthefirstIexaminedIfoundhisjailer,andsoonwehadKantosKanwithusinthethroneroom.

Thesoundsofheavyfiring,mingledwithshoutsandcries,cametousfromthecity'sstreets,andTarsTarkashastened away to direct the fightingwithout.KantosKan accompaniedhim to act as guide, thegreenwarriorscommencingathoroughsearchofthepalaceforotherZodangansandforloot,andDejahThorisandIwereleftalone.

Shehadsunkintooneofthegoldenthrones,andasIturnedtohershegreetedmewithawansmile.

"Wasthereeversuchaman!"sheexclaimed."IknowthatBarsoomhasneverbeforeseenyourlike.CanitbethatallEarthmenareasyou?Alone,astranger,hunted,threatened,persecuted,youhavedoneinafewshortmonthswhatinallthepastagesofBarsoomnomanhaseverdone:joinedtogetherthewildhordesoftheseabottomsandbroughtthemtofightasalliesofaredMartianpeople."

"Theansweriseasy,DejahThoris,"Irepliedsmiling."ItwasnotIwhodidit,itwaslove,loveforDejahThoris,apowerthatwouldworkgreatermiraclesthanthisyouhaveseen."

Aprettyflushoverspreadherfaceandsheanswered,

"Youmaysaythatnow,JohnCarter,andImaylisten,forIamfree."

"AndmorestillIhavetosay,ereitisagaintoolate,"Ireturned."Ihavedonemanystrangethingsinmylife,manythingsthatwisermenwouldnothavedared,butneverinmywildestfancieshaveIdreamedofwinning aDejahThoris formyself—for never had I dreamed that in all the universe dwelt such awomanas thePrincessofHelium.That you are aprincessdoesnot abashme, but that you areyou isenoughtomakemedoubtmysanityasIaskyou,myprincess,tobemine."

"He does not need to be abashedwho sowell knew the answer to his plea before the pleaweremade,"shereplied,risingandplacingherdearhandsuponmyshoulders,andsoItookherinmyarmsandkissedher.

And thus in the midst of a city of wild conflict, filled with the alarms of war; with death anddestructionreapingtheirterribleharvestaroundher,didDejahThoris,PrincessofHelium,truedaughterofMars,theGodofWar,promiseherselfinmarriagetoJohnCarter,GentlemanofVirginia.

CHAPTERXXVI

THROUGHCARNAGETOJOY

Sometime later Tars Tarkas andKantosKan returned to report that Zodanga had been completelyreduced.Her forceswereentirelydestroyedorcaptured,andno further resistancewas tobeexpectedfromwithin. Several battleships had escaped, but there were thousands of war andmerchant vesselsunderguardofTharkwarriors.

Thelesserhordeshadcommencedlootingandquarrelingamongthemselves,soitwasdecidedthatwecollectwhatwarriorswecould,manasmanyvesselsaspossiblewithZodanganprisonersandmakeforHeliumwithoutfurtherlossoftime.

Fivehourslaterwesailedfromtheroofsofthedockbuildingswithafleetoftwohundredandfiftybattleships,carryingnearlyonehundredthousandgreenwarriors,followedbyafleetoftransportswithourthoats.

Behind uswe left the stricken city in the fierce and brutal clutches of some forty thousand greenwarriors of the lesser hordes. They were looting, murdering, and fighting amongst themselves. In ahundredplaces theyhad applied the torch, and columnsof dense smokewere rising above the city asthoughtoblotoutfromtheeyeofheaventhehorridsightsbeneath.

InthemiddleoftheafternoonwesightedthescarletandyellowtowersofHelium,andashorttimelater a great fleet of Zodangan battleships rose from the camps of the besiegers without the city, andadvancedtomeetus.

The banners of Helium had been strung from stem to stern of each of our mighty craft, but theZodangansdidnotneed this sign to realize thatwewereenemies, forourgreenMartianwarriorshadopenedfireuponthemalmostastheylefttheground.Withtheiruncannymarksmanshiptheyrakedtheon-comingfleetwithvolleyaftervolley.

The twincitiesofHelium,perceiving thatwewerefriends,sentouthundredsofvessels toaidus,andthenbeganthefirstrealairbattleIhadeverwitnessed.

