SURPRISE
After landing we checked all of our instruments, noting carefully the
oxygen content of the atmosphere that we might have a record of our
findings for the scientific report we were to make to our government
after returning to the Earth.
However had we had no instrument for testing the atmosphere we would
have taken a chance and got out of the ship because of the territory we
had just flown over and because even here in the sands of the plateau
we can see a sparsely growing plant life clinging very closely to the
ground.
When we first climbed out of the ship it was a little hard for us to
breathe and move about, something like many people on Earth experience
when they go from ocean level up some mountain to an altitude of ten to
fifteen thousand feet. Since our instruments indicated an atmospheric
pressure of slightly under eight pounds, compared to an approximate
pressure of fifteen pounds on Earth, we understood this strangeness and
weren't worried about it. We had partially succeeded in acclimatizing
our bodies during the trip here, so it was only a matter of a few hours
until we regained our physical balance, yet somewhat different than
we have been accustomed to on Earth. We can walk around here without
effort or tiredness. It feels as though we are walking on air; yet we
know we are walking on the firm Moon earth.
From what we can see without closely studying it, the Moon seems to be
made up very much like our Earth. This plateau we are on resembles our
deserts in the summer.
The air is clean, fresh and dry but quite stimulating and we are
getting hungry, just as was our experience whenever we went to the
higher mountains on the Earth. All of us had been so interested as we
neared the Moon that no thought of eating had entered our minds, but
now we have decided to eat in picnic style; take our food outside the
ship where we can sit on the ground while eating and see what goes on
around us here on the Moon.
The sky is clear and cloudless with the sun shining brightly which
makes it rather warm. The only shade we find is made by our ship since
there are no trees growing here. A very gentle breeze is blowing
but not enough to raise any dust. If there are insects they must be
drowsing from the heat of the sun. So far we haven't seen any birds
flying nor any kind of living creatures. In the distance we can see
several mountains towering to different heights towards the sky but
none of them have peaks as we are accustomed to on Earthly mountains.
Instead, these look like rough-cut edges of huge bowls whose outer
sides slope gradually towards us. We know they are the rims of the
craters closest to this plateau on which we have landed, for we saw
them while still in the air as we approached the Moon. We are eager to
get on our way for a closer examination of these bursted Moon bubbles
that have so long mystified the peoples of Earth but before starting
there are a few things that must be done.
An hour or more has elapsed while we have sat here eating and observing
our surroundings. We have eaten a great deal of food, as one most
always does when out on a picnic, yet we don't have that heavy,
stuffed feeling that we would have had after eating such a meal on
Earth. Another fact we became aware of while sitting here eating, our
minds seem to be getting thoughts faster and clearer than they did on
Earth. Maybe this is due to the atmosphere, or maybe it is because
of the peace and quiet here; for some people on Earth have similar
experiences when they spend much time by themselves on the desert or on
some mountain. Yet we have arrived here not too many hours ago and are
getting these reactions.
After checking our fuel supply we are surprised at the small amount
which we have used getting here. At this rate, we should have plenty
of fuel to permit us to make quite a number of trips to various
territories of the Moon too far distant for hiking, and still have a
sufficiency for the return trip home.
Before setting out on our hike to the mountains, Johnny is contacting
the Earth to tell the people there of our findings. He had maintained
radio contact with the Earth during our entire trip and had broken it
only after we had landed; so they knew that we had arrived safely.
Now the Earth is on the air waves and Johnny has a big grin upon his
face. He is telling us that the people on Earth are all very much
excited over our success and there is great rejoicing everywhere. Our
landing on the Moon is the number one story in the newspapers of all
the lands. It is like a serial story to them, with everyone waiting
eagerly for our next report.
The scientists and the government are pleased with our safe arrival
here but now they want to know if we will be able to get our ship into
the air again from here.
While Johnny retains contact with the Earth, Bob starts the ship's
motors and lifts her gracefully into the air.
With great glee Johnny gives this report to his inquirers. Then he goes
on to tell them about our picnic on the ground in the shade of our
ship, what we have seen so far, and of our proposed venture into the
mountains with the hope of exploring some of the craters visible to
Earth.
