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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..81dbd6f --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #63523 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/63523) diff --git a/old/63523-h.zip b/old/63523-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 0fc0d38..0000000 --- a/old/63523-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63523-h/63523-h.htm b/old/63523-h/63523-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 2821e26..0000000 --- a/old/63523-h/63523-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,1500 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=us-ascii" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of Coming of the Gods, by Chester Whitehorn. - </title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - - <style type="text/css"> - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1,h2 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; -} - -p { - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; -} - -hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 33.5%; - margin-right: 33.5%; - clear: both; -} - -hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} -hr.tb {width: 45%; margin-left: 27.5%; margin-right: 27.5%;} - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.right {text-align: right;} - -/* Images */ -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; -} - -div.titlepage { - text-align: center; - page-break-before: always; - page-break-after: always; -} - -div.titlepage p { - text-align: center; - text-indent: 0em; - font-weight: bold; - line-height: 1.5; - margin-top: 3em; -} - - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Coming of the Gods, by Chester Whitehorn - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Coming of the Gods - -Author: Chester Whitehorn - -Release Date: October 21, 2020 [EBook #63523] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK COMING OF THE GODS *** - - - - -Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="titlepage"> -<h1>COMING OF THE GODS</h1> - -<h2>By CHESTER WHITEHORN</h2> - -<p>Never had Mars seen such men as these, for they<br /> -came from black space, carrying weird weapons—to<br /> -fight for a race of which they had never heard.</p> - -<p>[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from<br /> -Planet Stories Summer 1945.<br /> -Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that<br /> -the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]</p> - -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p>Ro moved cautiously. He knew the jungles of Mars well, knew the -dangers, the swift death that could come to an unwary traveler. Many -times he had seen fellow Martians die by the razor fangs of Gin, the -swamp snake. Their clear red skin had become blotched and purple, their -eyeballs popped, their faces swollen by the poison that raced through -their veins. And Ro had seen the bones of luckless men vomited from the -mouths of the Droo, the cannibal plants. And others there had been, -some friends of his, who had become game for beasts of prey, or been -swallowed by hungry, sucking pools of quicksand. No, the jungles of -Mars were not to be taken casually, no matter how light in heart one -was at the prospect of seeing home once more.</p> - -<p>Ro was returning from the north. He had seen the great villages of -thatched huts, the strange people who lived in these huts instead of -in caves, and wore coverings on their feet and shining rings in their -ears. And having quenched his curiosity about these people and their -villages, he was satisfied to travel home again.</p> - -<p>He was a man of the world now, weary of exploring and ready to settle -down. He was anxious to see his family again, his father and mother -and all his brothers and sisters; to sit round a fire with them at the -entrance to their cave and tell of the wondrous places he'd visited. -And, most of all, he wanted to see Na, graceful, dark eyed Na, whose -fair face had disturbed his slumber so often, appearing in his dreams -to call him home.</p> - -<p>He breathed a sigh of relief as he reached the jungle's edge. Before -him lay a broad expanse of plain. And far in the distance rose the -great cliffs and the hills that were his home.</p> - -<p>His handsome face broadened into a smile and he quickened his pace to a -trot. There was no need for caution now. The dangers on the plain were -few.</p> - -<p>The sun beat down on his bare head and back. His red skin glistened. -His thick black hair shone healthily.</p> - -<p>Mile after mile fell behind him. His long, well muscled legs carried -him swiftly toward the distant hills. His movements were graceful, -easy, as the loping of Shee, the great cat.</p> - -<p>Then, suddenly, he faltered in his stride. He stopped running and, -shielding his eyes from the sun's glare, stared ahead. There was a -figure running toward him. And behind that first figure, a second gave -chase.</p> - -<p>For a long moment Ro studied the approaching creatures. Then he gasped -in surprise. The pursued was a young woman, a woman he knew. Na! The -pursuer was a squat, ugly rat man, one of the vicious Oan who lived in -the cliffs.</p> - -<p>Ro exclaimed his surprise, then his rage. His handsome face was grim as -he searched the ground with his eyes. When he found what he sought—a -round rock that would fit his palm—he stooped, and snatching up the -missile, he ran forward.</p> - -<p>At great speed, he closed the gap between him and the approaching -figures. He could see the rat man plainly now—his fanged, frothy -mouth; furry face and twitching tail. The Oan, however, was too intent -on his prey to notice Ro at first, and when he did, it was too late. -For the young Martian had let fly with the round stone he carried.</p> - -<p>The Oan squealed in terror and tried to swerve from his course. The -fear of one who sees approaching death was in his movements and his -cry. He had seen many Oan die because of the strength and accuracy in -the red men's arms.</p> - -<p>Despite his frantic contortions, the stone caught him in the side. His -ribs and backbone cracked under the blow. He was dead before he struck -the ground.</p> - -<p>With hardly a glance at his fallen foe, Ro ran on to meet the girl. She -fell into his arms and pressed her cheek to his bare shoulder. Her dark -eyes were wet with gladness. Warm tears ran down Ro's arm.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Finally Na lifted her beautiful head. She looked timidly at Ro, her -face a mask of respect. The young Martian tried to be stern in meeting -her gaze, as was the custom among the men of his tribe when dealing -with women; but he smiled instead.</p> - -<p>"You're home," breathed Na.</p> - -<p>"I have traveled far to the north," answered Ro simply, "and seen many -things. And now I have returned for you."</p> - -<p>"They must have been great things you saw," Na coaxed.</p> - -<p>"Yes, great and many. But that tale can wait. Tell me first how you -came to be playing tag with the Oan."</p> - -<p>Na lowered her eyes.</p> - -<p>"I was caught in the forest below the cliffs. The Oan spied me and I -ran. The chase was long and tiring. I was almost ready to drop when you -appeared."</p> - -<p>"You were alone in the woods!" Ro exclaimed. "Since when do the women -of our tribe travel from the cliffs alone?"</p> - -<p>"Since a long time," she answered sadly. Then she cried. And between -sobs she spoke:</p> - -<p>"Many weeks ago a great noise came out of the sky. We ran to the mouths -of our caves and looked out, and saw a great sphere of shining metal -landing in the valley below. Many colored fire spat from one end of it.</p> - -<p>"The men of our tribe snatched up stones, and holding one in their -hands and one beneath their armpits, they climbed down to battle or -greet our visitors. They had surrounded the sphere and were waiting, -when suddenly an entrance appeared in the metal and two men stepped out.</p> - -<p>"They were strange men indeed; white as the foam on water, and clothed -in strange garb from the neck down, even to coverings on their feet. -They made signs of peace—with one hand only, for they carried -weapons of a sort in the other. And the men of our tribe made the -same one-handed sign of peace, for they would not risk dropping their -stones. Then the white men spoke; but their tongue was strange, and our -men signaled that they could not understand. The white men smiled, and -a great miracle took place. Suddenly to our minds came pictures and -words. The white men spoke with their thoughts.</p> - -<p>"They came from a place called Earth, they said. And they came in -peace. Our men found they could think very hard and answer back with -their own thoughts. And there was much talk and happiness, for friendly -visitors were always welcome.</p> - -<p>"There were two more white ones who came from the sphere. One was a -woman with golden hair, and the other, a man of age, with hair like -silver frost.</p> - -<p>"There was a great feast then, and our men showed their skill at -throwing. Then the white men displayed the power of their strange -weapons by pointing them at a tree and causing flame to leap forth to -burn the wood in two. We were indeed glad they came in peace.</p> - -<p>"That night we asked them to sleep with us in the caves, but they made -camp in the valley instead. The darkness passed swiftly and silently, -and with the dawn we left our caves to rejoin our new friends. But -everywhere a red man showed himself, he cried out and died by the -flame from the white men's weapons.</p> - -<p>"I looked into the valley and saw hundreds of Oan. They had captured -our friends in the night and were using their weapons to attack us. -There was a one-sided battle that lasted three days. Finally, under -cover of night, we were forced to leave the caves. One by one we went, -and those of us who lived still travel alone."</p> - -<p>Ro groaned aloud as Na finished her tale. His homecoming was a meeting -with tragedy, instead of a joyful occasion.</p> - -<p>"What of my father?" he asked hopefully. "He was a great warrior. -Surely he didn't fall to the Oan?"</p> - -<p>"He had no chance to fight," Na answered. "Two of your brothers died -with him on that first morning."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Ro squared his shoulders and set his jaw. He wiped a hint of tears from -his eyes.</p> - -<p>"They shall pay," he murmured, and started off toward the cliffs again.</p> - -<p>Na trailed behind him. Her face was grave with concern.</p> - -<p>"They are very many," she said.</p> - -<p>"Then there will be more to kill," answered Ro without turning.</p> - -<p>"They have the weapons of the white ones."