ThevesselscarryingourgreenwarriorswerekeptcirclingabovethecontendingfleetsofHeliumandZodanga,sincetheirbatterieswereuselessinthehandsoftheTharkswho,havingnonavy,havenoskillin naval gunnery. Their small-arm fire, however, was most effective, and the final outcome of theengagementwasstronglyinfluenced,ifnotwhollydetermined,bytheirpresence.

Atfirstthetwoforcescircledatthesamealtitude,pouringbroadsideafterbroadsideintoeachother.PresentlyagreatholewastorninthehullofoneoftheimmensebattlecraftfromtheZodangancamp;withalurchsheturnedcompletelyover,thelittlefiguresofhercrewplunging,turningandtwistingtowardthegroundathousandfeetbelow;thenwithsickeningvelocityshetoreafterthem,almostcompletelyburyingherselfinthesoftloamoftheancientseabottom.

Awild cry of exultation arose from theHeliumite squadron, andwith redoubled ferocity they fellupontheZodanganfleet.ByaprettymaneuvertwoofthevesselsofHeliumgainedapositionabovetheiradversaries, from which they poured upon them from their keel bomb batteries a perfect torrent ofexplodingbombs.

Then,onebyone,thebattleshipsofHeliumsucceededinrisingabovetheZodangans,andinashorttimeanumberofthebeleagueringbattleshipsweredriftinghopelesswreckstowardthehighscarlettowerofgreaterHelium.Severalothersattemptedtoescape,buttheyweresoonsurroundedbythousandsoftinyindividualfliers,andaboveeachhungamonsterbattleshipofHeliumreadytodropboardingpartiesupontheirdecks.

Withinbut littlemore thananhourfromthemoment thevictoriousZodangansquadronhadrisen tomeetusfromthecampofthebesiegersthebattlewasover,andtheremainingvesselsoftheconqueredZodanganswereheadedtowardthecitiesofHeliumunderprizecrews.

Therewasanextremelypatheticsidetothesurrenderofthesemightyfliers,theresultofanage-oldcustomwhich demanded that surrender should be signalized by the voluntary plunging to earth of thecommanderofthevanquishedvessel.Oneafteranotherthebravefellows,holdingtheircolorshighabovetheirheads,leapedfromthetoweringbowsoftheirmightycrafttoanawfuldeath.

Notuntilthecommanderoftheentirefleettookthefearfulplunge,thusindicatingthesurrenderoftheremainingvessels,didthefightingcease,andtheuselesssacrificeofbravemencometoanend.

We now signaled the flagship of Helium's navy to approach, and when she was within hailingdistanceIcalledoutthatwehadthePrincessDejahThorisonboard,andthatwewishedtotransferhertotheflagshipthatshemightbetakenimmediatelytothecity.

As the full import ofmy announcement bore in upon thema great cry arose from the decks of theflagship,andamomentlaterthecolorsofthePrincessofHeliumbrokefromahundredpointsuponherupperworks.Whentheothervesselsofthesquadroncaughtthemeaningofthesignalsflashedthemtheytookupthewildacclaimandunfurledhercolorsinthegleamingsunlight.

Theflagshipboredownuponus,andassheswunggracefullytoandtouchedoursideadozenofficersspranguponourdecks.Astheirastonishedgazefelluponthehundredsofgreenwarriors,whonowcameforth from the fightingshelters, theystoppedaghast,butat sightofKantosKan,whoadvanced tomeetthem,theycameforward,crowdingabouthim.

Dejah Thoris and I then advanced, and they had no eyes for other than her. She received themgracefully,callingeachbyname,fortheyweremenhighintheesteemandserviceofhergrandfather,andsheknewthemwell.

"LayyourhandsupontheshoulderofJohnCarter,"shesaidtothem,turningtowardme,"themanto

whomHeliumowesherprincessaswellashervictorytoday."

Theywereverycourteoustomeandsaidmanykindandcomplimentarythings,butwhatseemedtoimpressthemmostwasthatIhadwontheaidofthefierceTharksinmycampaignfortheliberationofDejahThoris,andthereliefofHelium.