In response to questioning, he reports our fuel supply, adding that we
have no idea how long we will remain up here since we have now become
adjusted to the atmosphere and believe we can live here as easily as
on the Earth; we have plenty of food with us to last for a long time;
and there are many places we want to visit. He adds that we know there
are some people living close by for we have seen their city and if they
should be friendly with us, we might learn far more about their Moon
home than we had ever hoped to learn. But he assures his listeners that
in time, we shall return home to Earth.
This report finished, Johnny breaks contact with the Earth and we
start on our hike towards the mountains, each of us taking a canteen of
water for drinking and quite a supply of concentrated food for we have
no idea how long we will be gone. In his pocket Dr. Johnston has a very
small instrument with which he can analyze, to a certain extent, any
formations we might find.
As we cross the plateau towards the nearest crater wall, we note that
the surface of the ground consists of sand, glistening white and very
hot. Even though we have on heavy hiking boots we can feel the heat
right through their soles.
After a couple of hours hiking across these hot sands, with
intermittent stops for rest, and without having done any noticeable
climbing, we reach the first crater, a shallow one only about thirty
feet in depth and approximately a half mile across, much like a huge
earthen salad bowl cut in the ground. The structure and rocky formation
surrounding as well as within this crater appear much like lava, as
if it had been made through volcanic eruption. Dr. Johnston who is an
ardent rock hound along with his scientific profession, exclaims in
joyous astonishment that this section of rocky formation is composed
largely of beautiful gems and lava stone. Testing the ground with his
little pocket instrument, he informs us that there are also deposits of
many kinds of rich mineral ore in the sides of this crater.
Climbing down into the crater, we notice a slight difference in the air
but not enough to interfere with our explorers' enthusiasm.
This surely is a mountainous section with crest after crest towering
towards the sky. The strange part is they all look barren of any
growth. There are no trees, grasses or flowers, and no indication of
water dropping over even the highest ledges. Although through our
glasses we can detect a small amount of moss creeping along some of the
crevices; nothing else.
Not far ahead of us lies another mountainous ridge that doesn't seem
too high. We know it, too, is the wall of a crater, maybe larger than
the one we have been in. These crater walls are rough and rocky with a
great deal of lava but the climbing doesn't seem to be difficult. We
scarcely realize that we are climbing. The heat is quite intense but
with a little rest now and then we are able to keep going without much
effort.
Reaching the top we find a narrow ledge beyond which lies another
crater much larger and deeper than the one we left. On climbing down
into this one, we note that the atmosphere here becomes noticeably
stuffier, harder to breathe and very hot the lower we go; while the
formation and consistency of the ground is the same as in the other
crater we explored. In the center of this one is a small inverted cone
formation rising many feet into the air but we are not going over to
it; the air is too stifling to breathe comfortably.
As we examine the ledge surrounding this second crater and the walls
within it, pondering over our findings, so different than we had
expected, we all reach the same conclusion. This section of mountains
and craters has been formed by violent volcanic upheavals instead of
from a meteoric bombardment as we had always thought. It is hot,
uncomfortably so, and dry, but not as hot as we had thought we might
encounter before coming here. We could never have stood a temperature
of two hundred forty degrees Fahrenheit as we had been taught prevailed
on this side of the Moon. Of course we haven't gone very far in as yet
and it may be continuously hotter as one goes into larger and deeper
craters.
Making our way slowly around the ledge encircling this second crater,
carefully examining it and the surrounding terrain as we go, we notice
in the distance and off to our right, a fissure in the surface that
excites our curiosity. After much more hiking, for in this clear air
distances are deceiving, we reach the rim of a wide and deep chasm that
could have been made centuries ago by water running here, or it could
have been made by an earthquake opening wide the Moon surface, for the
walls are sheer cliffs that drop several thousand feet. We make no
attempt to lower ourselves over its sides but stand enraptured by the
thoughts filling our minds as to the various causes for such a chasm
here among these craters.
Much time, the equivalent of many Earthly days, has elapsed since we
left our ship. We have covered a great deal of territory during our
hiking explorations. From the stones and surface formations in the
ground we have covered, we have learned much. Yet there is much more
territory to be covered and closely observed before our conclusions can
be stated as definite facts.