</p> - -<p>"And the white ones, as well. They probably keep them alive to repair -the weapons if they become useless. But when I have slain a few Oan, I -will set the white ones free. They will help me to make more weapons. -Together we will fight the rat men."</p> - -<p>Na smiled. Ro was angry, but anger did not make him blind. He would -make a good mate.</p> - -<p>The sun was setting when the two Martians reached the cliffs. Below -them was the valley in which lay the metal sphere. Ro could see it -dimly outlined in the shadows, as Na had said. A distance away, in -another clearing, he could see many Oan, flitting ghost-like from place -to place.</p> - -<p>There were no fires, for the Oan were more beast than man and feared -flame; but Ro could make out four prone figures. They appeared to -be white blots in the dimness. One had long, golden hair, like spun -sunbeams; another's head was covered with a thatch like a cap of snow -on a mountain peak.</p> - -<p>"You say they came from a place called Earth?" Ro asked Na in wonder.</p> - -<p>"They traveled through space in their 'ship,'" Na answered. "They -called themselves an expedition."</p> - -<p>Ro was silent then. In a short time it would be dark enough to go down -into the valley. When he had rescued the white ones, he would learn -more about them.</p> - -<p>He turned away from the valley to study Na. She was very beautiful. -Her dark eyes seemed to sparkle and her hair shone in the twilight. He -understood why she had crept into his dreams.</p> - -<p>The darkness settled quickly. Soon Ro could barely make out the girl's -features. It was time for him to leave.</p> - -<p>He took a pouch from his waist and shook out a gold arm band. This he -clasped on Na's wrist.</p> - -<p>"All men will know now that you are the mate of Ro," he whispered. And -he kissed her, as was the custom of his tribe when a man took a wife.</p> - -<p>Without another word he disappeared over the edge of the cliff. They -had already made plans for their next meeting. There was no need for a -prolonged farewell. They would be together soon—on the far side of the -cliff—if all went well.</p> - -<p>In his left hand and under his armpit Ro carried stones. They were of a -good weight and would make short work of any Oan who was foolish enough -to cross his path.</p> - -<p>His right arm he kept free for climbing. His fingers found crevices -to hold to in the almost smooth wall. His toes seemed to have eyes to -pierce the darkness in finding footholds.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>The climb was long and dangerous. Ro's skin glistened with sweat. -He had lived in the cliffs all his life, and had made many perilous -climbs, but never one on so dark a night. It seemed an eternity before -he rested at the bottom.</p> - -<p>Feeling his way cautiously, he moved toward the camp. He could sense -the presence of many Oan close by. The hair at the base of his neck -prickled. He prayed he wouldn't be seen. An alarm now would spoil his -plan.</p> - -<p>Ahead of him, he saw a clearing. That would be his destination. On -the far side he would find the white ones. He took the stone from his -armpit and moved on.</p> - -<p>Suddenly he halted. A dim figure approached. It was one of the Oan, a -guard. He was coming straight at Ro. The young Martian shrank back.</p> - -<p>"The rat men have eyes to cut the night." It was a memory of his -mother's voice. She had spoken those words when he was a child, to keep -him from straying too far.</p> - -<p>The Oan was only a few feet away now, but his eyes were not cutting -the night. Ro could see his large ears, hear his twitching tail. In a -moment the beast would stumble over him.</p> - -<p>Like a phantom, Ro arose from his crouch. The rat man was startled, -frozen with fear. Ro drove his right arm around. The stone in his hand -cracked the Oan's skull like an eggshell. Ro caught the body as it -fell, lowered it noiselessly to the ground.</p> - -<p>Breathing more easily, Ro moved on. He reached the edge of the small -clearing without making a sound. Strewn on the ground were shapeless -heaps. They would be the slumbering rat men. Ro suppressed an urge to -spring amongst them and slay them as they slept.</p> - -<p>He lay flat on his stomach and inched his way ahead. It was slow work, -but safer. When a sound reached his ears he drew himself together and -feigned sleep. In the dusk he appeared no different than the others.</p> - -<p>His chest was scratched in a thousand places when he reached the far -side, but he felt no pain. His heart was singing within him. His job -was almost simple now. The difficult part was done.</p> - -<p>Straining his eyes, he caught sight of a golden mass some feet away. -Crouching low, he darted toward it. In a moment his outstretched hands -contacted a soft body. It seemed to shrink from his touch. A tiny gasp -reached his ears.</p> - -<p>"Be still," he thought. He remembered Na's words: '<i>We spoke with our -thoughts.</i>' "Be still. I've come to free you." And then, because it -seemed so futile, he whispered the words aloud.</p> - -<p>Then his mind seemed to grow light, as though someone was sharing the -weight of his brain. An urgent message to hurry—hurry reached him. It -was as though he was <i>feeling</i> words, words spoken in the light, sweet -voice of a girl. Pictures that were not actually pictures entered his -mind. Waves of thought that took no definite form held a plain meaning.</p> - -<p>His groping hands found the girl's arm and moved down to the strips of -hide that bound her wrists. He fumbled impatiently with the heavy knots.</p> - -<p>"Don't move when you are free," he warned the girl as he worked. "I -must release the others first. When all is ready I will give a signal -with my thoughts and you will follow me."</p> - -<p>Once again his mind grew light. The girl's thoughts assured him she -would follow his instructions.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Time passed quickly. To Ro, it seemed that his fingers were all thumbs. -His breathing was heavy as he struggled with the knots. But finally the -golden-haired girl was free.</p> - -<p>Ro was more confident as he moved to untie the others. He worked more -easily as each came free and he started on the next.</p> - -<p>When they were ready, Ro signaled the four white people to follow him. -They rose quietly and trailed him into the woods. The girl whispered -something to one of the men. Ro turned and glared at her through the -shadows.</p> - -<p>The progress they made was slow, but gradually the distance between -them and Oan camp grew. Ro increased his pace when silence was no -longer necessary. The four white people stumbled ahead more quickly.</p> - -<p>"We journey out of the valley and around the face of the cliffs," Ro -told them. "After a short while, we will meet Na."</p> - -<p>"Who is Na?" asked the girl.</p> - -<p>"She is the one I have chosen for my mate," Ro answered.</p> - -<p>The white girl was silent. They traveled quite a distance without -communicating. Each was busy with his own thoughts.</p> - -<p>Finally the man with the silver hair asked, "Why did you risk your life -to rescue us?"</p> - -<p>"With your help I will avenge the death of my father and brothers and -the men of my tribe."</p> - -<p>He stopped walking and stared around him for a landmark. They had -traveled far along the foot of the cliff. According to the plan Na -should have met them minutes ago.</p> - -<p>Then he gave a glad cry. Squinting ahead he saw an approaching figure. -It was—His cry took on a note of alarm. The figure was bent low -under the weight of a burden. It was a rat man, and slung across his -shoulders was a girl.</p> - -<p>Ro's body tensed and quivered. A low growl issued from deep in his -throat. He charged forward.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/illus.jpg" alt=""/> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p>The Oan saw him coming and straightened, allowing the girl to fall. He -set his twisted legs and bared his fangs. The fur on his back stood out -straight as he prepared to meet the young Martian's attack.</p> - -<p>Ro struck his foe head on. They went down in a frenzied bundle of fury. -The rat man's tail lashed out to twist around Ro's neck. With frantic -strength, Ro tore it away before it could tighten.</p> - -<p>Ignoring the Oan's slashing teeth, the young Martian pounded heavy -fists into his soft stomach. Suddenly shifting his attack, Ro wrapped -his legs around the rat man's waist. His hands caught a furry throat -and tightened.</p> - -<p>Over and over they rolled. The Oan clawed urgently at the Martian's -choking fingers. His chest made strange noises as it pleaded for the -air that would give it life. But Ro's hands were bands of steel, -tightening, ever tightening their deadly grip.</p> - -<p>Then, as suddenly as it had started, it was over. The rat man quivered -and lay still.</p> - -<p>Ro dismounted the limp body. His face wore a wildly triumphant -expression. It changed as he remembered the girl. He ran to her side.</p> - -<p>Na was just opening her eyes. She stared around her fearfully, then -smiled as she recognized Ro. The young Martian breathed a sigh of -relief.</p> - -<p>Na turned her head and saw the body of the rat man. She shuddered.</p> - -<p>"I was coming down the side of the mountain," she said. "I saw him -standing at the foot. The shadows were deceiving. I thought it was you. -It wasn't until too late that I discovered my mistake."</p> - -<p>Ro gathered the girl in his arms. He spoke softly to her to help her -forget.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>When she had recovered from her shock, the small group traveled on. Ro -led them about a mile further along the base of the cliff, then up, to -a cleverly concealed cave.</p> - -<p>"We will stay here," he told the others, "until we are ready to attack -the Oan."</p> - -<p>"But there are only six of us," one of the white men protested. "There -are hundreds of the beasts. We wouldn't have a chance."</p> - -<p>Ro smiled.</p> - -<p>"We will speak of that when it is dawn again," he said with his -thoughts. "Now we must rest."</p> - -<p>He sat in a corner of the cave and leaned back against the wall. His -eyes were half shut and he pretended to doze. Actually he was studying -the white ones.</p> - -<p>The man with the silver hair seemed very old and weak, but very wise. -The other men had hair as black as any Martian's, but their skin was -pure white. They were handsome, Ro thought, in a barbaric sort of way. -One was lean and determined, the other, equally determined, but stouter -and less impressive. Ro then centered his attention on the girl. Her -golden hair gleamed proudly, even in the dusk. She was very beautiful, -almost as lovely as Na.</p> - -<p>"Tell me," he asked suddenly, "where is this strange place you come -from? And how is it that you can speak and cause others to speak with -their minds?"