the existence of the canals, or ducts, thereby settling for all
time--provided they succeeded in returning safely to Earth--the
controversy over the most noted characteristic of Mars as seen from the
Earth, the curious network of lines. Incidentally, they had seen the
Martian deserts as well as both rural and city life on the planet. They
were informed as to the correctness of their original conjecture as to
the method of pumping the water from the poles to all sections of the
globe. This was accomplished by means of electric pumping stations at
intervals along each duct, the rays of the sun being absorbed and
converted into electric energy for this purpose by the big checker board
structures.
But the feature which, so far, had defied plausible explanation by all
experts of our world, still remained a riddle to the adventurers. This
was the “carets,” or triangular-shaped points which existed wherever the
canals were seen to connect with one of the large, shaded regions.
These shaded regions also were a riddle. A theory that the latter were
seas was exploded by the fact that in some instances the canal lines
were visible running across them. For another thing it was agreed by
practically all experts that the seas on Mars had long since dried up.
It was, therefore, with considerable excitement that Professor Palmer
observed that they were nearing one of these regions. From a height of
several thousand feet one of the “carets” could be seen plainly as they
approached it.
As Robert lowered the _Sphere_ toward it, Hakon showed signs of
uneasiness. Still he held his peace until it became quite evident to him
that his hosts intended approaching close to this section. Zola, too,
was evidently perturbed.
“There is danger there, gentlemen,” said Hakon, finally. “I beg of you,
do not go too close.”
“What is it?” questioned Professor Palmer, now intensely interested.
Both he and Robert received the impression that some terrible physical
force connected with the phenomenon threatened their safety. But in this
they were quickly disillusioned by Hakon.
“We are now in the region of the usurper’s strongest support,” he told
them. “It was the hotbed of traitors before he stole the throne,
executing many of my loyal leaders. These people have, no doubt, been
notified to be on the lookout for us and will try to destroy us with
their _hilwai_ if we approach within range.”
Hakon explained further that _hilwai_ were a kind of large gun,
electrically operated, in lieu of the obsolete kind in which explosives
had been used in previous centuries, before the planet’s mineral supply
had been virtually exhausted. These guns had a range of about twenty
miles horizontally. Though this was not a very great distance,
considering the weak gravity on Mars, it was sufficient to make it
uncomfortably dangerous for them if they undertook to view the “caret”
at close range.
Hakon was surprized to learn of their curiosity regarding the dark
blotches and their caret-shaped junctures wherever they were joined to a
canal, and readily explained this phenomenon.
“The dark regions are vast, low sections which were covered by seas ages
ago,” he informed them. “The carets are formed by two branches from the
main canal where it enters the low region. From these fanlike branches,
and the main canal which crosses the bottom, the low country extending
beyond is fed. Thus the lowlands, which formerly formed the sea bottom,
are cultivated, resulting in the largest, richest and most productive
regions on the planet. Even small, precious lakes are formed in the
lowest spots, and occasionally there are light falls of rain, which are
unknown in any other parts of the planet.”
Circling this region at a comfortable height, the adventurers examined
it in turn through a telescope. What they saw tallied with Hakon’s
explanation. The denser vegetation, fed directly from the main canal
running across the bottom, appeared as a slightly darker strip. Two
small lakes were visible. Both of these appeared to be only a mile or
two in circumference. The western edge of the low region was hidden in a
light cloud bank.
Leaving this region behind, Robert pushed on toward the polar region
ahead at full speed. After an hour had passed thus, Hakon suggested
descending closer to the surface, that he might watch for landmarks to
direct them to their objective. Though the country here looked much like
that near the equator, there seemed to be fewer canals; at any rate,
there were fewer latitudinal canals, for they had crossed very few
during the last half hour. However, they had the opportunity of
observing one of the “double” canals, which was really two canals
running parallel, some seventy-five miles apart. Hakon explained that
this was in order to take advantage of exceptionally productive
districts which justified this deviation from the regular scheme.
16
In this manner they neared what was perhaps the most northerly
intersection of canals on the planet. Hakon directed Robert to land
within the metropolis, which he called Svergad, situated in the center
of the great oasis at this intersection.