During this time many questions have arisen in our minds. At the same
time our supplies of food and water have decreased continuously. For
these reasons we have decided to return to our ship, rest for awhile,
discuss our findings, and get more supplies before going farther in our
exploring. As we return towards the ship, we notice that the sun is
lowering, shadows are lengthening at the outer bases of the craters and
even the sands seem cooler than when we first came over them. There is
a noticeable cooling off of the air.
By the time we reach the ship the sun has sunk far down in the heavens,
but due to the atmosphere surrounding the Moon, the temperature is
still comfortably warm.
During the time so far that we have been on the Moon, we have hiked
far and climbed a lot with comparatively little rest, yet we are not
aware of much tiredness. Our meal here at the ship is prepared out of
doors for we are interested in watching the sun as it finally dips
below the horizon. We want to know whether this atmosphere bathes the
Moon's surface with indescribable hues of loveliness even after the sun
itself has sunk from view, as the Earth's atmosphere bathes the Earth.
It does, which proves again that the Moon is not too different than her
Earth sister.
As night comes on, darkness doesn't descend as we had somewhat
expected. In fact, there isn't too much difference in the amount of
light upon this section of the Moon than there was during the day. The
most noticeable fact is that daylight is yellow while the night light
is white. This is due to the Earth reflecting her sunlight upon the
Moon as she oscillates on her journey across the Moon heavens. After
so long a time, we roll up in our sleeping bags to see how much of the
long Moon night we can spend sleeping. Although not aware of feeling
tired, we quickly fall into sound sleep, but not for long.
After about six hours of sleep we awaken thoroughly rested and ready
to be up and going again. For awhile though, we remain on the ground
watching whether we can see any type of insect or reptile life hopping
or crawling about in the sands. A few tiny insects are observed hopping
about, but nothing of any size.
Remembering the heat of the previous day, we wonder if we would not be
wise in returning to the crater district during the cool of the night,
but decided against that in favor of investigating new territory.
Several miles in the distance and to the left of us extends a long
range of mountains, running from this light side into that section that
is unseen from the Earth, known as the dark side of the Moon. In this
direction our fancy leads us.
As we set out across the sands of the plateau, we take with us a flag
that we have brought from the Earth. This flag is made up of all the
flags of the nations of the Earth with a small American flag in the
middle thereby indicating that Americans had placed it here.
After reaching the mountains and climbing about three thousand feet up
the side, we decided to go no farther for this was indeed rough going.
Then too, in the distance far up ahead of us we could hear strange
noises as if wild animals might be up there. A feeling of apprehension
filled us with caution. So here about five miles from our ship, at an
elevation of three thousand feet on one of the Moon's mountains we
planted the flag of the World.
As we descended towards the foot of the mountain, we remembered the
forest we had seen from the air and the little lake beyond it. In this
direction now we turned our steps; stopping now and then as we go that
we may not miss a thing along the way. We travel another twelve miles
along the foot of the mountain ridge.
Here we see a small animal jumping from rock to rock up the
mountainside. It looks and jumps much like a kangaroo but it is very
small, measuring only about eighteen inches in height. We watch it for
some time wondering what it is and how it lives. It has seen us too,
but seemed to have not the slightest fear of us as it continues its way
on up the mountain.
From this point we turn again across the plateau towards the forest
which we can plainly see through our glasses. As we have walked along
we have become aware of the fact that the sands of the plateau have
given way to a richer soil which is covered with a vegetation or plant
life. Even across the tip of the plateau as we head towards the forest,
this plant life continues. The atmosphere here too is different. A
moisture similar to dew fills the air which seems to give this plant
life all it needs to grow. And now we see the first fowl of the air
that we have seen since landing on the Moon. What it is, we don't know.
It is a lot larger than any bird we have on Earth and beautiful to
watch as it glides leisurely through space.
Nearing the forest, we seem to be faced with a solid barrier. The
undergrowth is so dense that we cannot even see any tree trunks. We
search diligently for some indication of a path leading into this
denseness, but find none. From the air this forest didn't seem too wide
so we decide to make our own path by hacking our way through. However
we quickly learn this isn't necessary for with very little pressure the
branches break easily.
As we work our way through this brush, we receive somewhat of a
surprise for there are no large trunks to the trees in this forest.