</p> - -<p>It was the old man who answered.</p> - -<p>"We come from a place called Earth, many millions of miles away -through space. My daughter, Charlotte, my two assistants, Carlson—" -the lean man nodded—"Grimm—" the stouter man acknowledged the -introduction—"and myself are an expedition. We came here to Mars to -study."</p> - -<p>Ro introduced himself and Na.</p> - -<p>"What manner of a place is this Earth?" he asked, after the formalities.</p> - -<p>"Our part of Earth, America, is a great country. Our cities are built -of steel and stone, and we travel about in space boats. Now tell me, -what is it like here on Mars? Surely the whole planet isn't wilderness. -What year is it?"</p> - -<p>"You have seen what it is like here," Ro answered. "As for 'year,' I -don't understand."</p> - -<p>"A year is a measure of time," the old man explained. "When we left -Earth it was the year twenty-two hundred."</p> - -<p>"We have nothing like that here," said Ro, still puzzled. "But tell me, -about this speaking with the mind. Perhaps I shall understand that."</p> - -<p>"It's simple telepathy. We have mastered the science on Earth. It takes -study from childhood, but once you have mastered the art, it is quite -simple to transmit or receive thoughts from anyone. A mere matter of -concentration. We—who speak different tongues—understand each other -because of action we have in mind as we speak. We want the other to -walk, we think of the other walking. A picture is transmitted and -understood. It is a message in a Universal language."</p> - -<p>Ro sighed.</p> - -<p>"I am afraid we are very backward here on Mars," he said wearily. "I -would like to learn more, but we must sleep now. Tomorrow will be a -very busy day."</p> - -<p>Ro slipped his arm about Na's shoulder and drew her closer. With their -heads together they slept.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Ro awakened with the dawn. He was startled to find that Na had left his -side. He rose quickly and strode to the mouth of the cave.</p> - -<p>Na met him at the entrance. She was returning from a clump of trees -a short distance away. Her arms were loaded with Manno, the fruit of -Mars, and clusters of wild berries and grapes.</p> - -<p>"You see," she said, "I will make you a good mate. Our table will be -well provided for."</p> - -<p>"You will make no mate at all," Ro said sternly, "and there will be no -table if you wander off. Your next meeting with the Oan may not be so -fortunate."</p> - -<p>He glared at her for a moment, then smiled and helped her with her -burden.</p> - -<p>The others in the cave awakened. Ro noticed that Charlotte had slept -beside Carlson, but moved away shyly now that it was daylight. He -noticed, too, that Grimm was seeing the same thing and seemed annoyed.</p> - -<p>Ro smiled. These young white men were no different than Martians where -a girl was concerned.</p> - -<p>When they had finished breakfast, they sat around the floor of the cave -and spoke.</p> - -<p>It was Carlson who asked, "How do you expect the six of us to attack -the rat men?"</p> - -<p>"The Oan are cowards," Ro answered. "They are brave only because they -have your weapons. But now that you are free, you can make more of -these sticks that shoot fire."</p> - -<p>Grimm laughed.</p> - -<p>"It takes intricate machinery to construct a ray gun," he said. "Here -in this wilderness we have sticks and stones to work with."</p> - -<p>Ro sprang to his feet to tower above the man. His handsome face was -twisted in anger.</p> - -<p>"You're lying," he shouted aloud, forgetting that the white man -couldn't understand his words. "You're lying because you are afraid. -You refuse to help me avenge my people because you are more of a coward -than the Oan."</p> - -<p>Grimm climbed to his feet and backed away. Ro advanced on him, his -fists clenched.</p> - -<p>The old man also rose. He placed a restraining hand on Ro's arm.</p> - -<p>"He's lying," said Ro with his thoughts.</p> - -<p>"Tell him I'm speaking the truth, professor," said Grimm aloud.</p> - -<p>The professor repeated Grimm's words with his thoughts. "It would be -impossible to make new guns here," he said. "But there is another way. -I have thought about it all night."</p> - -<p>Ro turned quickly.</p> - -<p>"What is it?" he demanded.</p> - -<p>"The space sphere. There are weapons on our ship that are greater -than ray guns. With those we could defeat the rat men." The professor -shrugged, turned away. "But how could we get into the ship? It is too -well guarded."</p> - -<p>Ro fell silent. He walked to the mouth of the cave and stared out. When -he turned back to the others, his attention was centered on Na.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps the attraction you seem to hold for the Oan can be put to -good use," he said aloud. "The sphere is a distance away from the Oan -camp. All of the rat men cannot be guarding it. Perhaps, by revealing -yourself, you can lure the guards away from their post."</p> - -<p>He repeated his plan to the others.</p> - -<p>"But they'll kill her," gasped Charlotte.</p> - -<p>"She will be a woman alone," said Ro. "The Oan prefer to capture women -when they can."</p> - -<p>"Then she'll be captured," the professor said. "It's much too risky."</p> - -<p>Ro laughed.</p> - -<p>"Do you think I will let her go alone? I will be close by. Na can lead -the rat men through a narrow part of the valley. I will be above on the -cliffs, waiting to pelt them with stones. Carlson or Grimm can be with -me to roll an avalanche of rocks on their heads.</p> - -<p>"In the meantime, you can take over the unguarded sphere. The rest will -be easy."</p> - -<p>The professor smacked his fist into his palm.</p> - -<p>"It might work at that. Grimm can go with you. Carlson and Charlotte -will go with me."</p> - -<p>"Why me?" Grimm demanded. "Why not Carlson? Or are you saving him for -your daughter?"</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Carlson grabbed Grimm by the shoulder and spun him around. He drove a -hard fist into the stout man's face.</p> - -<p>Grimm stumbled backward. He fell at the cave's entrance. His hand, -sprawled behind him to stop his fall, closed over a rock. He flung it -at Carlson from a sitting position. It caught Carlson in the shoulder.</p> - -<p>Gritting his teeth, Carlson charged at Grimm. But Ro moved more -swiftly. He caught the white man and forced him back.</p> - -<p>"This is no time for fighting," he said. "When the Oan are defeated you -can kill each other. But not until then."</p> - -<p>Grimm brushed himself off as he got to his feet</p> - -<p>"Okay," he sneered. "I'll go with the red man. But when we meet again, -it will be a different story."</p> - -<p>Carlson turned to Ro.</p> - -<p>"I'll go with you," he said. "Grimm can go with Charlotte and the -professor."</p> - -<p>When they had detailed their plan, the party left the cave. Ro led them -into the thickest part of the forest and toward the Oan camp.</p> - -<p>They moved swiftly. Before long they were at the narrow entrance to the -valley. It was about a hundred yards long and twenty feet wide. The -walls of the cliff rose almost straight up on both sides.</p> - -<p>"We leave you here," said Ro to the professor. "Na will lead you to the -sphere. She will remain hidden until you have circled away from her. -Then she will reveal herself."</p> - -<p>Ro looked at Na for a long moment before they parted. He grew very -proud of what he saw. There was no fear in her eyes. Her small chin was -firm.</p> - -<p>He turned to Carlson. The young Earthman was looking at Charlotte in -much the same way.</p> - -<p>"Come on," Ro said. "If we spend the rest of the morning here, the Oan -will try some strategy of their own."</p> - -<p>Carlson seemed to come out of a trance. He swung around to trail Ro up -the sloping part of the mountain. They climbed in silence.</p> - -<p>Once Ro stopped to look down into the valley. But Na and the others -were gone. He felt a pang of regret as he turned to move upward.</p> - -<p>When they had reached the top, he and Carlson set to work piling rocks -and boulders at the edge of the cliff. They chose the point directly -over the narrowest part of the valley. If all went well, the Oan would -be trapped. They would die under a hailstorm of rock.</p> - -<p>"You would have liked a more tender goodbye with Charlotte," Ro said to -Carlson as they worked. "Was it fear of Grimm that prevented it?"</p> - -<p>Carlson straightened. He weighed Ro's words before answering. Finally -he said, "I didn't want to make trouble. It was a bad time, and -senseless, besides. Charlotte and I are planning to be married when we -return to America. It's not as though Grimm was still in the running. -I'm sure he'll see reason when we tell him. It's foolish to be enemies."</p> - -<p>"Why don't you take her for your wife here on Mars? That would end the -trouble completely."</p> - -<p>Carlson seemed surprised.</p> - -<p>"It wouldn't be legal. Who would perform the ceremony?"</p> - -<p>Ro seemed puzzled, then he laughed.</p> - -<p>"Last night I thought that we on Mars are backward. Now I'm not so -sure. When we find our mates here, we take her. There is no one to -speak of 'legal' or 'ceremony.' After all, it's a personal matter. Who -can tell us whether it is 'legal' or not? What better ceremony than a -kiss and a promise?" He bent back to his work chuckling.</p> - -<p>"I could argue the point," Carlson laughed. "I could tell you about a -place called Hollywood. Marriage and divorce is bad enough there. Under -your system, it would really be a mess. But I won't say anything. Here -on Mars your kiss and a promise is probably as binding as any ceremony."</p> - -<p>Ro didn't speak. He didn't concentrate and transmit his thoughts, -but kept them to himself. The pictures he'd received from Carlson -were confusing. The business at hand was more grim and important than -untangling the puzzle.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>They finished their work and seated themselves close to the edge of -the cliff. Carlson was impatient. The inactivity rasped on his nerves. -Ro stared anxiously at the spot where Na would make her appearance. -The waiting was hard for him, too. Pictures of the girl stumbling and -being caught in her chase with the rat men flashed through his mind. -He flinched at what would happen then. It would cost, not only his own -life, but the lives of those who had gone to the sphere.</p> - -<p>Suddenly his fears were wiped away. Na appeared at the point he -watched. She burst from the woods, running swiftly. A few seconds -later, five rat men came into sight. One of them carried a ray gun.