Any doubt which Robert and his companions might have had regarding their
reception in this new region was dispelled by the happy expression of
anticipation on the princess’ countenance as they approached the large
oasis which extended over the entire section between the two parallel
canals where a third canal intersected them. It was plain that she was
overjoyed at the prospect of returning to her beloved country.
They dropped swiftly. Guided by Hakon, Robert finally brought the
_Sphere_ to rest in a large, open area paved with huge, grayish stones.
These formed a vast courtyard behind a huge building of similar
material. All around them reared impressive buildings, while the roofs
of still others extended as far as they could see in all directions.
They appeared to be in the heart of a metropolis that compared favorably
with the one in which they had been captives. The large building
adjoining the courtyard Robert correctly judged to be Hakon’s palace.
There was almost a total absence of foliage. This, Robert subsequently
found out, was due to the odd indifference of the people of this country
to the beauties of foliage, though water in this region was more
plentiful than in the equatorial regions.
A number of men appeared from within the palace and approached them as
Robert assisted the princess to alight from the _Sphere_, followed by
Hakon and the others.
As those approaching recognized them they hurried forward with evident
delight, greeting them with demonstrations of deep regard. Hakon
presented Robert and his companions to those assembled, telling of their
aid and praising Robert especially in highest terms. That they were from
another planet seemed no news. It was evident that the information as to
the _Sphere’s_ arrival on Mars had already reached its farthest corners
through the excellent system of wireless communication of which the
Martians were masters.
They were promptly established in the palace as guests of highest honor.
While separate apartments were offered each of them, at their mutual
request Robert, Professor Palmer and Taggert were once more installed in
one apartment where they could be constantly in one another’s company.
Every convenience and luxury were theirs. At Hakon’s suggestion, an
instructor called upon them every day to help them improve their
knowledge of the Martian tongue, which service they were glad to avail
themselves of, particularly Robert, who wished to be able to talk to the
princess with less awkwardness.
The princess and her father visited them once or twice every day, while
Professor Palmer became a great favorite with the learned men of the
city, to whom he delighted in talking of the two planets, comparing
astronomical data. In addition, the princess insisted upon Robert’s
being with her every evening, and their acquaintance ripened into a
great friendship. Robert found himself deeply in love with her, as
indeed did everyone who knew her. But with Robert it was different. He
felt as if he had known her always. He was ready to make any sacrifice
for her, and began to wonder where all this was leading.
Meanwhile, Hakon had dispatched an ultimatum to the emperor, and was
awaiting his response. Controlling, as he did, the water supply to
virtually the entire northern hemisphere and part of the southern one,
Hakon possessed a powerful weapon, though the usurper had by far the
larger army.
It was during this period of tense waiting that Robert asked Hakon
whether he had any objection to their visiting the reservoirs from which
the canals were supplied, before the winter season was upon them. With
customary acquiescence the latter readily offered to furnish them with a
guide and any other assistance which they required for the trip.
17
Robert took leave of the princess with considerable reluctance. Never
had he been able to entirely overcome a strange foreboding that sometime
they would be separated and never see each other again.
Something of the same premonition must have been present in the
princess’ mind that morning, for she seemed reluctant to let him go.
“I am sure that I’m selfish in saying it, but I do so wish you were not
going on this journey. I won’t rest until I see you back.”
Her solicitude touched Robert deeply. As yet he had not told her of his
love. Who was he to declare love to a princess? But he was sorely
tempted to take her in his arms then and there--to tell her what was in
his heart.
“It is but little more than a day’s journey there and back,” he replied,
his voice a-quaver with the lure of her. “This is one of the chief
features of your planet which the professor determined to defy the
dangers of space to see. We must not disappoint him.”
“But it has proved fatal to many, and even your wonderful _Sphere_ may
not return. Will you not let them go alone--Robert?”
She pronounced his name quaintly, like “Roe-bert.” It was the first time
she had attempted to call him by his name, which she had heard his
companions use. His pulse beat madly.
“Tell me,” he breathed, “do you care--Zola?”