Instead, these are immense bushes growing very high and thick. Yet as
we penetrate deeper into it, the light of the Earth trickles through
the branches, lighting our path as we make it. After about half a mile
of this slow progress, we suddenly emerge into the bright clearness
again and find ourselves almost upon the shore of the beautiful little
lake we had been heading for.
Across the lake, which was about two and a half miles, we could see
some dwellings. These we had not noticed from the air.
The shore of the lake is white sand whose grains sparkle like tiny
jewels in the white night light. As we near the edge of the lake we
suddenly become aware of being quite thirsty. Even though we have
plenty of water in our canteens we wonder what this sparkling clear
lake water tastes like.
As we stand here watching and wondering, a small bird flies down to
the edge of the lake and drinks of its waters. At this sight, we too
take a big drink which has a very odd effect upon us. It was wholly
revitalizing for it actually made us feel completely refreshed, as if
we hadn't walked at all.
After the surprise of this experience we sat down to enjoy for awhile
the beautiful scenery surrounding the lake. While sitting here we carry
on a discussion as to whether all of us or just one should go around
the lake and over to the dwellings. Through our powerful binoculars we
have been watching for some evidence of human life around them but so
far we haven't seen any. All is very quiet with no movement of any kind
anywhere that would indicate the presence of human beings.
However while sitting here enjoying the scenery and talking, we have
seen some queer looking fish jump out of the water up into the air
about two feet and flip back into the water. Judging from a glance,
these fish are about twenty-four inches in length and very colorful. At
this sight we figure that the dwellings on the other side of the lake
might be fishermen's homes. Realizing it is night to them so they might
all be asleep, we know why we haven't seen any life about the dwellings.
After much discussion Johnny has been chosen to go to investigate and
see if he can rouse anyone. This decision was reached because the
group as a whole felt that Dr. Johnston, Bob and George are all more
important on this scientific expedition than the copilot and they
should be saved should the inhabitants, if there are any over there,
prove to be hostile.
So Johnny, taking with him a small weapon, starts on his trip around
the lake towards the dwellings. All the time that he is walking towards
his objective we keep watch through the binoculars, ready with our high
powered rifles should he encounter any hostile situation, be it beast
or man.
Before starting on this trip, we had told Johnny if there were any
openings like doors in the dwellings facing the lake, he should try
those so we could keep a close watch upon him. This he is doing.
Through our binoculars we notice that the first dwelling he tried, he
got no answer. We keep watching as he goes along trying each place that
has an opening towards the lake. Finally, at about the twelfth try of
the dwellings facing the lake, the door suddenly came open and behold
our copilot falls to the ground. Seeing him fall, we did not know
whether he had been hurt by the person opening the door or what had
happened. As we keep watching, we notice a tall slender form of a man,
apparently the person who had opened the door, bend over Johnny's still
form and gently shake him as though he desired to revive him.
Immediately we decide that George should go to the scene as he has
been well trained in first aid and so can help Johnny, should he have
such need. As we have stated previously, walking upon the Moon is like
walking on air, not much effort being necessary. So George starts out
to the rescue at double time. He, too, is taking weapons with him in
case of need.
When he got half way around the lake George is spotted by the Moon
inhabitant. Leaving Johnny lying there, this Moon man runs part of
the way to meet George. With the binoculars we can see that he has no
kind of weapon with which he could harm our companion, but it looks as
though he is excited more over the unexpected behavior of this strange
person who had knocked upon his door. He seems to be happy that he is
going to get help. We just keep watching but do nothing to disturb the
situation. Finally George reaches the slender figure of the Moon man
and there are some motions with hands as each man endeavors to convey a
message to the other. The Moonalite, as we might name him at this time,
grasped George by the hand and both run towards Johnny, still lying
prone upon the ground where he had fallen.
The next thing we knew, when the two running figures reach Johnny,
George runs to the lake and using his hat as a container, gets
some water. With it he revives Johnny who had merely fainted at so
unexpectedly having a human being open the door in response to his
knocking.
Now we know that all is well again.
George turns and motions for us to come on around.