</p> - -<p>The running figures looked tiny from the height of the cliff. They -would make very poor targets. But a glance at the narrow point below -reassured Ro. Even if the stones went wild, they would still land in -that small area. There was no chance of their missing.</p> - -<p>Na had entered the narrow strip. She seemed to be tiring. The rat men -gained. Ro bit his lower lip and clutched the stones in his hands more -tightly. Carlson crouched behind the larger rocks and boulders, ready -to roll them over the ledge.</p> - -<p>The rat men entered the pass.</p> - -<p>Na had already passed below and was almost to the end, when she -stumbled. Her head struck the hard ground as she pitched forward and -she lay still.</p> - -<p>Ro's heart leaped in his breast.</p> - -<p>"Now!" he shouted, and let fly with one of his stones.</p> - -<p>The missile left his hand with terrific speed. All the frantic strength -in his arm was behind it. It flew straight to its mark. The Oan -carrying the ray gun dropped like a log.</p> - -<p>Carlson shoved the heaviest boulders off the ledge. He worked -furiously, moving from one to the next. They fell like a thunderclap on -the rat men below.</p> - -<p>But Ro had given the signal too late. Three of the Oan were crushed -under the barrage. But one moved too swiftly. He passed under the -falling stones unharmed and raced toward the fallen Na.</p> - -<p>Ro drew back his arm. His pounding heart made it difficult to aim. The -stone left his hand in a powerful sweep, but went wild.</p> - -<p>The rat man was less than thirty feet from Na. When he reached her it -would be too late.</p> - -<p>Ro snatched up another stone. He forced himself to be calm as he took -deliberate aim. He made the throw smoothly.</p> - -<p>The stone sped from his hand. It streaked down on the racing Oan and -found its mark in the small of his back. The rat man threw up his arms -and collapsed a few feet from his goal.</p> - -<p>Carlson pounded Ro's back jubilantly. The young Martian smiled at the -Earthman's enthusiasm. Then, quieting the elation he felt, he grew -serious.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps our friends have not fared so well," he said with his -thoughts. "If we find that they have succeeded, we will have real cause -to celebrate."</p> - -<p>Carlson sobered.</p> - -<p>"If only they have succeeded," he said aloud. "If Charlotte—"</p> - -<p>Ro couldn't understand the words, but Carlson's feelings were clear. He -could understand that the Earthman would be anxious about Charlotte.</p> - -<p>He placed his hand on Carlson's shoulder in a comradely gesture.</p> - -<p>"I have a feeling that all is well," he said, wondering how true his -thought would prove.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>The two men left the ledge and retraced their steps back to the valley. -When they reached the foot of the cliff, Na was standing there waiting -for them. Ro took her in his arms.</p> - -<p>"My stumbling princess," he sighed. "I don't know how you would exist -without me."</p> - -<p>"I would fare very well," she answered, feigning haughtiness. "I only -get myself in trouble to let you enjoy being a hero."</p> - -<p>A thought transmitted by Carlson interrupted their talk.</p> - -<p>"We must hurry. They may need us." He had retrieved the ray gun the rat -man had carried and was fingering the trigger impatiently. "They have -only two of these now," he said, "but they will do plenty of damage."</p> - -<p>They set off in the direction of the sphere. Ro carried a stone in -either hand, ready for instant use.</p> - -<p>Carlson urged them constantly to hurry. But Ro needed no urging. He led -them at a fast pace through the forest. In a short while they could see -the gleaming sides of the sphere.</p> - -<p>Ro signaled a halt. He moved on alone, cautiously. His eyes strained -ahead for a sign of the enemy, but all was still. Even at the edge of -the clearing, he met silence.</p> - -<p>Then the door to the sphere swung wide. Grimm stepped out, smiling -widely. He waved a greeting.</p> - -<p>Ro called to Na and Carlson and stepped into the clearing.</p> - -<p>Grimm advanced a few steps, still smiling. Then his expression changed -to one of fearful surprise. His eyes were fixed on a spot to Ro's right.</p> - -<p>Ro followed his glance. He saw three rat men standing some thirty feet -away.</p> - -<p>They were half hidden by foliage, but Ro could see that one carried a -ray gun. He was sighting along the barrel, aiming at Grimm.</p> - -<p>Ro drew back the stone in his hand. He knew in that instant, his throw -would be too late.</p> - -<p>Grimm threw up his arms instinctively to ward off the burning death he -expected.</p> - -<p>But the rat man never fired. A lance of flame seared past Ro from -behind him. The rat man holding the gun screamed in pain as the charge -burned into his chest. He fell forward.</p> - -<p>Ro released the rock in his hand, but it went wild. The remaining rat -men fled.</p> - -<p>Ro turned to find Carlson holding a smoking gun.</p> - -<p>"Lucky I happened to pick this up back there," the Earthman said.</p> - -<p>"Very lucky," said Ro. "For Grimm's sake."</p> - -<p>"Into the sphere," Grimm called. "Those other two will be bringing the -whole tribe back."</p> - -<p>Carlson retrieved the dead rat man's ray gun. Ro ushered Na across the -clearing to the door of the sphere. Na hesitated a bit, then entered -reluctantly. Ro followed, then Grimm and finally Carlson.</p> - -<p>"I guess I owe my life to you," Grimm said, as Carlson closed the door. -"And I owe you an apology for the way I acted this morning. I didn't -understand how it was between you and Charlotte. She explained. It was -quite a shock, but I guess I'll live. Apology accepted?"</p> - -<p>He extended his hand.</p> - -<p>Carlson took it sheepishly.</p> - -<p>"Tell me," Ro interrupted, "did you meet any rat men when you took the -sphere?"</p> - -<p>Grimm shook his head.</p> - -<p>"Those three just now are the first we've seen since we left you. When -we got here the place was deserted. We—"</p> - -<p>A cry from another section of the sphere made them turn. It was the -professor's voice.</p> - -<p>"Here they come," he shouted. "Hundreds of them."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Carlson and Grimm dashed through a doorway in the direction of the -cry. Ro followed, entering a spacious room. He was taken back by the -intricate machinery he saw. There were countless numbers of dials and -levers, gauges and indicators.</p> - -<p>Carlson and Grimm took their places at tiny portholes. Ro found an -unoccupied post and peered out. He saw a mass of grey bodies charging -toward the sphere. There were more rat men than he'd ever seen at one -time before. They seemed to be climbing over one another as they raced -from the forest.</p> - -<p>A sudden whirring of machinery within the sphere caused Ro to turn from -the porthole. The three Earthmen were working levers and twisting dials -frantically. Additional portholes appeared in the sides of the sphere. -Long tubes rose on folding legs from the floor and slid through the -openings.</p> - -<p>"Take aim," the professor shouted in a commanding voice.</p> - -<p>The whirring within the sphere grew louder. The floor seemed to quiver -underfoot as giant motors generated energy.</p> - -<p>"Fire!"</p> - -<p>The entire sphere shuddered. Earthquaking explosions sounded outside as -charges of force left the tubes to expel their power on the grey mass -in the clearing.</p> - -<p>Charge after charge was poured into the attacking rat men.</p> - -<p>Ro leaped back to the porthole. He saw giant craters opening in the -ground. Hoarse screams of pain and terror reached his ears. Scores of -Oan were literally torn apart. Others disappeared completely. Those of -the attackers who lived retreated in disorder. Ro noticed that one of -the retreating Oan carried a ray gun.</p> - -<p>"Cease fire," shouted the professor.</p> - -<p>Carlson and Grimm turned from their guns laughing.</p> - -<p>"They won't be back," chuckled Grimm. "They'll keep running for a week."</p> - -<p>Ro moved silently to the post Carlson had occupied. He picked up the -ray gun the Earthman had laid aside.</p> - -<p>"What do you want with that?" asked the professor. "The battle is over. -There won't be any use for ray guns now. We've beaten them."</p> - -<p>"How does it work?" Ro asked grimly. His face was hard with -determination.</p> - -<p>The professor was puzzled, but explained the workings of the gun. He -finished his explanation with, "But why?"</p> - -<p>Ro walked to the door.</p> - -<p>"The Oan still have a gun," he said. "When you are gone, they will -return to use it on my people. That must not happen."</p> - -<p>He said no more, but left the room. Na and the others heard the door of -the sphere open and slam shut.</p> - -<p>Carlson was the first to recover his wits.</p> - -<p>"Come on," he said. "He may need help."</p> - -<p>The three Earthmen armed themselves and left the ship. They saw Ro -disappear into the wood and took after him.</p> - -<p>Ro moved swiftly and silently. He slipped through the underbrush like -an elusive phantom.</p> - -<p>Some distance from the sphere he saw a grey shadow running ahead of -him. He drew a bead on the creature and fired. A feeling of power -surged through him as the rat man screamed and died.</p> - -<p>He ran on.</p> - -<p>Minutes passed before he saw the second Oan. The furry beast died a -flaming death without uttering a sound.</p> - -<p>Ahead of him, Ro saw a clearing. Instinctively he swerved from his -course to circle it. He had gone halfway around, when his eyes -caught sight of a twisted, grey body perched on a limb overlooking -the clearing. It was the rat man he sought—the one with the ray -gun, crouching there, waiting for Ro to step unsuspectingly into the -clearing.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Ro chuckled as he caught the Oan in his sights. He pulled the trigger. -Fire seared from the muzzle of the gun.</p> - -<p>The rat man screamed wildly. He crashed down from the tree, leaving a -trail of broken limbs in his wake. His body struck the ground with a -dull thud, thrashed hopelessly for a few seconds, then lay still.</p> - -<p>Ro laughed aloud and stepped into the clearing. He was still laughing -when the three Earthmen came upon the scene.</p> - -<p>"You should have seen the fool," Ro said. "Perched up there, waiting -for me. What kind of a woodsman did he think I was?"</p> - -<p>He stooped and lifted the Oan's gun. His face grew grave as he did so. -When he came erect, he was covering the white men.</p> - -<p>"Hold your weapons above your heads," he ordered.</p> - -<p>The Earthmen obeyed, puzzled frowns creasing their faces.</p> - -<p>"Now back to the sphere," Ro instructed.