"'
But Greek appeared to be an unknown tongue to Mars. The leader,
however, seeing that the strangers had arrived at the end of
their resources, called to some persons in the crowd, and these,
coming forward, addressed the world-dwellers in different
dialects. But they were no more understandable than had been the
first speech of the man with the glittering triangle.
"Guess we'll have to resort to first principles, and draw
pictures for them," said Mark.
Just then Jack uttered an exclamation, and pointed to the head of
the leader.
"What's he doing? Making faces at you?" asked Mark.
"No; but look at that triangle!" exclaimed Jack. "It's a
right-angled one."
"Well, what of it?"
"This: If they understand triangles, they must know something
about mathematics and geometry. Suppose we draw for them that
problem in geometry which states that the sums of the squares
constructed on the base and altitude of a right-angled triangle
is equal to the square constructed on the hypotenuse? If he
knows that, maybe we can get to some understanding with him."
"Go ahead and try," assented Mr.
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