A Princess of Mars

"And what, think you, may have been the fate of the princess, Dejah

Thoris?" I asked as casually as possible.

"She is dead," he answered. "This much was learned from a green

warrior recently captured by our forces in the south. She escaped from

the hordes of Thark with a strange creature of another world, only to

fall into the hands of the Warhoons. Their thoats were found wandering

upon the sea bottom and evidences of a bloody conflict were discovered

nearby."

While this information was in no way reassuring, neither was it at all

conclusive proof of the death of Dejah Thoris, and so I determined to

make every effort possible to reach Helium as quickly as I could and

carry to Tardos Mors such news of his granddaughter's possible

whereabouts as lay in my power.

Ten days after leaving the three Ptor brothers I arrived at Zodanga.

From the moment that I had come in contact with the red inhabitants of

Mars I had noticed that Woola drew a great amount of unwelcome

attention to me, since the huge brute belonged to a species which is

never domesticated by the red men. Were one to stroll down Broadway

with a Numidian lion at his heels the effect would be somewhat similar

to that which I should have produced had I entered Zodanga with Woola.

The very thought of parting with the faithful fellow caused me so great

regret and genuine sorrow that I put it off until just before we

arrived at the city's gates; but then, finally, it became imperative

that we separate. Had nothing further than my own safety or pleasure

been at stake no argument could have prevailed upon me to turn away the

one creature upon Barsoom that had never failed in a demonstration of

affection and loyalty; but as I would willingly have offered my life in

the service of her in search of whom I was about to challenge the

unknown dangers of this, to me, mysterious city, I could not permit

even Woola's life to threaten the success of my venture, much less his

momentary happiness, for I doubted not he soon would forget me. And so

I bade the poor beast an affectionate farewell, promising him, however,

that if I came through my adventure in safety that in some way I should

find the means to search him out.

He seemed to understand me fully, and when I pointed back in the

direction of Thark he turned sorrowfully away, nor could I bear to

watch him go; but resolutely set my face toward Zodanga and with a

touch of heartsickness approached her frowning walls.

The letter I bore from them gained me immediate entrance to the vast,

walled city. It was still very early in the morning and the streets

were practically deserted. The residences, raised high upon their

metal columns, resembled huge rookeries, while the uprights themselves

presented the appearance of steel tree trunks. The shops as a rule

were not raised from the ground nor were their doors bolted or barred,

since thievery is practically unknown upon Barsoom. Assassination is

the ever-present fear of all Barsoomians, and for this reason alone

their homes are raised high above the ground at night, or in times of

danger.