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The Ocean Capital.
131

sits, for man is linked to the scansorial mammals, or the apes; but the Martians, in rest, lie down, or crouch as lions on the floor. I was presented to my strange host, who was told in a few words my secret. He expressed surprise at a being from our bright world having crossed the vast chasm of space. When I showed him really who I was, and cast off my disguise, he asked me many questions, prefacing that I need only answer him on points which were lawful to be spoken of. He enquired much about the earth also, and entertained me some hours in conversation. Then he gave me his blessing and wished me all success, but bade me most earnestly not to reveal myself, nor to let my secret be detected.

Evening was drawing in, and we went forth again into the busy city streets. The electric lights were shining on every side, and blazing on the rich red foliage and the domes of the houses. At length we came to the water-side. On the green waves there were floating many thousands of large vessels, of graceful shape. My conductor led me to a little ship close by the shore. We alone embarked on it. In a few minutes an electric signal blazed from the prow and we plunged forth on the Delarue Ocean. Soon the lights of the ocean city grew