</p> - -<p>Marching in single file they returned to the metal ship. Ro signaled -them to halt then and called to Na. She came into the clearing and -stood at his side.</p> - -<p>"All right, into the sphere. All of you."</p> - -<p>"But why?" the professor protested. "What have we done? We're your -friends."</p> - -<p>"Do as I say," Ro shouted nervously. Then translated his words into the -thoughts.</p> - -<p>The professor obeyed, then Grimm. Carlson was the last to enter. Ro -walked to the door behind him.</p> - -<p>"Take these guns with you," he said, as the young Earthman entered the -ship. "We will not need them here. My people will return to their homes -now and all will be as it was."</p> - -<p>"I understand," said Carlson. "There is no place for us here. We have -brought nothing but trouble." He extended his hand. "I'm sorry."</p> - -<p>Ro accepted the Earthman's gesture of friendship. He held the white -hand in his firmly.</p> - -<p>"You are a good friend," he said quietly. "Perhaps some day my people -will grow up. Perhaps you will come again and we will meet you on equal -terms. But now, our primitiveness, your science—there can be nothing -but trouble. Make the others understand that. I will always remember -you as friends. I wouldn't want our parting to be in anger."</p> - -<p>"They will understand, Ro."</p> - -<p>The Earthman closed the ship's door slowly.</p> - -<p>Ro walked away from the sphere. He stood at the edge of the clearing, -his arm about Na's shoulder, and watched the many colored fire spit -from the rear of the ship. He and Na waved as the great mass of -metal from another world left the ground. They waved until their -white-skinned visitors had disappeared.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps they will come again, when our people have grown up," Ro -whispered sadly.</p> - -<p>There was a hint of tears in his eyes.</p> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Coming of the Gods, by Chester Whitehorn - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK COMING OF THE GODS *** - -***** This file should be named 63523-h.htm or 63523-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/3/5/2/63523/ - -Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Coming of the Gods - -Author: Chester Whitehorn - -Release Date: October 21, 2020 [EBook #63523] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK COMING OF THE GODS *** - - - - -Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - - COMING OF THE GODS - - By CHESTER WHITEHORN - - Never had Mars seen such men as these, for they - came from black space, carrying weird weapons--to - fight for a race of which they had never heard. - - [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from - Planet Stories Summer 1945. - Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that - the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] - - -Ro moved cautiously. He knew the jungles of Mars well, knew the -dangers, the swift death that could come to an unwary traveler. Many -times he had seen fellow Martians die by the razor fangs of Gin, the -swamp snake. Their clear red skin had become blotched and purple, their -eyeballs popped, their faces swollen by the poison that raced through -their veins. And Ro had seen the bones of luckless men vomited from the -mouths of the Droo, the cannibal plants. And others there had been, -some friends of his, who had become game for beasts of prey, or been -swallowed by hungry, sucking pools of quicksand. No, the jungles of -Mars were not to be taken casually, no matter how light in heart one -was at the prospect of seeing home once more. - -Ro was returning from the north. He had seen the great villages of -thatched huts, the strange people who lived in these huts instead of -in caves, and wore coverings on their feet and shining rings in their -ears. And having quenched his curiosity about these people and their -villages, he was satisfied to travel home again. - -He was a man of the world now, weary of exploring and ready to settle -down. He was anxious to see his family again, his father and mother -and all his brothers and sisters; to sit round a fire with them at the -entrance to their cave and tell of the wondrous places he'd visited. -And, most of all, he wanted to see Na, graceful, dark eyed Na, whose -fair face had disturbed his slumber so often, appearing in his dreams -to call him home. - -He breathed a sigh of relief as he reached the jungle's edge. Before -him lay a broad expanse of plain. And far in the distance rose the -great cliffs and the hills that were his home. - -His handsome face broadened into a smile and he quickened his pace to a -trot. There was no need for caution now. The dangers on the plain were -few. - -The sun beat down on his bare head and back. His red skin glistened. -His thick black hair shone healthily. - -Mile after mile fell behind him. His long, well muscled legs carried -him swiftly toward the distant hills. His movements were graceful, -easy, as the loping of Shee, the great cat. - -Then, suddenly, he faltered in his stride. He stopped running and, -shielding his eyes from the sun's glare, stared ahead. There was a -figure running toward him. And behind that first figure, a second gave -chase. - -For a long moment Ro studied the approaching creatures. Then he gasped -in surprise. The pursued was a young woman, a woman he knew. Na! The -pursuer was a squat, ugly rat man, one of the vicious Oan who lived in -the cliffs. - -Ro exclaimed his surprise, then his rage. His handsome face was grim as -he searched the ground with his eyes. When he found what he sought--a -round rock that would fit his palm--he stooped, and snatching up the -missile, he ran forward. - -At great speed, he closed the gap between him and the approaching -figures. He could see the rat man plainly now--his fanged, frothy -mouth; furry face and twitching tail. The Oan, however, was too intent -on his prey to notice Ro at first, and when he did, it was too late. -For the young Martian had let fly with the round stone he carried. - -The Oan squealed in terror and tried to swerve from his course. The -fear of one who sees approaching death was in his movements and his -cry. He had seen many Oan die because of the strength and accuracy in -the red men's arms. - -Despite his frantic contortions, the stone caught him in the side. His -ribs and backbone cracked under the blow. He was dead before he struck -the ground. - -With hardly a glance at his fallen foe, Ro ran on to meet the girl. She -fell into his arms and pressed her cheek to his bare shoulder. Her dark -eyes were wet with gladness. Warm tears ran down Ro's arm. - - * * * * * - -Finally Na lifted her beautiful head. She looked timidly at Ro, her -face a mask of respect. The young Martian tried to be stern in meeting -her gaze, as was the custom among the men of his tribe when dealing -with women; but he smiled instead. - -"You're home," breathed Na. - -"I have traveled far to the north," answered Ro simply, "and seen many -things. And now I have returned for you." - -"They must have been great things you saw," Na coaxed. - -"Yes, great and many. But that tale can wait. Tell me first how you -came to be playing tag with the Oan." - -Na lowered her eyes. - -"I was caught in the forest below the cliffs. The Oan spied me and I -ran. The chase was long and tiring. I was almost ready to drop when you -appeared." - -"You were alone in the woods!" Ro exclaimed. "Since when do the women -of our tribe travel from the cliffs alone?" - -"Since a long time," she answered sadly. Then she cried. And between -sobs she spoke: - -"Many weeks ago a great noise came out of the sky. We ran to the mouths -of our caves and looked out, and saw a great sphere of shining metal -landing in the valley below. Many colored fire spat from one end of it. - -"The men of our tribe snatched up stones, and holding one in their -hands and one beneath their armpits, they climbed down to battle or -greet our visitors. They had surrounded the sphere and were waiting, -when suddenly an entrance appeared in the metal and two men stepped out. - -"They were strange men indeed; white as the foam on water, and clothed -in strange garb from the neck down, even to coverings on their feet. -They made signs of peace--with one hand only, for they carried -weapons of a sort in the other. And the men of our tribe made the -same one-handed sign of peace, for they would not risk dropping their -stones. Then the white men spoke; but their tongue was strange, and our -men signaled that they could not understand. The white men smiled, and -a great miracle took place. Suddenly to our minds came pictures and -words. The white men spoke with their thoughts. - -"They came from a place called Earth, they said. And they came in -peace. Our men found they could think very hard and answer back with -their own thoughts. And there was much talk and happiness, for friendly -visitors were always welcome. - -"There were two more white ones who came from the sphere. One was a -woman with golden hair, and the other, a man of age, with hair like -silver frost. - -"There was a great feast then, and our men showed their skill at -throwing. Then the white men displayed the power of their strange -weapons by pointing them at a tree and causing flame to leap forth to -burn the wood in two. We were indeed glad they came in peace. - -"That night we asked them to sleep with us in the caves, but they made -camp in the valley instead. The darkness passed swiftly and silently, -and with the dawn we left our caves to rejoin our new friends. But -everywhere a red man showed himself, he cried out and died by the -flame from the white men's weapons. - -"I looked into the valley and saw hundreds of Oan. They had captured -our friends in the night and were using their weapons to attack us. -There was a one-sided battle that lasted three days. Finally, under -cover of night, we were forced to leave the caves. One by one we went, -and those of us who lived still travel alone." - -Ro groaned aloud as Na finished her tale. His homecoming was a meeting -with tragedy, instead of a joyful occasion. - -"What of my father?" he asked hopefully. "He was a great warrior. -Surely he didn't fall to the Oan?" - -"He had no chance to fight," Na answered. "Two of your brothers died -with him on that first morning." - - * * * * * - -Ro squared his shoulders and set his jaw. He wiped a hint of tears from -his eyes. - -"They shall pay," he murmured, and started off toward the cliffs again. - -Na trailed behind him. Her face was grave with concern. - -"They are very many," she said. - -"Then there will be more to kill," answered Ro without turning. - -"They have the weapons of the white ones." - -"And the white ones, as well. They probably keep them alive to repair -the weapons if they become useless. But when I have slain a few Oan, I -will set