In the middle of the throng on the platform was a Martian attired
in a golden, shimmering robe. And on his head was a small
circlet, made apparently of diamonds.
"He must be the high muck-a-muck," said Jack in a whisper.
"Hush!" cautioned Mark.
As the adventurers felt themselves advancing toward the raised
platform, there came a shout from the throng. And the words
sounded like:
"Silex Corundum!"
At this the Martian with the diamond circle on his head arose and
bowed.
"That must be his name," whispered jack.
"Hush!" spoke Mark again, and he who appeared to be a sort of
chief or king began to speak.
He made quite a lengthy address, and as he went on it grew
darker, with the approach of evening.
Suddenly, from various points in the great room, there glowed a
red light, until the apartment was as bright as day. And the
boys, looking up, saw that the light streamed from the sides of
small metal boxes fastened to the glass walls.
"The mysterious red substance!" murmured Mr. Roumann. "It is a
source of power, it gives forth light, and what will it not do?
I must certainly secure some of it!"
The red glow increased as it grew darker outside, and, looking
through the glass sides of the palace, the boys saw that the
palace was surrounded by a great crowd of Martians, who were
watching what went on within.
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