WellitwasforthenoblesofthecourtofOkarthatJohnCarterhadbeendisarmed。Asitwas，adozenofthemfelttheweightofmyclenchedfists，andIhadfoughtmywayhalfupthestepsbeforethethronetowhichSalensusOllhadcarriedDejahThorisereevertheycouldstopme。
　　ThenIwentdown，fighting，beneathahalf—hundredwarriors;butbeforetheyhadbatteredmeintounconsciousnessIheardthatfromthelipsofDejahThoristhatmadeallmysufferingwellworthwhile。
　　Standingtherebesidethegreattyrant，whoclutchedherbythearm，shepointedtowhereIfoughtaloneagainstsuchawfulodds。
　　"Thinkyou，SalensusOll，thatthewifeofsuchasheis，"shecried，"wouldeverdishonorhismemory，wereheathousandtimesdead，bymatingwithalessermortal？LivesthereuponanyworldsuchanotherasJohnCarter，PrinceofHelium？Livesthereanothermanwhocouldfighthiswaybackandforthacrossawarlikeplanet，facingsavagebeastsandhordesofsavagemen，fortheloveofawoman？
　　"I，DejahThoris，PrincessofHelium，amhis。Hefoughtformeandwonme。
　　Ifyoubeabravemanyouwillhonorthebraverythatishis，andyouwillnotkillhim。Makehimaslaveifyouwill，SalensusOll;butsparehislife。
　　IwouldratherbeaslavewithsuchashethanbeQueenofOkar。"
　　"NeitherslavenorqueendictatestoSalensusOll，"repliedtheJeddakofJeddaks。"JohnCartershalldieanaturaldeathinthePitofPlenty，andthedayhediesDejahThorisshallbecomemyqueen。"
　　Ididnothearherreply，foritwasthenthatablowuponmyheadbroughtunconsciousness，andwhenIrecoveredmysensesonlyahandfulofguardsmenremainedintheaudiencechamberwithme。
　　AsIopenedmyeyestheygoadedmewiththepointsoftheirswordsandbademerise。
　　Thentheyledmethroughlongcorridorstoacourtfartowardthecenterofthepalace。
　　Inthecenterofthecourtwasadeeppit，neartheedgeofwhichstoodhalfadozenotherguardsmen，awaitingme。Oneofthemcarriedalongropeinhishands，whichhecommencedtomakereadyasweapproached。
　　WehadcometowithinfiftyfeetofthesemenwhenIfeltasuddenstrangeandrapidprickingsensationinoneofmyfingers。
　　ForamomentIwasnonplusedbytheoddfeeling，andthentherecametomerecollectionofthatwhichinthestressofmyadventureIhadentirelyforgotten——thegiftringofPrinceTaluofMarentina。
　　InstantlyIlookedtowardthegroupwewerenearing，atthesametimeraisingmylefthandtomyforehead，thattheringmightbevisibletoonewhosoughtit。Simultaneouslyoneofthewaitingwarriorsraisedhislefthand，ostensiblytobrushbackhishair，andupononeofhisfingersIsawtheduplicateofmyownring。
　　Aquicklookofintelligencepassedbetweenus，afterwhichIkeptmyeyesturnedawayfromthewarrioranddidnotlookathimagain，forfearthatImightarousethesuspicionoftheOkarians。
　　WhenwereachedtheedgeofthepitIsawthatitwasverydeep，andpresentlyIrealizedIwassoontojudgejusthowfaritextendedbelowthesurfaceofthecourt，forhewhoheldtheropepasseditaboutmybodyinsuchawaythatitcouldbereleasedfromaboveatanytime;andthen，asallthewarriorsgraspedit，hepushedmeforward，andIfellintotheyawningabyss。
　　AfterthefirstjerkasIreachedtheendoftheropethathadbeenpaidouttoletmefallbelowthepit’sedgetheyloweredmequicklybutsmoothly。Themomentbeforetheplunge，whiletwoorthreeofthemenhadbeenassistinginadjustingtheropeaboutme，oneofthemhadbroughthismouthclosetomycheek，andinthebriefintervalbeforeIwascastintotheforbiddingholehebreathedasinglewordintomyear：
　　"Courage！"