"Youoweyourthanksmoretoanothermanthantome,"Isaid,"andhereheis;meetoneofBarsoom'sgreatestsoldiersandstatesmen,TarsTarkas,JeddakofThark."

With the same polished courtesy that had marked their manner toward me they extended theirgreetingstothegreatThark,nor,tomysurprise,washemuchbehindthemineaseofbearingorincourtlyspeech.Thoughnot agarrulous race, theTharks are extremely formal, and theirways lend themselvesamazinglytodignifiedandcourtlymanners.

Dejah Thoris went aboard the flagship, and was much put out that I would not follow, but, as Iexplainedtoher,thebattlewasbutpartlywon;westillhadthelandforcesofthebesiegingZodanganstoaccountfor,andIwouldnotleaveTarsTarkasuntilthathadbeenaccomplished.

The commander of the naval forces ofHelium promised to arrange to have the armies ofHeliumattackfromthecity inconjunctionwithour landattack,andso thevesselsseparatedandDejahThoriswasborneintriumphbacktothecourtofhergrandfather,TardosMors,JeddakofHelium.

In the distance lay our fleet of transports, with the thoats of the green warriors, where they hadremainedduring thebattle.Without landingstages itwas tobeadifficultmatter tounload thesebeastsupontheopenplain,buttherewasnothingelseforit,andsoweputoutforapointabouttenmilesfromthecityandbeganthetask.

Itwasnecessarytolowertheanimalstothegroundinslingsandthisworkoccupiedtheremainderofthedayandhalfthenight.TwicewewereattackedbypartiesofZodangancavalry,butwithlittleloss,however,andafterdarknessshutdowntheywithdrew.

As soon as the last thoat was unloaded Tars Tarkas gave the command to advance, and in threepartieswecreptupontheZodangancampfromthenorth,thesouthandtheeast.

About a mile from the main camp we encountered their outposts and, as had been prearranged,acceptedthisasthesignaltocharge.Withwild,ferociouscriesandamidstthenastysquealingofbattle-enragedthoatsweboredownupontheZodangans.

Wedidnotcatchthemnapping,butfoundawell-entrenchedbattlelineconfrontingus.Timeaftertimewewererepulseduntil,towardnoon,Ibegantofearfortheresultofthebattle.

The Zodangans numbered nearly a million fighting men, gathered from pole to pole, whereverstretchedtheirribbon-likewaterways,whilepittedagainstthemwerelessthanahundredthousandgreenwarriors.TheforcesfromHeliumhadnotarrived,norcouldwereceiveanywordfromthem.

JustatnoonweheardheavyfiringallalongthelinebetweentheZodangansandthecities,andweknewthenthatourmuch-neededreinforcementshadcome.

Again Tars Tarkas ordered the charge, and oncemore themighty thoats bore their terrible riders

againsttherampartsoftheenemy.AtthesamemomentthebattlelineofHeliumsurgedovertheoppositebreastworksoftheZodangansandinanothermomenttheywerebeingcrushedasbetweentwomillstones.Noblytheyfought,butinvain.

TheplainbeforethecitybecameaveritableshambleserethelastZodangansurrendered,butfinallythecarnageceased,theprisonersweremarchedbacktoHelium,andweenteredthegreatercity'sgates,ahugetriumphalprocessionofconqueringheroes.

The broad avenueswere linedwithwomen and children, amongwhichwere the fewmenwhoseduties necessitated that they remainwithin the city during thebattle.Weweregreetedwith an endlessroundofapplauseandshoweredwithornamentsofgold,platinum,silver,andpreciousjewels.Thecityhadgonemadwithjoy.

MyfierceTharkscausedthewildestexcitementandenthusiasm.Neverbeforehadanarmedbodyofgreenwarriorsentered thegatesofHelium,and that theycamenowasfriendsandallies filled theredmenwithrejoicing.

ThatmypoorservicestoDejahThorishadbecomeknowntotheHeliumiteswasevidencedbytheloudcryingofmyname,andbytheloadsofornamentsthatwerefasteneduponmeandmyhugethoataswepassedup theavenues to thepalace, foreven in the faceof the ferociousappearanceofWoola thepopulacepressedcloseaboutme.

