CAPTIVITY.
As may naturally be inferred, the language spoken on Mars is totally
different from any uttered by either of the civilised races on Earth.
We, of course, were ignorant of this dialect spoken on Mars, and were
unable to understand what was said to us at the time of our capture,
or what the Martials were saying to each other. But we were amazed to
find how easily their language could be acquired, and in a very short
space of time we were able to converse with this new people. Curiously
enough, on the other hand, the Martials found great difficulty in
mastering any of the languages of Earth; and we were able to try
them with Latin, with Greek, Hebrew, German, French, Gaelic, and
English; and it was not for many weeks that even the higher classes of
inhabitants acquired even a smattering of the latter tongue.
For several moments it seemed as though our fate was sealed, as the
gigantic troopers closed round the _Sirius_ with fierce and angry
gestures, some of them trying to climb up the sides and reach us as we
stood in fear and trembling, looking down upon the surging throng from
our station on the balcony. Three words which were uttered incessantly
by the crowd of soldiers, we were able to distinguish from all the rest
of the tumult. They were, as near as we can express them, "Yan ye bo,"
which being translated into English means "Beings from the sky." Angry
shouts of "Emi, emi, tat ya mos" filled the air, and these words we
afterwards learned signified "Slay, slay them at once."
Fortunately for us, our situation on the balcony, above the heads of
the soldiers, gave us a momentary respite, and before they could find
means to drag us from our refuge, a Martial of commanding presence
forced his way through the throng, scattering the troopers to the right
and left, and with loud voice uttered the word "Etoba" several times.
This was evidently a command, for the soldiers withdrew several yards
from the _Sirius_ at once, and formed a cordon round us, silent and
motionless as though on parade.
All through this trying time, Doctor Hermann stood bare-headed on the
balcony of the _Sirius_ with hands and arms outspread, endeavouring
to inspire the Martials with confidence, and to convince them of our
peaceable intentions; but we fear his supplications and his signs were
thrown away. Revolver in hand, Temple and Graham stood by the Doctor,
at whose urgent entreaty they were persuaded to put up their firearms
and face the situation calmly. Sandy, amidst the confusion, disappeared
into the _Sirius,_ terror-stricken as we thought, but he soon returned,
armed with a mighty sword he had brought with him concealed in the
_Sirius_ unknown to us, and with which he assured us an ancestor of his
had fought.
By the time order had been obtained, we could see vast numbers of
people crowding up to the square from all directions, and pressing
forward to the lines of soldiers, eager to get a glimpse of what was
taking place. Keen as was our anxiety, we did not fail to notice
the splendid physique of the inhabitants of this wonderful city,
the variety in their dress, and the marvellous beauty of the female
Martials. The soldiers were clad in tightly-fitting green tunics,
below which was a kilt-like dress, reaching to just above the knee.
Their muscular limbs were bare, but their feet were shod in high,
tightly-fitting laced boots, and each was armed with a long tube of
brass. Their heads were encased in what looked to be massive iron
helmets. We had not time to notice much, had our excitement permitted
us to examine these things in detail, before the commandant stepped up
to the _Sirius_, in front of his troops, and bade us descend and yield
ourselves into his custody.
"It is very evident that we are about to be taken prisoners," said the
Doctor. "We had best submit to the inevitable, without any show of
resistance. Force will only incense these people against us; calmness
may disarm their suspicions, and ensure us kindly, perhaps even
friendly, treatment."
"I don't like the look of things at all, Doctor," answered Temple,
"but I am consoled with the thought that we have escaped from perils
infinitely more terrible than this."
"We will stick to our revolvers, if we can," said Graham, pocketing his
nickel-plated "bull dog" as he spoke. "I, for one, am not going to be
slaughtered in cold blood without a fight for it."
"I see no objection to our keeping these arms by us, in case of direst
need; but my last advice is to keep calm, to keep calm," answered the
Doctor, with great emphasis on the latter word.
Further conversation was impossible, as the officer who had bidden us
come forth was beginning to show signs of impatience at our delay.
"Beings from the sky, I, Kaosp, Captain of the King's troops in the
City of Edos, command your immediate surrender to me, so that you may
explain yourselves to His Majesty's rulers, and inform them from whence
ye came and your business here. Delay, or resistance will be visited
with instant death."
