Presently I realized that we had changed our
course. Then the things, whatever they were that assailed me, overpowered me
bynumbers. We shall be so out of proportion in size to anything that wemay find
there. I am sure that you are right, Zanda, I said. Please stay on board, pleaded
Jat Or solicitiously; but Zanda onlyshook her head.
We are going to put the speed of Fal Sivass motor
to a test, Ireplied. That statement is a little misleading, said Zanda. My mind was
thus occupied when I was halted before a door.
The room was gorgeous, almost barbaric in its
decoration. It looks as though our adventure on Thuria might be short-lived, hesaid.
My earthly muscles quickly brought me to Zandas side. Perhaps she thinks it is love,
I said, but it is only gratitude.
I will prepare it, master, and serve you in the
cabin, she said.
For want of a better word, I may describe the
figure that I saw as thatof a man; but what a man! Then the invisible menace dragged
me through the doorway into theinterior of the castle. No, I said; you must do as I
say and remain on thisship.
How in the name of our first ancestor are we going
to catchher? The moment that Jat Or cameaboard, I directed the brain to head for
Thuria at full speed.
Ifshe knew who I were, even her gratitude would be
turned to hate. And you think the mechanical brain has reasoned that
out?
A world thatno earthman nor any Barsoomian had ever
visited. Set your destination compass on Helium, and open your throttle to
halfspeed. Your deductions are faultless, replied Jat Or, but where are
thepeople?
I want to be your slave, Vandor, she said, and then
in a very lowvoice, I love you. Later on, I called Jat Or and lay down myself to
rest.
However, I have known scientists to be mistaken.
But as far as I know, I replied, Gar Nals craft is not so operated.
The moment that Jat Or cameaboard, I directed the
brain to head for Thuria at full speed.
Yes, I replied, after we make disposition of your
flier. Jat Or and I will take care of the fighting.