Asweapproachedthismagnificentpileweweremetbyapartyofofficerswhogreeteduswarmlyand requested thatTarsTarkasandhis jedswith the jeddaksand jedsofhiswildallies, togetherwithmyself,dismountandaccompanythemtoreceivefromTardosMorsanexpressionofhisgratitudeforourservices.

Atthetopofthegreatstepsleadinguptothemainportalsofthepalacestoodtheroyalparty,andaswereachedthelowerstepsoneoftheirnumberdescendedtomeetus.

Hewasanalmostperfectspecimenofmanhood;tall,straightasanarrow,superblymuscledandwiththecarriageandbearingofarulerofmen.IdidnotneedtobetoldthathewasTardosMors,JeddakofHelium.

The firstmemberofourpartyhemetwasTarsTarkasandhis firstwords sealed forever thenewfriendshipbetweentheraces.

"That Tardos Mors," he said, earnestly, "may meet the greatest living warrior of Barsoom is apricelesshonor,butthathemaylayhishandontheshoulderofafriendandallyisafargreaterboon."

"JeddakofHelium,"returnedTarsTarkas,"ithasremainedforamanofanotherworldtoteachthegreenwarriorsofBarsoomthemeaningoffriendship;tohimweowethefactthatthehordesofTharkcanunderstandyou;thattheycanappreciateandreciprocatethesentimentssograciouslyexpressed."

TardosMorsthengreetedeachofthegreenjeddaksandjeds,andtoeachspokewordsoffriendshipandappreciation.

Asheapproachedmehelaidbothhandsuponmyshoulders.

"Welcome,myson,"hesaid;"thatyouaregranted,gladly,andwithoutonewordofopposition, themostpreciousjewelinallHelium,yes,onallBarsoom,issufficientearnestofmyesteem."

Wewere thenpresented toMorsKajak, Jedof lesserHelium,and fatherofDejahThoris.HehadfollowedclosebehindTardosMorsandseemedevenmoreaffectedbythemeetingthanhadhisfather.

Hetriedadozentimestoexpresshisgratitudetome,buthisvoicechokedwithemotionandhecouldnotspeak,andyethehad,asIwastolaterlearn,areputationforferocityandfearlessnessasafighterthatwasremarkableevenuponwarlikeBarsoom.IncommonwithallHeliumheworshipedhisdaughter,norcouldhethinkofwhatshehadescapedwithoutdeepemotion.

CHAPTERXXVII

FROMJOYTODEATH

FortendaysthehordesofTharkandtheirwildallieswerefeastedandentertained,and,then,loadedwithcostlypresentsandescortedby ten thousandsoldiersofHeliumcommandedbyMorsKajak, theystartedon thereturn journey to theirownlands.The jedof lesserHeliumwithasmallpartyofnoblesaccompaniedthemallthewaytoTharktocementmorecloselythenewbondsofpeaceandfriendship.

SolaalsoaccompaniedTarsTarkas,herfather,whobeforeallhischieftainshadacknowledgedherashisdaughter.

Threeweekslater,MorsKajakandhisofficers,accompaniedbyTarsTarkasandSola,returneduponabattleshipthathadbeendispatchedtoTharktofetchthemintimefortheceremonywhichmadeDejahThorisandJohnCarterone.

FornineyearsIservedinthecouncilsandfoughtinthearmiesofHeliumasaprinceofthehouseofTardosMors.Thepeopleseemednevertotireofheapinghonorsuponme,andnodaypassedthatdidnotbringsomenewproofoftheirloveformyprincess,theincomparableDejahThoris.

In agolden incubatorupon the roofofourpalace lay a snow-white egg.Fornearly fiveyears tensoldiersofthejeddak'sGuardhadconstantlystoodoverit,andnotadaypassedwhenIwasinthecitythatDejahThorisandIdidnotstandhandinhandbeforeourlittleshrineplanningforthefuture,whenthedelicateshellshouldbreak.

Vividinmymemoryisthepictureofthelastnightaswesattheretalkinginlowtonesofthestrangeromance which had woven our lives together and of this wonder which was coming to augment ourhappinessandfulfillourhopes.

