A Princess of Mars

Sola stared into the brute's wicked-looking eyes, muttered a word or

two of command, pointed to me, and left the chamber. I could not but

wonder what this ferocious-looking monstrosity might do when left alone

in such close proximity to such a relatively tender morsel of meat; but

my fears were groundless, as the beast, after surveying me intently for

a moment, crossed the room to the only exit which led to the street,

and lay down full length across the threshold.

This was my first experience with a Martian watch dog, but it was

destined not to be my last, for this fellow guarded me carefully during

the time I remained a captive among these green men; twice saving my

life, and never voluntarily being away from me a moment.

While Sola was away I took occasion to examine more minutely the room

in which I found myself captive. The mural painting depicted scenes of

rare and wonderful beauty; mountains, rivers, lake, ocean, meadow,

trees and flowers, winding roadways, sun-kissed gardens--scenes which

might have portrayed earthly views but for the different colorings of

the vegetation. The work had evidently been wrought by a master hand,

so subtle the atmosphere, so perfect the technique; yet nowhere was

there a representation of a living animal, either human or brute, by

which I could guess at the likeness of these other and perhaps extinct

denizens of Mars.

While I was allowing my fancy to run riot in wild conjecture on the

possible explanation of the strange anomalies which I had so far met

with on Mars, Sola returned bearing both food and drink. These she

placed on the floor beside me, and seating herself a short ways off

regarded me intently. The food consisted of about a pound of some

solid substance of the consistency of cheese and almost tasteless,

while the liquid was apparently milk from some animal. It was not

unpleasant to the taste, though slightly acid, and I learned in a short

time to prize it very highly. It came, as I later discovered, not from

an animal, as there is only one mammal on Mars and that one very rare

indeed, but from a large plant which grows practically without water,

but seems to distill its plentiful supply of milk from the products of

the soil, the moisture of the air, and the rays of the sun. A single

plant of this species will give eight or ten quarts of milk per day.

After I had eaten I was greatly invigorated, but feeling the need of

rest I stretched out upon the silks and was soon asleep. I must have

slept several hours, as it was dark when I awoke, and I was very cold.

I noticed that someone had thrown a fur over me, but it had become

partially dislodged and in the darkness I could not see to replace it.

Suddenly a hand reached out and pulled the fur over me, shortly

afterwards adding another to my covering.