the white ones free. They will help me to make more weapons. -Together we will fight the rat men." - -Na smiled. Ro was angry, but anger did not make him blind. He would -make a good mate. - -The sun was setting when the two Martians reached the cliffs. Below -them was the valley in which lay the metal sphere. Ro could see it -dimly outlined in the shadows, as Na had said. A distance away, in -another clearing, he could see many Oan, flitting ghost-like from place -to place. - -There were no fires, for the Oan were more beast than man and feared -flame; but Ro could make out four prone figures. They appeared to -be white blots in the dimness. One had long, golden hair, like spun -sunbeams; another's head was covered with a thatch like a cap of snow -on a mountain peak. - -"You say they came from a place called Earth?" Ro asked Na in wonder. - -"They traveled through space in their 'ship,'" Na answered. "They -called themselves an expedition." - -Ro was silent then. In a short time it would be dark enough to go down -into the valley. When he had rescued the white ones, he would learn -more about them. - -He turned away from the valley to study Na. She was very beautiful. -Her dark eyes seemed to sparkle and her hair shone in the twilight. He -understood why she had crept into his dreams. - -The darkness settled quickly. Soon Ro could barely make out the girl's -features. It was time for him to leave. - -He took a pouch from his waist and shook out a gold arm band. This he -clasped on Na's wrist. - -"All men will know now that you are the mate of Ro," he whispered. And -he kissed her, as was the custom of his tribe when a man took a wife. - -Without another word he disappeared over the edge of the cliff. They -had already made plans for their next meeting. There was no need for a -prolonged farewell. They would be together soon--on the far side of the -cliff--if all went well. - -In his left hand and under his armpit Ro carried stones. They were of a -good weight and would make short work of any Oan who was foolish enough -to cross his path. - -His right arm he kept free for climbing. His fingers found crevices -to hold to in the almost smooth wall. His toes seemed to have eyes to -pierce the darkness in finding footholds. - - * * * * * - -The climb was long and dangerous. Ro's skin glistened with sweat. -He had lived in the cliffs all his life, and had made many perilous -climbs, but never one on so dark a night. It seemed an eternity before -he rested at the bottom. - -Feeling his way cautiously, he moved toward the camp. He could sense -the presence of many Oan close by. The hair at the base of his neck -prickled. He prayed he wouldn't be seen. An alarm now would spoil his -plan. - -Ahead of him, he saw a clearing. That would be his destination. On -the far side he would find the white ones. He took the stone from his -armpit and moved on. - -Suddenly he halted. A dim figure approached. It was one of the Oan, a -guard. He was coming straight at Ro. The young Martian shrank back. - -"The rat men have eyes to cut the night." It was a memory of his -mother's voice. She had spoken those words when he was a child, to keep -him from straying too far. - -The Oan was only a few feet away now, but his eyes were not cutting -the night. Ro could see his large ears, hear his twitching tail. In a -moment the beast would stumble over him. - -Like a phantom, Ro arose from his crouch. The rat man was startled, -frozen with fear. Ro drove his right arm around. The stone in his hand -cracked the Oan's skull like an eggshell. Ro caught the body as it -fell, lowered it noiselessly to the ground. - -Breathing more easily, Ro moved on. He reached the edge of the small -clearing without making a sound. Strewn on the ground were shapeless -heaps. They would be the slumbering rat men. Ro suppressed an urge to -spring amongst them and slay them as they slept. - -He lay flat on his stomach and inched his way ahead. It was slow work, -but safer. When a sound reached his ears he drew himself together and -feigned sleep. In the dusk he appeared no different than the others. - -His chest was scratched in a thousand places when he reached the far -side, but he felt no pain. His heart was singing within him. His job -was almost simple now. The difficult part was done. - -Straining his eyes, he caught sight of a golden mass some feet away. -Crouching low, he darted toward it. In a moment his outstretched hands -contacted a soft body. It seemed to shrink from his touch. A tiny gasp -reached his ears. - -"Be still," he thought. He remembered Na's words: '_We spoke with our -thoughts._' "Be still. I've come to free you." And then, because it -seemed so futile, he whispered the words aloud. - -Then his mind seemed to grow light, as though someone was sharing the -weight of his brain. An urgent message to hurry--hurry reached him. It -was as though he was _feeling_ words, words spoken in the light, sweet -voice of a girl. Pictures that were not actually pictures entered his -mind. Waves of thought that took no definite form held a plain meaning. - -His groping hands found the girl's arm and moved down to the strips of -hide that bound her wrists. He fumbled impatiently with the heavy knots. - -"Don't move when you are free," he warned the girl as he worked. "I -must release the others first. When all is ready I will give a signal -with my thoughts and you will follow me." - -Once again his mind grew light. The girl's thoughts assured him she -would follow his instructions. - - * * * * * - -Time passed quickly. To Ro, it seemed that his fingers were all thumbs. -His breathing was heavy as he struggled with the knots. But finally the -golden-haired girl was free. - -Ro was more confident as he moved to untie the others. He worked more -easily as each came free and he started on the next. - -When they were ready, Ro signaled the four white people to follow him. -They rose quietly and trailed him into the woods. The girl whispered -something to one of the men. Ro turned and glared at her through the -shadows. - -The progress they made was slow, but gradually the distance between -them and Oan camp grew. Ro increased his pace when silence was no -longer necessary. The four white people stumbled ahead more quickly. - -"We journey out of the valley and around the face of the cliffs," Ro -told them. "After a short while, we will meet Na." - -"Who is Na?" asked the girl. - -"She is the one I have chosen for my mate," Ro answered. - -The white girl was silent. They traveled quite a distance without -communicating. Each was busy with his own thoughts. - -Finally the man with the silver hair asked, "Why did you risk your life -to rescue us?" - -"With your help I will avenge the death of my father and brothers and -the men of my tribe." - -He stopped walking and stared around him for a landmark. They had -traveled far along the foot of the cliff. According to the plan Na -should have met them minutes ago. - -Then he gave a glad cry. Squinting ahead he saw an approaching figure. -It was--His cry took on a note of alarm. The figure was bent low -under the weight of a burden. It was a rat man, and slung across his -shoulders was a girl. - -Ro's body tensed and quivered. A low growl issued from deep in his -throat. He charged forward. - -The Oan saw him coming and straightened, allowing the girl to fall. He -set his twisted legs and bared his fangs. The fur on his back stood out -straight as he prepared to meet the young Martian's attack. - -Ro struck his foe head on. They went down in a frenzied bundle of fury. -The rat man's tail lashed out to twist around Ro's neck. With frantic -strength, Ro tore it away before it could tighten. - -Ignoring the Oan's slashing teeth, the young Martian pounded heavy -fists into his soft stomach. Suddenly shifting his attack, Ro wrapped -his legs around the rat man's waist. His hands caught a furry throat -and tightened. - -Over and over they rolled. The Oan clawed urgently at the Martian's -choking fingers. His chest made strange noises as it pleaded for the -air that would give it life. But Ro's hands were bands of steel, -tightening, ever tightening their deadly grip. - -Then, as suddenly as it had started, it was over. The rat man quivered -and lay still. - -Ro dismounted the limp body. His face wore a wildly triumphant -expression. It changed as he remembered the girl. He ran to her side. - -Na was just opening her eyes. She stared around her fearfully, then -smiled as she recognized Ro. The young Martian breathed a sigh of -relief. - -Na turned her head and saw the body of the rat man. She shuddered. - -"I was coming down the side of the mountain," she said. "I saw him -standing at the foot. The shadows were deceiving. I thought it was you. -It wasn't until too late that I discovered my mistake." - -Ro gathered the girl in his arms. He spoke softly to her to help her -forget. - - * * * * * - -When she had recovered from her shock, the small group traveled on. Ro -led them about a mile further along the base of the cliff, then up, to -a cleverly concealed cave. - -"We will stay here," he told the others, "until we are ready to attack -the Oan." - -"But there are only six of us," one of the white men protested. "There -are hundreds of the beasts. We wouldn't have a chance." - -Ro smiled. - -"We will speak of that when it is dawn again," he said with his -thoughts. "Now we must rest." - -He sat in a corner of the cave and leaned back against the wall. His -eyes were half shut and he pretended to doze. Actually he was studying -the white ones. - -The man with the silver hair seemed very old and weak, but very wise. -The other men had hair as black as any Martian's, but their skin was -pure white. They were handsome, Ro thought, in a barbaric sort of way. -One was lean and determined, the other, equally determined, but stouter -and less impressive. Ro then centered his attention on the girl. Her -golden hair gleamed proudly, even in the dusk. She was very beautiful, -almost as lovely as Na. - -"Tell me," he asked suddenly, "where is this strange place you come -from? And how is it that you can speak and cause others to speak with -their minds?" - -It was the old man who answered. - -"We come from a place called Earth, many millions of miles away -through space. My daughter, Charlotte, my two assistants, Carlson--" -the lean man nodded--"Grimm--" the stouter man acknowledged the -introduction--"and myself are an expedition. We came here to Mars to -study." - -Ro introduced himself and Na. - -"What manner of a place is this Earth?" he asked, after the formalities. - -"Our part of Earth, America, is a great country. Our cities are built -of steel and stone, and we travel about in space boats. Now tell me, -what is it like here on Mars? Surely the whole planet isn't wilderness. -What