　　Thepit，whichmyimaginationhadpicturedasbottomless，provedtobenotmorethanahundredfeetindepth;butasitswallsweresmoothlypolisheditmightaswellhavebeenathousandfeet，forIcouldneverhopetoescapewithoutoutsideassistance。
　　ForadayIwasleftindarkness;andthen，quitesuddenly，abrilliantlightilluminedmystrangecell。Iwasreasonablyhungryandthirstybythistime，nothavingtastedfoodordrinksincethedaypriortomyincarceration。
　　TomyamazementIfoundthesidesofthepit，thatIhadthoughtsmooth，linedwithshelves，uponwhichwerethemostdeliciousviandsandliquidrefreshmentsthatOkarafforded。
　　WithanexclamationofdelightIsprangforwardtopartakeofsomeofthewelcomefood，butereeverIreacheditthelightwasextinguished，and，thoughIgropedmywayaboutthechamber，myhandscameincontactwithnothingbesidethesmooth，hardwallthatIhadfeltonmyfirstexaminationofmyprison。
　　Immediatelythepangsofhungerandthirstbegantoassailme。
　　WherebeforeIhadhadbutamildcravingforfoodanddrink，Inowactuallysufferedforwantofit，andallbecauseofthetantalizingsightthatIhadhadoffoodalmostwithinmygrasp。
　　Oncemoredarknessandsilenceenvelopedme，asilencethatwasbrokenonlybyasinglemockinglaugh。
　　Foranotherdaynothingoccurredtobreakthemonotonyofmyimprisonmentorrelievethesufferingsuperinducedbyhungerandthirst。Slowlythepangsbecamelesskeen，assufferingdeadedtheactivityofcertainnerves;andthenthelightflashedononceagain，andbeforemestoodanarrayofnewandtemptingdishes，withgreatbottlesofclearwaterandflagonsofrefreshingwine，upontheoutsideofwhichthecoldsweatofcondensationstood。
　　Again，withthehungermadnessofawildbeast，Isprangforwardtoseizethosetemptingdishes;but，asbefore，thelightwentoutandIcametoasuddenstopagainstahardwall。
　　Thenthemockinglaughrangoutforasecondtime。
　　ThePitofPlenty！
　　Ah，whatacruelmindmusthavedevisedthisexquisite，hellishtorture！Dayafterdaywasthethingrepeated，untilIwasonthevergeofmadness;andthen，asIhaddoneinthepitsoftheWarhoons，Itookanew，firmholduponmyreasonandforceditbackintothechannelsofsanity。
　　Bysheerwill—powerIregainedcontrolovermytotteringmentality，andsosuccessfulwasIthatthenexttimethatthelightcameIsatquitestillandlookedindifferentlyatthefreshandtemptingfoodalmostwithinmyreach。GladIwasthatIhaddoneso，foritgavemeanopportunitytosolvetheseemingmysteryofthosevanishingbanquets。
　　AsImadenomovetoreachthefood，thetorturersleftthelightturnedoninthehopethatatlastIcouldrefrainnolongerfromgivingthemthedeliciousthrillofenjoymentthatmyformerfutileeffortstoobtainithadcaused。
　　AndasIsatscrutinizingtheladenshelvesIpresentlysawhowthethingwasaccomplished，andsosimplewasitthatI
　　wonderedIhadnotguesseditbefore。Thewallofmyprisonwasofclearestglass——behindtheglasswerethetantalizingviands。
　　Afternearlyanhourthelightwentout，butthistimetherewasnomockinglaughter——atleastnotuponthepartofmytormentors;
　　butI，tobeatquitswiththem，gavealowlaughthatnonemightmistakeforthecackleofamaniac。
　　Ninedayspassed，andIwasweakfromhungerandthirst，butnolongersuffering——Iwaspastthat。Then，downthroughthedarknessabove，alittleparcelfelltotheflooratmyside。
　　IndifferentlyIgropedforit，thinkingitbutsomenewinventionofmyjailerstoaddtomysufferings。