This seemed language of dreadful import to us, and without
understanding a syllable of it, we dropped the ladder from the door,
and, headed by the Doctor, climbed slowly down to the ground, the eye
of every Martial standing within view being fixed upon us with the
keenest attention. Three at least of our little party looked like
dwarfs as we stood before the Hercules who had bidden us surrender
ourselves to him; but Graham suffered little by comparison with this
giant. Erect and defiant he stood before his captor, inch for inch
almost as tall as him, broad and well-set in proportion, his muscular
arms folded across his massive chest, his clear grey eyes scanning
him curiously from head to foot. We could see that Graham had created
a favourable impression, and for that we were thankful. We stood in
line before the poor old _Sirius_, and awaited the next move in this
singular scene.
In a few moments the commander (Kaosp, we will call him for the
future), addressed some words to his troops, and then a dozen warriors
stepped out from the ranks and formed an escort round us: a dozen more
surrounded the _Sirius_. Kaosp then placed himself at the head of his
soldiers, and gave the word to march. Surrounded by the troops, we
wended our way towards the noble palace across the square, the lines
of soldiers opening and making a passage for us as we advanced. We
passed under a lofty archway, went up a flight of steps, and then
entered a magnificent hall with a domed roof. Here all the guards
remained behind, save two, and they and their leader escorted us across
the marble floor to another archway, which led into a smaller hall.
Crossing this, we reached a door which opened automatically as we
approached, and after going up a flight of steps, we reached a wide
corridor. Along this we walked until we came to another door, which
opened in the same mysterious manner, and we were ushered into a large
apartment, the door closing behind us at once, and we were left to
ourselves.
"Beggin' your pardon, Doctor, but this is what I call a shabby way to
receive such distinguished visitors as the likes o' we. Just to be
popped in here like snared birds in a cage; after comin' all this way,
too. Bother tak' sich hospitality, says Sandy Cam'bell."
We were too much absorbed in thinking over our future, to take any heed
of Sandy's remarks; and before we had time to form any definite plans,
the door of our prison was thrown open, and Kaosp appeared with two
guards, and beckoned us to accompany them.
"Once more, my friends, let me implore you to keep cool," the Doctor
hurriedly whispered as we were marched away.
We were conducted along vast corridors and through many doorways before
we reached the entrance of a magnificent hall, where evidently the King
and his ministers were assembled in state awaiting our arrival. The
splendours of this building are beyond the power of any description.
So suddenly did we find ourselves surrounded by the glitter and pomp
of this brilliant gathering, that for several moments we stood still
in utter amazement, bewildered, lost, in the glorious scene before us.
We heard as in a dream the blast of what seemed a thousand trumpets
heralding our approach, and as in a dream were conducted to a small
raised platform in the very centre of the vast assembly, directly
facing the King and his court. The hall was filled to overflowing with
male and female Martials (perhaps we ought to call them men and women),
a sea of eager faces greeting our appearance, but the expressions
upon those we looked at closely seemed by no means friendly disposed
towards us. A hum of intense, yet suppressed excitement broke from the
assembled throng as we stepped upon the dais in full view of all.