Inthedistancewesawthebright-white lightofanapproachingairship,butweattachednospecialsignificance tosocommonasight.Likeaboltof lightning it raced towardHeliumuntil itsveryspeedbespoketheunusual.

Flashing the signals which proclaimed it a dispatch bearer for the jeddak, it circled impatientlyawaitingthetardypatrolboatwhichmustconvoyittothepalacedocks.

Tenminutesafterittouchedatthepalaceamessagecalledmetothecouncilchamber,whichIfoundfillingwiththemembersofthatbody.

OntheraisedplatformofthethronewasTardosMors,pacingbackandforthwithtense-drawnface.Whenallwereintheirseatsheturnedtowardus.

"Thismorning,"hesaid,"wordreached theseveralgovernmentsofBarsoomthat thekeeperof theatmosphereplanthadmadenowirelessreportfortwodays,norhadalmostceaselesscallsuponhimfromascoreofcapitalselicitedasignofresponse.

"The ambassadors of the other nations askedus to take thematter in hand andhasten the assistantkeepertotheplant.Alldayathousandcruisershavebeensearchingforhimuntil justnowoneofthemreturnsbearinghisdeadbody,whichwasfoundinthepitsbeneathhishousehorriblymutilatedbysomeassassin.

"IdonotneedtotellyouwhatthismeanstoBarsoom.Itwouldtakemonthstopenetratethosemightywalls,infacttheworkhasalreadycommenced,andtherewouldbelittletofearweretheengineofthepumpingplanttorunasitshouldandastheyallhaveforhundredsofyears;buttheworst,wefear,hashappened.TheinstrumentsshowarapidlydecreasingairpressureonallpartsofBarsoom—theenginehasstopped."

"Mygentlemen,"heconcluded,"wehaveatbestthreedaystolive."

Therewasabsolutesilence for severalminutes,and thenayoungnoblearose,andwithhisdrawnswordheldhighabovehisheadaddressedTardosMors.

"ThemenofHeliumhavepridedthemselvesthattheyhaveevershownBarsoomhowanationofredmenshouldlive,nowisouropportunitytoshowthemhowtheyshoulddie.Letusgoaboutourdutiesasthoughathousandusefulyearsstilllaybeforeus."

Thechamberrangwithapplauseandastherewasnothingbettertodothantoallaythefearsofthepeoplebyourexamplewewentourwayswithsmilesuponourfacesandsorrowgnawingatourhearts.

WhenIreturnedtomypalaceIfoundthattherumoralreadyhadreachedDejahThoris,soItoldherallthatIhadheard.

"Wehave been very happy, JohnCarter," she said, "and I thankwhatever fate overtakes us that itpermitsustodietogether."

Thenexttwodaysbroughtnonoticeablechangeinthesupplyofair,butonthemorningofthethirddaybreathingbecamedifficultatthehigheraltitudesoftherooftops.TheavenuesandplazasofHeliumwerefilledwithpeople.Allbusinesshadceased.For themostpart thepeoplelookedbravelyintothefaceoftheirunalterabledoom.Hereandthere,however,menandwomengavewaytoquietgrief.

Toward themiddle of the daymanyof theweaker commenced to succumbandwithin anhour thepeople of Barsoom were sinking by thousands into the unconsciousness which precedes death by

asphyxiation.

Dejah Thoris and I with the othermembers of the royal family had collected in a sunken gardenwithinaninnercourtyardofthepalace.Weconversedinlowtones,whenweconversedatall,astheaweof the grim shadow of death crept over us. EvenWoola seemed to feel the weight of the impendingcalamity,forhepressedclosetoDejahThorisandtome,whiningpitifully.

ThelittleincubatorhadbeenbroughtfromtheroofofourpalaceatrequestofDejahThorisandshesatgazinglonginglyupontheunknownlittlelifethatnowshewouldneverknow.

AsitwasbecomingperceptiblydifficulttobreatheTardosMorsarose,saying,

"Letusbideachotherfarewell.ThedaysofthegreatnessofBarsoomareover.Tomorrow'ssunwilllookdownuponadeadworldwhichthroughalleternitymustgoswingingthroughtheheavenspeoplednotevenbymemories.Itistheend."

Hestoopedandkissedthewomenofhisfamily,andlaidhisstronghandupontheshouldersof themen.

