"
As he ceased speaking a weird call rang out across the waters of
Omean. I had heard it at the same time the previous evening and
knew that it marked the ending of the day, when the men of Omean
spread their silks upon the deck of battleship and cruiser and fall
into the dreamless sleep of Mars.
Our guard entered to inspect us for the last time before the new
day broke upon the world above. His duty was soon performed and
the heavy door of our prison closed behind him--we were alone for
the night.
I gave him time to return to his quarters, as Xodar said he probably
would do, then I sprang to the grated window and surveyed the nearby
waters. At a little distance from the island, a quarter of a mile
perhaps, lay a monster battleship, while between her and the shore
were a number of smaller cruisers and one-man scouts. Upon the
battleship alone was there a watch. I could see him plainly in
the upper works of the ship, and as I watched I saw him spread his
sleeping silks upon the tiny platform in which he was stationed.
Soon he threw himself at full length upon his couch. The discipline
on Omean was lax indeed. But it is not to be wondered at since no
enemy guessed the existence upon Barsoom of such a fleet, or even
of the First Born, or the Sea of Omean. Why indeed should they
maintain a watch?
Presently I dropped to the floor again and talked with Xodar,
describing the various craft I had seen.
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