She blushed adorably.
“Yes--Robert.”
His arms were suddenly about her. She buried her head on his shoulder
with a little sigh, and clung to him.
“Now, you will not go?” she asked presently.
“I must, beloved,” he replied, tenderly. “They still depend upon me to
operate the _Sphere_ safely in an emergency. I can not refuse the
professor this service. Why, if it hadn’t been for him, I could not have
come to Mars, and you would still have been the emperor’s prisoner.”
“You are right. I’m afraid I am just a selfish girl with foolish fears.
You must hurry now and come back to me quickly, dear.”
So they parted, Robert promising to come back to her as soon as
possible, each striving to conquer a nameless fear that they would never
see each other again.
A few hours later found the _Sphere_ approaching the pole at a
tremendous speed. Accompanying Robert and his companions were three
Martian experts. Two of these were astronomers; the other, a professor
of physics, acted as their guide.
Far away to the north a comparatively small expanse of white indicated
what remained of the great polar cap of ice and snow that, during the
winter, extended over the entire region.
“How is the water from the melting snows accumulated for distribution?”
Taggert asked.
“As the spring advances, and the edges of the vast polar cap of snow
begin to melt, the water is collected in the sea basins,” explained the
professor of physics.
“But the task of running the great ducts beneath the shores of these
seas in order to connect with and drain their lowest points seems almost
an impossible one.”
“Quite true. That plan was finally rejected for that very reason. A
system of siphons was built instead. Even this must have been a
tremendous task--our history records that it required more than a
century to complete it; yet so remarkable was this construction that the
original work, now many centuries old, still remains in perfect
condition.”
* * * * *
Robert dropped the _Sphere_ to within a half mile of the surface. They
were passing over what appeared to be a great basin of some sea.
Continuing northward they passed beyond the first great basin and over
several smaller ones. The white polar cap was less than thirty miles
away. As they neared it a small expanse of water in the lowest
depressions of the basin became visible.
“Ah, that must be one of the siphons!” exclaimed Professor Palmer,
pointing.
A small, sinuous ridge ran from the south along the bottom of the basin,
disappearing in the little patch of water.
“Yes, that is one of them,” confirmed their guide. “No doubt it is
perplexing to you as to how each canal is supplied with water without
interruption as the water in the seas and the polar cap is consumed and
recedes.”
“That is true,” admitted Professor Palmer.
“The people of our planet have long been masters of electricity. In
fact, it has been the only available source of power on Mars for
centuries. This power is utilized to manipulate the valves in the
various siphons which feed each canal, insuring its usefulness until the
last portion of the polar cap is virtually exhausted. Accurate maps of
all polar sea basins exist, of course. The pumping station nearest the
pole, on each canal, has one of these maps indicating every siphon and
valve feeding that canal. As the water from the nearest basin is
exhausted, the valve of that feed is closed by manipulation of a
corresponding switch in the station, and one of the other feeds is
opened. A chart of the retrogression of the seas with the declining
season enables the attendant to drain each sea basin completely in its
proper turn as the melting snow recedes.”
“Wonderful!” exclaimed Robert and Professor Palmer in unison.
Taggert was busily scribbling in his notebook.
In a short while the _Sphere_ had reached the edge of the snow-cap.
Immediately below, and stretching away some distance to the south and
west, was a small sea, still well filled but covered with a smooth sheet
of ice which reflected the rays of the low sun in a blinding, yellow
blaze.
At the suggestion of their guide, Robert raised the _Sphere_ till it was
perhaps a mile high. From this point of vantage they could see the full
extent of the polar cap. It seemed to be about twenty-five miles in
diameter. They fancied they could see some of the canals beyond its
farthest edge, though they could not be certain, because of a slight
murkiness in the atmosphere in that direction.
Robert now lowered the _Sphere_ almost to the surface of the snow and
for a time they hovered over various parts of the cap. Quite different
was this polar region from that of the Earth, for it was almost entirely
one continuous, level sheet of snow and ice, without the great, towering
icebergs and the mountain peaks which we associate with the arctic
regions of our own world.