year is it?" - -"You have seen what it is like here," Ro answered. "As for 'year,' I -don't understand." - -"A year is a measure of time," the old man explained. "When we left -Earth it was the year twenty-two hundred." - -"We have nothing like that here," said Ro, still puzzled. "But tell me, -about this speaking with the mind. Perhaps I shall understand that." - -"It's simple telepathy. We have mastered the science on Earth. It takes -study from childhood, but once you have mastered the art, it is quite -simple to transmit or receive thoughts from anyone. A mere matter of -concentration. We--who speak different tongues--understand each other -because of action we have in mind as we speak. We want the other to -walk, we think of the other walking. A picture is transmitted and -understood. It is a message in a Universal language." - -Ro sighed. - -"I am afraid we are very backward here on Mars," he said wearily. "I -would like to learn more, but we must sleep now. Tomorrow will be a -very busy day." - -Ro slipped his arm about Na's shoulder and drew her closer. With their -heads together they slept. - - * * * * * - -Ro awakened with the dawn. He was startled to find that Na had left his -side. He rose quickly and strode to the mouth of the cave. - -Na met him at the entrance. She was returning from a clump of trees -a short distance away. Her arms were loaded with Manno, the fruit of -Mars, and clusters of wild berries and grapes. - -"You see," she said, "I will make you a good mate. Our table will be -well provided for." - -"You will make no mate at all," Ro said sternly, "and there will be no -table if you wander off. Your next meeting with the Oan may not be so -fortunate." - -He glared at her for a moment, then smiled and helped her with her -burden. - -The others in the cave awakened. Ro noticed that Charlotte had slept -beside Carlson, but moved away shyly now that it was daylight. He -noticed, too, that Grimm was seeing the same thing and seemed annoyed. - -Ro smiled. These young white men were no different than Martians where -a girl was concerned. - -When they had finished breakfast, they sat around the floor of the cave -and spoke. - -It was Carlson who asked, "How do you expect the six of us to attack -the rat men?" - -"The Oan are cowards," Ro answered. "They are brave only because they -have your weapons. But now that you are free, you can make more of -these sticks that shoot fire." - -Grimm laughed. - -"It takes intricate machinery to construct a ray gun," he said. "Here -in this wilderness we have sticks and stones to work with." - -Ro sprang to his feet to tower above the man. His handsome face was -twisted in anger. - -"You're lying," he shouted aloud, forgetting that the white man -couldn't understand his words. "You're lying because you are afraid. -You refuse to help me avenge my people because you are more of a coward -than the Oan." - -Grimm climbed to his feet and backed away. Ro advanced on him, his -fists clenched. - -The old man also rose. He placed a restraining hand on Ro's arm. - -"He's lying," said Ro with his thoughts. - -"Tell him I'm speaking the truth, professor," said Grimm aloud. - -The professor repeated Grimm's words with his thoughts. "It would be -impossible to make new guns here," he said. "But there is another way. -I have thought about it all night." - -Ro turned quickly. - -"What is it?" he demanded. - -"The space sphere. There are weapons on our ship that are greater -than ray guns. With those we could defeat the rat men." The professor -shrugged, turned away. "But how could we get into the ship? It is too -well guarded." - -Ro fell silent. He walked to the mouth of the cave and stared out. When -he turned back to the others, his attention was centered on Na. - -"Perhaps the attraction you seem to hold for the Oan can be put to -good use," he said aloud. "The sphere is a distance away from the Oan -camp. All of the rat men cannot be guarding it. Perhaps, by revealing -yourself, you can lure the guards away from their post." - -He repeated his plan to the others. - -"But they'll kill her," gasped Charlotte. - -"She will be a woman alone," said Ro. "The Oan prefer to capture women -when they can." - -"Then she'll be captured," the professor said. "It's much too risky." - -Ro laughed. - -"Do you think I will let her go alone? I will be close by. Na can lead -the rat men through a narrow part of the valley. I will be above on the -cliffs, waiting to pelt them with stones. Carlson or Grimm can be with -me to roll an avalanche of rocks on their heads. - -"In the meantime, you can take over the unguarded sphere. The rest will -be easy." - -The professor smacked his fist into his palm. - -"It might work at that. Grimm can go with you. Carlson and Charlotte -will go with me." - -"Why me?" Grimm demanded. "Why not Carlson? Or are you saving him for -your daughter?" - - * * * * * - -Carlson grabbed Grimm by the shoulder and spun him around. He drove a -hard fist into the stout man's face. - -Grimm stumbled backward. He fell at the cave's entrance. His hand, -sprawled behind him to stop his fall, closed over a rock. He flung it -at Carlson from a sitting position. It caught Carlson in the shoulder. - -Gritting his teeth, Carlson charged at Grimm. But Ro moved more -swiftly. He caught the white man and forced him back. - -"This is no time for fighting," he said. "When the Oan are defeated you -can kill each other. But not until then." - -Grimm brushed himself off as he got to his feet - -"Okay," he sneered. "I'll go with the red man. But when we meet again, -it will be a different story." - -Carlson turned to Ro. - -"I'll go with you," he said. "Grimm can go with Charlotte and the -professor." - -When they had detailed their plan, the party left the cave. Ro led them -into the thickest part of the forest and toward the Oan camp. - -They moved swiftly. Before long they were at the narrow entrance to the -valley. It was about a hundred yards long and twenty feet wide. The -walls of the cliff rose almost straight up on both sides. - -"We leave you here," said Ro to the professor. "Na will lead you to the -sphere. She will remain hidden until you have circled away from her. -Then she will reveal herself." - -Ro looked at Na for a long moment before they parted. He grew very -proud of what he saw. There was no fear in her eyes. Her small chin was -firm. - -He turned to Carlson. The young Earthman was looking at Charlotte in -much the same way. - -"Come on," Ro said. "If we spend the rest of the morning here, the Oan -will try some strategy of their own." - -Carlson seemed to come out of a trance. He swung around to trail Ro up -the sloping part of the mountain. They climbed in silence. - -Once Ro stopped to look down into the valley. But Na and the others -were gone. He felt a pang of regret as he turned to move upward. - -When they had reached the top, he and Carlson set to work piling rocks -and boulders at the edge of the cliff. They chose the point directly -over the narrowest part of the valley. If all went well, the Oan would -be trapped. They would die under a hailstorm of rock. - -"You would have liked a more tender goodbye with Charlotte," Ro said to -Carlson as they worked. "Was it fear of Grimm that prevented it?" - -Carlson straightened. He weighed Ro's words before answering. Finally -he said, "I didn't want to make trouble. It was a bad time, and -senseless, besides. Charlotte and I are planning to be married when we -return to America. It's not as though Grimm was still in the running. -I'm sure he'll see reason when we tell him. It's foolish to be enemies." - -"Why don't you take her for your wife here on Mars? That would end the -trouble completely." - -Carlson seemed surprised. - -"It wouldn't be legal. Who would perform the ceremony?" - -Ro seemed puzzled, then he laughed. - -"Last night I thought that we on Mars are backward. Now I'm not so -sure. When we find our mates here, we take her. There is no one to -speak of 'legal' or 'ceremony.' After all, it's a personal matter. Who -can tell us whether it is 'legal' or not? What better ceremony than a -kiss and a promise?" He bent back to his work chuckling. - -"I could argue the point," Carlson laughed. "I could tell you about a -place called Hollywood. Marriage and divorce is bad enough there. Under -your system, it would really be a mess. But I won't say anything. Here -on Mars your kiss and a promise is probably as binding as any ceremony." - -Ro didn't speak. He didn't concentrate and transmit his thoughts, -but kept them to himself. The pictures he'd received from Carlson -were confusing. The business at hand was more grim and important than -untangling the puzzle. - - * * * * * - -They finished their work and seated themselves close to the edge of -the cliff. Carlson was impatient. The inactivity rasped on his nerves. -Ro stared anxiously at the spot where Na would make her appearance. -The waiting was hard for him, too. Pictures of the girl stumbling and -being caught in her chase with the rat men flashed through his mind. -He flinched at what would happen then. It would cost, not only his own -life, but the lives of those who had gone to the sphere. - -Suddenly his fears were wiped away. Na appeared at the point he -watched. She burst from the woods, running swiftly. A few seconds -later, five rat men came into sight. One of them carried a ray gun. - -The running figures looked tiny from the height of the cliff. They -would make very poor targets. But a glance at the narrow point below -reassured Ro. Even if the stones went wild, they would still land in -that small area. There was no chance of their missing. - -Na had entered the narrow strip. She seemed to be tiring. The rat men -gained. Ro bit his lower lip and clutched the stones in his hands more -tightly. Carlson crouched behind the larger rocks and boulders, ready -to roll them over the ledge. - -The rat men entered the pass. - -Na had already passed below and was almost to the end, when she -stumbled. Her head struck the hard ground as she pitched forward and -she lay still. - -Ro's heart leaped in his breast. - -"Now!" he shouted, and let fly with one of his stones. - -The missile left his hand with terrific speed. All the frantic strength -in his arm was behind it. It flew straight to its mark. The Oan -carrying the ray gun dropped like a log. - -Carlson shoved the heaviest boulders off the ledge. He worked -furiously, moving from one to the next. They fell like a thunderclap on -the rat men below. - -But Ro had given the signal too late. Three of the Oan were crushed -under the barrage. But one moved too swiftly. He passed under the -falling stones unharmed and raced toward the fallen Na. - -Ro drew back his arm. His pounding heart made it difficult to aim. The -stone left his hand in a powerful