The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-03-13
XVII


At first we suffered somewhat from the
effects Of the rare atmosphere. II was
so lacking in density that II resembled
the air in the SUBMITS Of the loftiest
terrestrial mountains.
Having reached the foot of the tree IN
safety, we lay down for moment on the
ground to recover ourselves and to become
accustomed TO our new surroundings
A thrill. born half Of wonder half o.
increduity ran through me at the touch
of the soil OF Mars. Here was J.. actuali'
on that planet which had seemed so far
away. so inaccessible and so full OF mys-
teries when view from the earth. And yet,
surrounding me- were things-gigantic. IL
Is true--still resembling and recalling the
familiar sights of my own world.
After a little while our lungs became
accustomed to the rarity of the atmos-
phere and we experienced certain slim
ulation I'm breathing
We then got upon our feet and stepped
out from under the shadow of the gigan-
tic tree. High above we could family see
our electrical ship, gently swaying in the
cir close 10 the tree-top.
There were no electric lights In our i'm
mediate neighborhood. hut We noticed
that the whole surface Of the planet
around Us was cleaning with them. pro-
ducing an effect like the glow of a great
city. seen from distance at night. rhe
glare was family reflected from the vast
dome OF clouds above producing the
general impression of moonlight night
upon the earth.
n was wonderful quiet and beautiful
spot where we had come down. The air
had a delicate feel and "a bracing temper
ature while a soft breeze soughed through
fhe leaves Of the tree above our head.
Not far away was tho bank OF a
canal. hordered by q double row Of I'M
mense outrageous trees.
We approached the canal. and, getting
up the road. turned to the let 10 make
an exploration in that direction. The
shadow OF the trees falling upon the
roadway produced a dense gloom. in the
midst OF which We felt that we should
be safe. unless the Martians had eyes
like those OF cats
As we pushed along. our hearts.
confess. beating a little quickly. a shadow
stirred In front OF us.
Something darker than the night IL.
self approached
As II drew near II assumed the an.
pearance of an enormous dog as III
as an OK. which ran swiftly our way
with threatening motion or its head
Out before IL could even utter a snarl
the whlrr Of Colonel Smiths disintegra.
tor was heard and the creature vanished
IN the shadow.
"Graciousl did you ever see such a
beast?' said the Colonel. why, he was a.
biz as a grizzly"
THE people he belonged to must %
near by" ] said. VERY hKely he was q
watch on guard"
;But j see no signs OF habltation-
True. but you observe there IS a thick
hedge on the side OF the road opposite lht
canal. II we get through that perhaps
We shall catch sight OF something"
Cautiously we pushed our was th'or gt
the hedge. which was composed OF ST RIBS
an large as small trees. ana very hi,s al
the bottom. and. having traversed II
found ourselves in a great neadow-nkt
expanse which might have been a lawn
Al considerable distance. IN tho n.iGsi
OF clumD OF trees. a large building tow.
cred skyward its vans OF some red met
~ gelaming like polished copper in the
sole light that fell from the cloud dome.
There were no lights around the b. lid
Ing Itself. and we saw nothing core.
spending 70 windows on that side which
faced US. but toward the right door was
evidently oben. and out Of this STRAINED a
brilliant shaft OF illumination. which lay
bright Upon the lawn. then crossed The