The day was rapidly drawing to a close, the gloom of coming night
beginning to settle on that vast gathering, as the Doctor and his
companions in captivity calmly stood, the observed of all observers,
awaiting their fate. The half light seemed to increase the
magnificence of the spacious building, by toning down its brilliancy
and harmonising the wealth of rare colour that everywhere delighted
the eye. The entire dome was covered with a painting of some mighty
conflict; the panels of the walls were filled with others, so
life-like, so realistic, that we blushed for very shame as we compared
in our mind's eye these works of art with the masterpieces of Earthly
painters. Noble groups of statuary, carved out of lustrous stones
of a flesh-coloured tint, filled us with admiration; urns and vases
and quaintly-designed ornaments of wood and metal were arranged with
a keen eye for effect on every side; whilst the windows of coloured
glass--if glass it was--were superb, both in their wonderful design
and harmony of colour. Garlands of foliage, the leaves of fine gold,
twined round the marble pillars, bearing clusters of sparkling jewels
designed as fruits; whilst before the throne was a fountain of cunning
workmanship which cast up from unseen sources jets of scented water,
that not only filled the building with a subtle ravishing perfume, but
kept the atmosphere cool and refreshing. The audience which filled
this hall of splendour was evidently a mixed one. What we took to be
those of high degree surrounded the King and his ministers; round
them were the guards and minor officers; whilst beyond them again
was the populace. The floor rose gradually from the centre, so that
every person could see and hear all that took place. The King and his
courtiers were one blaze of glittering jewels and gorgeous colour;
their robes and vestments being rare and costly to a degree undreamed
of on Earth, even by the wildest fancy of man. As in our own world,
almost every type of countenance was to be observed among this vast
assemblage; yet we could not help remarking that the men of Mars were
handsomer as a race than the men of Earth, and that the women of Mars
were more beautiful. The old King himself was a grand specimen of
manhood; his lofty brow, clearly cut features, long, flowing white
beard, and commanding, dignified presence, made him every inch a
king. He was surrounded with a host of noble councillors, almost as
regal-looking as himself. The younger men were handsome, stalwart
fellows--broad of chest and lithe of limb, moustached and bearded, sons
of a race evidently at the zenith of its development, both mentally and
physically. Our hearts warmed towards them in honest admiration; we
felt that we were in the presence of our superiors.
The females at this gathering were remarkable for their exceeding
beauty. Edos must be a city of fair women if those assembled here
around us were an average specimen of its lady inhabitants. The classic
regularity of their features was superb; their wonderful wealth of
hair, their marvellously clear complexion, the rare symmetry of
their form, the expression of their beautiful eyes, their commanding
presence--all combined in making them attractive to a degree undreamed
of by dwellers on Earth.
In all that peerless galaxy of beauty, one magnificent creature with
large expressive eyes, and hair of gold, seated close to the King
himself, was fairer far than all the rest; her face and figure were
sublime! She sat with queenly dignity, with a coronet aflame with
jewels upon her lovely brow, gazing intently upon us, stirred to the
very depths of her soul with wondering curiosity, and from time to time
talking with the aged King, the theme of her conversation evidently
being us poor captives; friendless and helpless in the centre of that
gazing throng! She was dressed in a robe of delicate purple hue, which,
though draped but loosely round her, still displayed in suggestive
grace the beauty of her hidden form. Her hair fell in rippling golden
tresses far below her waist; her arms, looking white as marble in the
deepening twilight, were bare to the shoulder. She sat, or rather
reclined on a pile of softest skins, and her feet rested upon a mat of
similar material.
We noticed all that we have here described within a very few seconds
from the time that we stepped upon the dais. Then suddenly the vast
hall was filled with brilliant artificial light, an electric light as
far as we could judge, although the source of its supply was cunningly
concealed. The effect was magical. The flashing gems and brilliant
metals, the statuary, the polished pillars, walls, and floors, the
sparkling scented water, the royal troops, the eager throng, formed a
scene of unparalleled magnificence and splendour.
As soon as the hall was illuminated as by the light of day, the
proceedings began. An aged statesman, amidst breathless silence, rose
up from his seat, crossed the floor, and stood opposite to where the
King sat in solemn state. Making a low and reverent obeisance, he
began to tell the story of our appearance near their city; how we were
met by the Martial whose life we took; how we took refuge in the
_Sirius_, and, after the alarm had been given, how a search was made
and our hiding-place discovered. Then he described our evading further
pursuit by soaring up into the air in our curious carriage; how we
travelled over the city of Edos, and were fired at by the soldiers;
how we eventually came slowly down to the ground again to the square
near the palace; and how we had been surrounded and taken prisoners by
His Majesty's troops at last. This address appeared to make a profound
impression upon the multitude, and, so far as we could judge, the wrath
of the people was exceedingly great. The odds were evidently against
us, and each one of us felt--although at the time we did not understand
a word of what was being said--that our position was momentarily
becoming more serious.
For several minutes after this harangue was finished, the silence was
profound. Every eye was turned towards us; the old King's face was
grave and stern and troubled. Then, as if to make matters worse, the
silence was broken by a loud commotion at one of the entrances to
the hall, and the next moment poor old Rover broke through the ring
of guards and officers, and leaping and barking for joy, hastened to
Sandy's side. At first the direst alarm prevailed, and we noticed the
lovely woman by the King's side clutch his arm in terror, for of course
our dog was even a stranger animal to the company here assembled than
we were ourselves. At a word from Sandy he lay down between us, and,
curiously enough, there he was suffered to remain. He had broken out of
the _Sirius_, where in the excitement of our departure we had left and
forgotten him, and made his way unerringly to his master's side--our
only friend.