sweep, but went wild. - -The rat man was less than thirty feet from Na. When he reached her it -would be too late. - -Ro snatched up another stone. He forced himself to be calm as he took -deliberate aim. He made the throw smoothly. - -The stone sped from his hand. It streaked down on the racing Oan and -found its mark in the small of his back. The rat man threw up his arms -and collapsed a few feet from his goal. - -Carlson pounded Ro's back jubilantly. The young Martian smiled at the -Earthman's enthusiasm. Then, quieting the elation he felt, he grew -serious. - -"Perhaps our friends have not fared so well," he said with his -thoughts. "If we find that they have succeeded, we will have real cause -to celebrate." - -Carlson sobered. - -"If only they have succeeded," he said aloud. "If Charlotte--" - -Ro couldn't understand the words, but Carlson's feelings were clear. He -could understand that the Earthman would be anxious about Charlotte. - -He placed his hand on Carlson's shoulder in a comradely gesture. - -"I have a feeling that all is well," he said, wondering how true his -thought would prove. - - * * * * * - -The two men left the ledge and retraced their steps back to the valley. -When they reached the foot of the cliff, Na was standing there waiting -for them. Ro took her in his arms. - -"My stumbling princess," he sighed. "I don't know how you would exist -without me." - -"I would fare very well," she answered, feigning haughtiness. "I only -get myself in trouble to let you enjoy being a hero." - -A thought transmitted by Carlson interrupted their talk. - -"We must hurry. They may need us." He had retrieved the ray gun the rat -man had carried and was fingering the trigger impatiently. "They have -only two of these now," he said, "but they will do plenty of damage." - -They set off in the direction of the sphere. Ro carried a stone in -either hand, ready for instant use. - -Carlson urged them constantly to hurry. But Ro needed no urging. He led -them at a fast pace through the forest. In a short while they could see -the gleaming sides of the sphere. - -Ro signaled a halt. He moved on alone, cautiously. His eyes strained -ahead for a sign of the enemy, but all was still. Even at the edge of -the clearing, he met silence. - -Then the door to the sphere swung wide. Grimm stepped out, smiling -widely. He waved a greeting. - -Ro called to Na and Carlson and stepped into the clearing. - -Grimm advanced a few steps, still smiling. Then his expression changed -to one of fearful surprise. His eyes were fixed on a spot to Ro's right. - -Ro followed his glance. He saw three rat men standing some thirty feet -away. - -They were half hidden by foliage, but Ro could see that one carried a -ray gun. He was sighting along the barrel, aiming at Grimm. - -Ro drew back the stone in his hand. He knew in that instant, his throw -would be too late. - -Grimm threw up his arms instinctively to ward off the burning death he -expected. - -But the rat man never fired. A lance of flame seared past Ro from -behind him. The rat man holding the gun screamed in pain as the charge -burned into his chest. He fell forward. - -Ro released the rock in his hand, but it went wild. The remaining rat -men fled. - -Ro turned to find Carlson holding a smoking gun. - -"Lucky I happened to pick this up back there," the Earthman said. - -"Very lucky," said Ro. "For Grimm's sake." - -"Into the sphere," Grimm called. "Those other two will be bringing the -whole tribe back." - -Carlson retrieved the dead rat man's ray gun. Ro ushered Na across the -clearing to the door of the sphere. Na hesitated a bit, then entered -reluctantly. Ro followed, then Grimm and finally Carlson. - -"I guess I owe my life to you," Grimm said, as Carlson closed the door. -"And I owe you an apology for the way I acted this morning. I didn't -understand how it was between you and Charlotte. She explained. It was -quite a shock, but I guess I'll live. Apology accepted?" - -He extended his hand. - -Carlson took it sheepishly. - -"Tell me," Ro interrupted, "did you meet any rat men when you took the -sphere?" - -Grimm shook his head. - -"Those three just now are the first we've seen since we left you. When -we got here the place was deserted. We--" - -A cry from another section of the sphere made them turn. It was the -professor's voice. - -"Here they come," he shouted. "Hundreds of them." - - * * * * * - -Carlson and Grimm dashed through a doorway in the direction of the -cry. Ro followed, entering a spacious room. He was taken back by the -intricate machinery he saw. There were countless numbers of dials and -levers, gauges and indicators. - -Carlson and Grimm took their places at tiny portholes. Ro found an -unoccupied post and peered out. He saw a mass of grey bodies charging -toward the sphere. There were more rat men than he'd ever seen at one -time before. They seemed to be climbing over one another as they raced -from the forest. - -A sudden whirring of machinery within the sphere caused Ro to turn from -the porthole. The three Earthmen were working levers and twisting dials -frantically. Additional portholes appeared in the sides of the sphere. -Long tubes rose on folding legs from the floor and slid through the -openings. - -"Take aim," the professor shouted in a commanding voice. - -The whirring within the sphere grew louder. The floor seemed to quiver -underfoot as giant motors generated energy. - -"Fire!" - -The entire sphere shuddered. Earthquaking explosions sounded outside as -charges of force left the tubes to expel their power on the grey mass -in the clearing. - -Charge after charge was poured into the attacking rat men. - -Ro leaped back to the porthole. He saw giant craters opening in the -ground. Hoarse screams of pain and terror reached his ears. Scores of -Oan were literally torn apart. Others disappeared completely. Those of -the attackers who lived retreated in disorder. Ro noticed that one of -the retreating Oan carried a ray gun. - -"Cease fire," shouted the professor. - -Carlson and Grimm turned from their guns laughing. - -"They won't be back," chuckled Grimm. "They'll keep running for a week." - -Ro moved silently to the post Carlson had occupied. He picked up the -ray gun the Earthman had laid aside. - -"What do you want with that?" asked the professor. "The battle is over. -There won't be any use for ray guns now. We've beaten them." - -"How does it work?" Ro asked grimly. His face was hard with -determination. - -The professor was puzzled, but explained the workings of the gun. He -finished his explanation with, "But why?" - -Ro walked to the door. - -"The Oan still have a gun," he said. "When you are gone, they will -return to use it on my people. That must not happen." - -He said no more, but left the room. Na and the others heard the door of -the sphere open and slam shut. - -Carlson was the first to recover his wits. - -"Come on," he said. "He may need help." - -The three Earthmen armed themselves and left the ship. They saw Ro -disappear into the wood and took after him. - -Ro moved swiftly and silently. He slipped through the underbrush like -an elusive phantom. - -Some distance from the sphere he saw a grey shadow running ahead of -him. He drew a bead on the creature and fired. A feeling of power -surged through him as the rat man screamed and died. - -He ran on. - -Minutes passed before he saw the second Oan. The furry beast died a -flaming death without uttering a sound. - -Ahead of him, Ro saw a clearing. Instinctively he swerved from his -course to circle it. He had gone halfway around, when his eyes -caught sight of a twisted, grey body perched on a limb overlooking -the clearing. It was the rat man he sought--the one with the ray -gun, crouching there, waiting for Ro to step unsuspectingly into the -clearing. - - * * * * * - -Ro chuckled as he caught the Oan in his sights. He pulled the trigger. -Fire seared from the muzzle of the gun. - -The rat man screamed wildly. He crashed down from the tree, leaving a -trail of broken limbs in his wake. His body struck the ground with a -dull thud, thrashed hopelessly for a few seconds, then lay still. - -Ro laughed aloud and stepped into the clearing. He was still laughing -when the three Earthmen came upon the scene. - -"You should have seen the fool," Ro said. "Perched up there, waiting -for me. What kind of a woodsman did he think I was?" - -He stooped and lifted the Oan's gun. His face grew grave as he did so. -When he came erect, he was covering the white men. - -"Hold your weapons above your heads," he ordered. - -The Earthmen obeyed, puzzled frowns creasing their faces. - -"Now back to the sphere," Ro instructed. - -Marching in single file they returned to the metal ship. Ro signaled -them to halt then and called to Na. She came into the clearing and -stood at his side. - -"All right, into the sphere. All of you." - -"But why?" the professor protested. "What have we done? We're your -friends." - -"Do as I say," Ro shouted nervously. Then translated his words into the -thoughts. - -The professor obeyed, then Grimm. Carlson was the last to enter. Ro -walked to the door behind him. - -"Take these guns with you," he said, as the young Earthman entered the -ship. "We will not need them here. My people will return to their homes -now and all will be as it was." - -"I understand," said Carlson. "There is no place for us here. We have -brought nothing but trouble." He extended his hand. "I'm sorry." - -Ro accepted the Earthman's gesture of friendship. He held the white -hand in his firmly. - -"You are a good friend," he said quietly. "Perhaps some day my people -will grow up. Perhaps you will come again and we will meet you on equal -terms. But now, our primitiveness, your science--there can be nothing -but trouble. Make the others understand that. I will always remember -you as friends. I wouldn't want our parting to be in anger." - -"They will understand, Ro." - -The Earthman closed the ship's door slowly. - -Ro walked away from the sphere. He stood at the edge of the clearing, -his arm about Na's shoulder, and watched the many colored fire spit -from the rear of the ship. He and Na waved as the great mass of -metal from another world left the ground. They waved until their -white-skinned visitors had disappeared. - -"Perhaps they will come again, when our people have grown up," Ro -whispered sadly. - -There was a hint of tears in his eyes. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Coming of the Gods, by Chester Whitehorn - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK COMING OF THE GODS *** - -***** This file should be named 63523.txt or 63523.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/3/5/2/63523/ - -Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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