"
The main body of Martians had come to a halt a short distance
away from the projectile, while the two strange figures, so
greatly contrasted--that of the insane man and the little
officer-advanced together.
"Open the window to hear what they say," suggested Mr. Henderson,
and the German scientist did so.
"Hello, you in there!" called the machinist.
"Well, what do you want?" asked Mr. Henderson.
"We want you to come out and be killed. I'm going to pay you
back for all the trouble you caused me. I couldn't wreck your
airship that you stole from me, but I'll have my revenge now.
These little fellows will do whatever I say, and I want you to
come out and be killed."
"Suppose we refuse?"
"Then we'll make you! Oh, they've got the power to, all right.
I'm going to be their king next week, and they'll do anything I
say. Come on out!"
"I'm afraid we shall have to decline," answered the professor.
The machinist began a rambling talk, and the scarlet-cloaked
figure stepped forward. He spoke slowly, using simple words in
the Martian tongue, such as he knew the travelers could
understand.
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