They could not help noticing how polite the
Martian inhabitants were, for there were no idle remarks on the
appearance of the strangers, such as would have taken place under
similar circumstances on earth. But the Martians made up for it
by staring with their great eyes, listening with their great
ears, and sniffing, the air with their long noses, though they
kept a profound silence.
At the end of the pier the travelers found some queer carriages
waiting for them. They were boxes, fitted up with soft cushions,
and were on runners, like those of a sled. Jack looked and saw
that the street was paved with a substance like glass, very
slippery.
"We're going to have a sleigh ride!" he exclaimed; "but I don't
see any horses to pull us."
"Maybe these are automobile sleds," suggested Mark.
"If they are, there's no motor in them," declared Jack, making a
careful examination.
"Then they move by the same power as do the boats," was his
chum's opinion. "Yes, see the metal box?" and he pointed to one
in each vehicle.
The leading Martian motioned for Jack and Mark to get in one
sled, Mr.
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