This we do. Upon reaching the others, we are surprised to have this
tall slender Moonalite take us into his dwelling and give us some
refreshments which are fish that were not boiled nor fried but were
preserved. They had an odd taste to us, yet were very palatable. With
this fish he gave us some liquid which was neither coffee nor water nor
could it be called Bourbon, yet it has a stimulating effect upon us and
is very refreshing. As we partake of these refreshments and talk among
ourselves, our new friend keeps a steady watch over us, observing every
move and act we perform.
Several hours had elapsed when finally he began to gesture with his
hands, trying to tell us something or to ask us some question. We
didn't know which for we didn't seem to succeed well at first in trying
to convey messages to each other. Finally we thought of an idea by
which we might make ourselves known to him.
We took him outside his home and pointed to the Earth riding just
above the horizon as the long Moon night nears its end. By motions and
pictures in the sand, we succeed in conveying to him that we have come
here from the Earth in a big ship flying through the air. As this fact
dawned upon him, he expressed great surprise.
Through signs which we are beginning to understand by this time, he
indicates that all these other dwellings are at present empty. He alone
is here as a keeper of all these places. We learn that these dwellings
are all fishermen's shacks in which they live when they are fishing
from the lake. They are all made from the same kind of brush which we
had had to cut our way through before reaching the lake. Although we
had found the brush brittle and easily broken, these shacks were all
very neatly and solidly put together.
Our Moonalite friend, as we now all feel towards him, is about six
feet eight inches in height, very slender yet not undernourished.
The bony structure of his body seems to be delicate, yet strong. His
arms are quite long, due to his slender form of body structure. His
skin is clear white. A feeling of warm friendliness is expressed
towards us through his deep blue eyes, as well as a quick sparkle of
merriment, as he seemed to understand us much better than we are able
to understand him. His eyeballs protrude a little more than ours but in
no way detract from his general appearance. His mouth is firm but very
sensitive and in it he has very good teeth, strong, firm, and white.
Judging from our Earth experience, this man looks to us to be around
seventy years of age, yet well preserved and with an intensely active
mentality. Later we learn that he is one hundred and ninety years of
age.
The Earth is sinking low on the horizon as we prepare to return to our
ship. We have invited our friend to accompany us but he has made us
understand by signs that he cannot leave at this time, but must stay
here.
We tried to learn if there are many people in this part of the Moon but
in this we were unsuccessful for we seem unable to make our signs clear
enough for him to understand what we are asking.
On the other hand, we were able to indicate to him the location of our
ship and the fact that we would like to have him come there whenever he
could. We also made him understand that as we were leaving him now, we
were returning to the ship.
In answer to our invitation to visit us, he pointed to himself, then in
the direction of our ship and with a sign of the eyes, by opening up
his lids with his fingers and pointing to the sky, that he would come
when it was again daylight.
As a warning in response to the fact that we were now returning
although it was still night-time, he gave us a shivering of his body
sign by which we thought he meant that we had better be careful on the
return for we may encounter some danger.
After shaking hands with our friend, we start on the way back to our
ship, returning to the forest around the opposite end of the lake to
what we had come. We easily find the path we had made through the brush
but only a short way in, we do encounter danger. A very large size
beast, quite wet, is standing upon the path blocking our passage and
there is no way for us to get past him. Apparently he had come out of
the lake just before we reached here. He challenges our right to pass
as he stands there in the path growling, with his eyes blazing. He has
four feet, no tail, an immense head and body and a pair of arms that
seem to extend from his collar bones. He keeps swaying these arms back
and forth just as if he wants to talk with his hands; yet we know that
should one of us get caught in those arms, it would be the end.
There is but one thing for us to do if we are ever to get back to the
ship and that is to get rid of him in some way.
We don't want to kill him, nor even to injure him, for we don't know
with what regard the natives around here hold him, and we surely don't
want to do anything to incite them against us. On the Earth we know
there are some tribes who worship certain animals, like the Hindoo
worships the cow. This could easily be the case also here on the Moon.
So we decide on shooting a volley just over his head with the hope of
frightening him. This idea worked; maybe because the animal heard a
strange sound that he had never heard before. Instead of attacking us,
he lumbered off through the brush and strange as it may seem, he made
his way through without breaking the brush or leaving any path behind
him.
Finally, just as the first golden streaks of sunlight appear above the
horizon, we reach our ship. Shortly afterward we learn that on firing
the shot back in the forest, we have alerted something we did not
expect.