So far, their polar excursion had proved quite tame. Remembering the
princess’ anxiety, Robert wondered whether it had been due entirely to
imagination. He questioned the Martians as to the possible dangers of
the region. They replied that, during the winter season, the region was
noted for its sudden and terrific blizzards, which lasted for weeks at a
time. According to them, the approaching winter was not expected to
break for some weeks yet.
By common consent, the _Sphere_ was landed on the shore of the sea which
seemed to surround the shrunken cap. A layer of crystallike ice
stretched off in three directions, unbroken except along the shore,
where it was evident that the water beneath the ice was still being
withdrawn, for the ice cakes were deposited in huge blocks on the
sloping shore for several hundred yards beyond its present edge.
As they stepped from the protection of the _Sphere’s_ comfortable warmth
the cold surprized them in its intensity, in spite of the heavy coats
which they had donned for the occasion. A sharp breeze blew from across
the polar cap. The horizon in that direction was partly hidden by the
increasing murkiness which they had observed before from above.
A short walk along the shore before resuming their way back to the
capital was suggested. Accordingly the little company picked their way
over the rugged bottom above the broken incline of ice.
Queer shells and curious bits of rock were strewn about underfoot.
Robert picked up a quantity of the prettiest specimens and put them in
his pocket. Some were of the most beautiful tint, ranging from a
delicate pink to an intense cerise, while others were of equally
delightful shades of almost every color in the rainbow.
While their progress was slow over the rough ground, they found that
they had covered nearly a mile at the end of some twenty minutes. The
sea-bottom offering little further interest, it was decided to return to
the _Sphere_, especially as the sky was assuming a peculiar aspect. It
seemed as if they were surrounded by a shrinking circle of darkness. The
evident uneasiness of the Martians was anything but reassuring to Robert
and his companions. All were plainly anxious to get back safely into the
protecting walls of the _Sphere_.
“I hope one of these Martian blizzards doesn’t surprize us,” remarked
Taggert, eying the horizon speculatively, as they hurried along.
The blackening horizon seemed to be racing toward them.
“Frankly, I don’t like the looks of it,” said one of the Martians. “I
believe we are in for a winter storm, which is likely to be none the
less severe for its earliness.”
“I have observed the progress of one of these polar storms from the
Earth,” contributed Professor Palmer. “Within twenty-four hours it had
transformed this very pole from a cap of insignificant size to an
expanse of snow extending over nearly a quarter of the northern
hemisphere.”
A sudden flurry of large but scattered flakes of snow seemed to burst
out of nowhere as he spoke.
“Well, it looks as if you are going to have a taste of one anyway,”
Taggert cried.
The _Sphere_ was still quite plainly visible in the distance. But,
probably because of the falling snow, the _Sphere_ seemed rather to have
got farther away during the last few minutes instead of closer. Robert
was conscious of a strange foreboding as he quickened his pace over the
rough ground with the others.
18
The flurry quickly became a determined snowfall. The beautiful big
flakes swirled round them dizzily, all but obscuring the _Sphere_
entirely from view. However, the ice would serve to guide them in case
the _Sphere_ became invisible.
Resort to this method of guidance soon was a necessity. It proved to be
not so simple as expected; for, as the flakes fell faster and faster,
the great cakes of ice were not visible until they were almost upon
them, and then they had an awkward habit of appearing only after the
adventurers had fallen over them.
Stumbling along, with Professor Palmer keeping pace with difficulty
beside him, Robert felt that surely they must have passed the _Sphere_
already. It seemed to him that they had walked two miles or more since
they had turned back, and still the _Sphere_ could not be seen. He
turned an instant and looked back half expecting to catch a glimpse of
it behind. Taggert trudged along a few feet back; the others were strung
out two or three yards in the rear.
A minute later Robert heard a muffled cry behind him. He turned just in
time to see Taggert fall and slip from view in the blinding snow. Robert
took a quick step to the reporter’s aid. The next instant his feet shot
from under him and he tobogganed down the slippery incline of ice toward
the sea.