AsIturnedsadlyfromhimmyeyesfelluponDejahThoris.Herheadwasdroopinguponherbreast,toallappearancesshewaslifeless.WithacryIsprangtoherandraisedherinmyarms.

Hereyesopenedandlookedintomine.

"Kissme,JohnCarter,"shemurmured."Iloveyou!Iloveyou!Itiscruelthatwemustbetornapartwhowerejuststartinguponalifeofloveandhappiness."

AsIpressedherdearlipstominetheoldfeelingofunconquerablepowerandauthorityroseinme.ThefightingbloodofVirginiasprangtolifeinmyveins.

"Itshallnotbe,myprincess,"Icried."Thereis,theremustbesomeway,andJohnCarter,whohasfoughthiswaythroughastrangeworldforloveofyou,willfindit."

And with my words there crept above the threshold of my conscious mind a series of nine longforgottensounds.Likeaflashoflightninginthedarknesstheirfullpurportdawneduponme—thekeytothethreegreatdoorsoftheatmosphereplant!

TurningsuddenlytowardTardosMorsasIstillclaspedmydyinglovetomybreastIcried.

"Aflier,Jeddak!Quick!Orderyourswiftestfliertothepalacetop.IcansaveBarsoomyet."

Hedidnotwaittoquestion,butinaninstantaguardwasracingtothenearestdockandthoughtheairwasthinandalmostgoneattherooftoptheymanagedtolaunchthefastestone-man,air-scoutmachinethattheskillofBarsoomhadeverproduced.

Kissing Dejah Thoris a dozen times and commanding Woola, who would have followed me, toremainandguardher,Iboundedwithmyoldagilityandstrengthtothehighrampartsofthepalace,andinanothermomentIwasheadedtowardthegoalofthehopesofallBarsoom.

Ihadtoflylowtogetsufficientairtobreathe,butItookastraightcourseacrossanoldseabottomandsohadtoriseonlyafewfeetabovetheground.

Itraveledwithawfulvelocityformyerrandwasaraceagainsttimewithdeath.ThefaceofDejahThorishungalwaysbeforeme.AsIturnedforalastlookasIleftthepalacegardenIhadseenherstaggerandsinkuponthegroundbesidethelittleincubator.Thatshehaddroppedintothelastcomawhichwouldendindeath,iftheairsupplyremainedunreplenished,Iwellknew,andso,throwingcautiontothewinds,I flungoverboardeverythingbut theengineandcompass,even tomyornaments,and lyingonmybellyalongthedeckwithonehandonthesteeringwheelandtheotherpushingthespeedlevertoitslastnotchIsplitthethinairofdyingMarswiththespeedofameteor.

Anhourbeforedarkthegreatwallsoftheatmosphereplantloomedsuddenlybeforeme,andwithasickeningthudIplungedtothegroundbeforethesmalldoorwhichwaswithholdingthesparkoflifefromtheinhabitantsofanentireplanet.

Beside the door a great crew ofmen had been laboring to pierce thewall, but they had scarcelyscratchedtheflint-likesurface,andnowmostofthemlayinthelastsleepfromwhichnotevenairwouldawakenthem.

ConditionsseemedmuchworseherethanatHelium,anditwaswithdifficultythatIbreathedatall.Therewereafewmenstillconscious,andtooneoftheseIspoke.

"IfIcanopenthesedoorsisthereamanwhocanstarttheengines?"Iasked.

"Ican,"hereplied,"ifyouopenquickly.Icanlastbutafewmomentsmore.Butitisuseless,theyarebothdeadandnooneelseuponBarsoomknewthesecretoftheseawfullocks.Forthreedaysmencrazedwithfearhavesurgedaboutthisportalinvainattemptstosolveitsmystery."

Ihadnotimetotalk,IwasbecomingveryweakanditwaswithdifficultythatIcontrolledmymindatall.

But,witha finaleffort,as Isankweakly tomykneesIhurled thenine thoughtwavesat thatawfulthing beforeme. TheMartian had crawled tomy side andwith staring eyes fixed on the single panelbeforeuswewaitedinthesilenceofdeath.