We afterwards learned that the most serious part of our case was the
slaying of the Martial; and as the old minister told this part of his
story, one of the guards advanced and pointed with his brass tube to
Sandy, indicating that he was the actual culprit. A long and animated
discussion took place, in which the King occasionally joined, or was
appealed to for his advice. Then a long interval of silence followed,
in which the King was evidently considering the facts which had been
laid before him. Our hearts beat fast; each one's right hand clasped
the revolver concealed within his breast; for each had mentally
determined to fight for life unto the bitter end.
"Courage," whispered Dr. Hermann, "and for the love of heaven do not
fire until I give the signal. I am going to try and make these people
understand a little of our history."
A moment after, the Doctor advanced a few steps towards the King,
bowing low and with hands extended as if in welcome. The King watched
him curiously, and so did we; for we had not the slightest idea
what his intentions were. He then pointed to the open entrance, up
into the night sky, where the planet Earth, by some miraculous good
fortune, chanced to be shining with unusual splendour almost alone in
the firmament. Then by various signs he attempted to explain how we
had come from that particular star; that we were friends, and were
anxious to gain their good will. We afterwards learned that the King
had comprehended much of what the Doctor had sought to convey; but
prejudice ran high, and though personally inclined to befriend us, he
was biassed by his ministers.
The Doctor rejoined us once more, and almost directly afterwards
the King began to speak. As one man, the mighty throng saluted him
and bowed in reverence. Then the multitude, all standing, listening
intently to his words, which were as follows:
"Beloved subjects and children: a great event hath happened amongst us,
such as hath never been known to you, my people, throughout the long
and glorious history of our race. Five strange beings have made their
appearance amongst us--from whence they come we know not; who they
are, or what their object is in coming here, are also mysteries which
we cannot readily solve. By shedding the blood of our poor brother
yesterday, we fear these beings are of evil repute, and therefore
should be treated as enemies of our race, and die. Their leader, by
sundry signs, hath sought to tell us that they come from the star-world
Ramos, which they call 'Earth.' If this were true, and their hands were
not stained in blood, we would welcome them as brothers, for our wise
men have long suspected that beings fashioned like ourselves do dwell
thereon. Wisdom cometh slowly, and knowledge is gained by degrees. We
will wait and see, my people, if these strangers can prove that what
they say by signs is true. We of this world do nothing hurriedly,
nor do we take life without just cause. We know not these strangers'
tongues; nor they ours. Justice bids us wait. Forty days of grace will
we allow them; then here, in this our Hall of Justice, shall they take
their trial, and their fate be decided. We have spoken these words
with such wisdom as God hath given us, and may He still continue to
preserve my people from all harm."
Amidst shouts of approval the King ceased speaking, and as we
understood not a word of what he had said, we concluded that our doom
was decided. In all that mighty throng we had not one to befriend us.
Each face was stern and of forbidding aspect! Yet, stay, there was one
whose eyes were even wet with tears at our misfortune, and whose shy,
pitying glances steeled our nerves anew. The lady by the King's side
breathed hope in her glances. Her lovely eyes were dimmed with tears
for us, and we felt as men once more. Love's all-potent power was
working. By what attractive force was the latent spark of compassion
ignited in that fair Martial breast? She alone of all that multitude
was drawn towards us by a bond of sympathy! Who knows but that, all
unconsciously, her spirit and ours may have mingled in that Silent
World of shadows, where language, race, or creed form no barrier to
friendly intercourse, and where the inconveniences of space, as we
experience them in our mortal shapes, are unknown? Who, after this,
shall say that lives may not be governed and influenced by beings on
other worlds, in other spheres, just as the attraction of one planet
can sway another from its course across the sky?
By some subtle influence, we felt reassured; all thoughts of fighting
for our lives departed, and when Kaosp and his guards stepped forward,
we followed them even cheerfully back to our prison, Rover being
allowed to trot behind at our heels.