One thought reassured him as he felt the smooth surface racing past him:
the level, unbroken expanse of ice over the sea would surely stop him
when he reached it. But, hard on the heels of this thought, came the
realization that, with all sense of direction lost out on the expanse of
ice in a blinding snow, he might blunder farther and farther away from
the _Sphere_. He earnestly hoped that the end of his slide would at
least bring him close to Taggert.
Presently he reached the bottom of the incline and shot out over the
smooth, frozen surface of the sea. Here his momentum was quickly
checked. As soon as he could regain his feet he stood up and peered
round him. But only the driving snow, which all but obscured his hand
before him, rewarded his gaze. He shouted several times, listening
intently after each call. The snow seemed to muffle his cries in the
making. Nothing was visible round him but a mil of snowflakes. His ears
tingled with the bitter cold even under the fur cap he wore. He shouted
again, removing his cap to listen afterward.
A faint answering cry floated back to him; but whether this was simply
the rebound of his own cry from the dense wall of snow he did not know.
As he continued to listen the same faint cry again came to him, this
time a bit stronger, seemingly from away to his left. He clapped his cap
on and strode off in that direction.
Several times he called out again, stopping to listen each time. Again
that faint echo mocked him, but this time it seemed to come from behind.
The well-known difficulty of determining the direction from which a
sound comes in a fog came to Robert’s mind, and he despaired as he
realized the same difficulty in attempting to find a distant call in the
falling snow.
Just then the cry sounded again, and this time it was undeniably
plainer. Robert shouted in reply and was overjoyed to hear it once more
increased in volume. He hurried toward it, shouting and listening
alternately.
A moment later Taggert strode from out of the white veil.
“The wandering echo found at last,” Robert greeted him, while they
pounded each other on the back in joyous relief.
“Where in Sam Hill are we?” Taggert wanted to know.
“Question is, in which direction is the _Sphere_?” cried Robert.
“Well put. What’s the answer?”
“Have you any idea from what direction you slid out here?”
“Nope. Have you?”
They stared at each other blankly. Then the ridiculousness of their
cross-questioning struck them and they laughed together. For the moment
the seriousness of their plight was forgotten. The white flakes swirled
about them, settling upon their heads and shoulders till they looked
like snow-men.
An idea suddenly occurred to Robert.
“This storm arrived from ahead of us when we were on our way back to the
_Sphere_, didn’t it?” he asked.
“Believe it did,” agreed Taggert.
“Well, then, unless the direction of the wind has changed, we have only
to push on at right angles to it, with it blowing on our left, to
eventually come upon the shore which we left.”
“Right you are!” exclaimed Taggert, after a moment’s reflection.
So they pushed ahead in the direction indicated for several minutes,
making fair progress in spite of the rapidly increasing wind which swept
the smooth ice clean, leaving a difficult footing. Each minute they
expected to come upon the slope up the shore, where they hoped to find a
crevice in the raised cakes which would offer sufficient footing to
scramble up the slick incline to the ground beyond. Still the blank wall
of driven white revealed nothing but the level floor of ice, ever
stretching a few feet ahead of them as they shuffled along.
“Seems as if we should have raised something by this time,” said Taggert
presently.
“The wind must have shifted,” said Robert. “If it hasn’t changed much,
though, we should reach the shore anyway soon.”
So they continued onward, half blinded by the snow, the bitter wind
whipping round their bodies. With each step the hope of reaching the
_Sphere_ became weaker. The princess’ anxiety recurred to Robert as he
plodded doggedly on ahead of Taggert. He wondered dully whether he
should ever see her again. Well, at any rate, she was once more safely
within her own country. He was thankful for that much. His reflections
were cut short suddenly as he sprawled forward upon the ice, tripping up
Taggert, who was following him closely. Caught unawares, Robert fell on
all fours, knocking the breath out of him.
“’T’ell!” spluttered Taggert, scrambling up.
As Robert also struggled to his knees he saw that he had tripped over a
crevice in the ice. It was the edge of a slightly higher block which
sloped upward. The realization came to him suddenly that they had
finally reached their first goal!
After some difficulty they managed to clamber up one of the
perpendicular cracks between the slippery blocks.