Slowlythemightydoorrecededbeforeus.IattemptedtoriseandfollowitbutIwastooweak.

"Afterit,"Icriedtomycompanion,"andifyoureachthepumproomturnlooseallthepumps.ItistheonlychanceBarsoomhastoexisttomorrow!"

Fromwhere I lay Iopened the seconddoor, and then the third,andas I saw thehopeofBarsoomcrawlingweaklyonhandsandkneesthroughthelastdoorwayIsankunconsciousupontheground.

CHAPTERXXVIII

ATTHEARIZONACAVE

ItwasdarkwhenIopenedmyeyesagain.Strange,stiffgarmentswereuponmybody;garmentsthatcrackedandpowderedawayfrommeasIrosetoasittingposture.

I felt myself over from head to foot and from head to foot I was clothed, though when I fellunconsciousat thelittledoorwayIhadbeennaked.Beforemewasasmallpatchofmoonlitskywhichshowedthrougharaggedaperture.

Asmyhandspassedovermybody they came in contactwith pockets and in oneof these a smallparcelofmatcheswrapped inoiledpaper.Oneof thesematches I struck,and itsdimflame lightedupwhatappearedtobeahugecave,towardthebackofwhichIdiscoveredastrange,stillfigurehuddledovera tinybench.AsIapproachedit Isawthat itwas thedeadandmummifiedremainsofa littleoldwomanwithlongblackhair,andthethingitleanedoverwasasmallcharcoalburneruponwhichrestedaroundcoppervesselcontainingasmallquantityofgreenishpowder.

Behindher, depending from the roof upon rawhide thongs, and stretching entirely across the cave,wasarowofhumanskeletons.Fromthethongwhichheldthemstretchedanothertothedeadhandofthelittleoldwoman;asItouchedthecordtheskeletonsswungtothemotionwithanoiseasoftherustlingofdryleaves.

ItwasamostgrotesqueandhorridtableauandIhastenedoutintothefreshair;gladtoescapefromsogruesomeaplace.

ThesightthatmetmyeyesasIsteppedoutuponasmallledgewhichranbeforetheentranceofthecavefilledmewithconsternation.

Anewheavenandanewlandscapemetmygaze.Thesilveredmountainsinthedistance,thealmoststationarymoonhanginginthesky,thecacti-studdedvalleybelowmewerenotofMars.Icouldscarcebelievemyeyes,butthetruthslowlyforceditselfuponme—IwaslookinguponArizonafromthesameledgefromwhichtenyearsbeforeIhadgazedwithlonginguponMars.

BuryingmyheadinmyarmsIturned,broken,andsorrowful,downthetrailfromthecave.

AbovemeshonetheredeyeofMarsholdingherawfulsecret,forty-eightmillionmilesaway.

DidtheMartianreachthepumproom?Didthevitalizingairreachthepeopleofthatdistantplanetintimetosavethem?WasmyDejahThorisalive,ordidherbeautifulbodyliecoldindeathbesidethetinygoldenincubatorinthesunkengardenoftheinnercourtyardofthepalaceofTardosMors,thejeddakofHelium?

FortenyearsIhavewaitedandprayedforananswertomyquestions.FortenyearsIhavewaitedandprayedtobetakenbacktotheworldofmylostlove.IwouldratherliedeadbesidehertherethanliveonEarthallthosemillionsofterriblemilesfromher.

Theoldmine,whichIfounduntouched,hasmademefabulouslywealthy;butwhatcareIforwealth!

AsIsitheretonightinmylittlestudyoverlookingtheHudson,justtwentyyearshaveelapsedsinceI

firstopenedmyeyesuponMars.

Icanseehershiningintheskythroughthelittlewindowbymydesk,andtonightsheseemscallingtomeagainasshehasnotcalledbeforesincethatlongdeadnight,andIthinkIcansee,acrossthatawfulabyssofspace,abeautifulblack-hairedwomanstandingin thegardenofapalace,andathersideisalittleboywhoputshisarmaroundherasshepointsintotheskytowardtheplanetEarth,whileattheirfeetisahugeandhideouscreaturewithaheartofgold.

Ibelievethattheyarewaitingthereforme,andsomethingtellsmethatIshallsoonknow.

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