"If I'm goin' t' cook heah, I want t' see how I'm
goin' t' do it."
The Martian seemed to understand what was wanted, for he led the
way to another apartment, where it was evident that cooking was
done, as there were pots, pans and what looked like a stove in
it.
"But I don't see no coal," objected the colored man. "How I
gwine t' cook without coal t' make a fire?"
The Martian opened the square iron box that seemed to be the
stove. Inside was a small metal box, which he also opened,
disclosing a lump of the red substance.
"They cook with it, too!" exclaimed Mr. Roumann. "And I have no
doubt that they warm their houses with it in winter. A wonderful
substance--most marvelous! It exceeds my wildest dreams--light,
heat and power! Our fortunes are made! It is good that we came
to Mars!"
"And it's a good thing they've got something to eat!" remarked
Jack. "Come on, I'm half starved."
"I'll wait on table fo' yo'," said Washington, as they went back
to the dining-room, and the Martian left. They sat down, and the
colored man was about to pass the victuals, when, to the surprise
of all, the center of the table began to revolve, and the dishes
of food went with it, passing slowly in front of each one in
turn.
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