　　AtlastIfoundit——atinypackagewrappedinpaper，attheendofastrongandslendercord。AsIopeneditafewlozengesfelltothefloor。AsIgatheredthemup，feelingofthemandsmellingofthem，IdiscoveredthattheyweretabletsofconcentratedfoodsuchasarequitecommoninallpartsofBarsoom。
　　Poison！Ithought。
　　Well，whatofit？Whynotendmymiserynowratherthandragoutafewmorewretcheddaysinthisdarkpit？SlowlyIraisedoneofthelittlepelletstomylips。
　　"Good—bye，myDejahThoris！"Ibreathed。"Ihavelivedforyouandfoughtforyou，andnowmynextdearestwishistoberealized，forIshalldieforyou，"and，takingthemorselinmymouth，Idevouredit。
　　OnebyoneIatethemall，noreverdidanythingtastebetterthanthosetinybitsofnourishment，withinwhichIknewmustlietheseedsofdeath——possiblyofsomehideous，torturingdeath。
　　AsIsatquietlyuponthefloorofmyprison，waitingfortheend，myfingersbyaccidentcameincontactwiththebitofpaperinwhichthethingshadbeenwrapped;andasIidlyplayedwithit，mymindroamingfarbackintothepast，thatImightliveagainforafewbriefmomentsbeforeIdiedsomeofthemanyhappymomentsofalongandhappylife，Ibecameawareofstrangeprotuberancesuponthesmoothsurfaceoftheparchment—likesubstanceinmyhands。
　　Foratimetheycarriednospecialsignificancetomymind——I
　　merelywasmildlywondrousthattheywerethere;butatlasttheyseemedtotakeform，andthenIrealizedthattherewasbutasinglelineofthem，likewriting。
　　Now，moreinterestedly，myfingerstracedandretracedthem。
　　Therewerefourseparateanddistinctcombinationsofraisedlines。
　　Coulditbethatthesewerefourwords，andthattheywereintendedtocarryamessagetome？
　　ThemoreIthoughtofitthemoreexcitedIbecame，untilmyfingersracedmadlybackandforthoverthosebewilderinglittlehillsandvalleysuponthatbitofpaper。
　　ButIcouldmakenothingofthem，andatlastIdecidedthatmyveryhastewaspreventingmefromsolvingthemystery。
　　ThenItookitmoreslowly。Againandagainmyforefingertracedthefirstofthosefourcombinations。
　　MartianwritingisratherdifficulttoexplaintoanEarthman——
　　itissomethingofacrossbetweenshorthandandpicture—writing，andisanentirelydifferentlanguagefromthespokenlanguageofMars。
　　UponBarsoomthereisbutasingleorallanguage。
　　Itisspokentodaybyeveryraceandnation，justasitwasatthebeginningofhumanlifeuponBarsoom。Ithasgrownwiththegrowthoftheplanet’slearningandscientificachievements，butsoingeniousathingitisthatnewwordstoexpressnewthoughtsordescribenewconditionsordiscoveriesformthemselves——nootherwordcouldexplainthethingthatanewwordisrequiredforotherthanthewordthatnaturallyfallstoit，andso，nomatterhowfarremovedtwonationsorraces，theirspokenlanguagesareidentical。
　　Notsotheirwrittenlanguages，however。Notwonationshavethesamewrittenlanguage，andoftencitiesofthesamenationhaveawrittenlanguagethatdiffersgreatlyfromthatofthenationtowhichtheybelong。
　　Thusitwasthatthesignsuponthepaper，ifinrealitytheywerewords，baffledmeforsometime;butatlastImadeoutthefirstone。
　　Itwas"courage，"anditwaswritteninthelettersofMarentina。
　　Courage！
　　ThatwasthewordtheyellowguardsmanhadwhisperedinmyearasIstooduponthevergeofthePitofPlenty。
　　Themessagemustbefromhim，andheIknewwasafriend。
　　WithrenewedhopeIbentmyeveryenergytothedecipheringofthebalanceofthemessage，andatlastsuccessrewardedmyendeavor——Ihadreadthefourwords：
　　"Courage！Followtherope。"
　　"FOLLOWTHEROPE"
　　Whatcoulditmean？
　　"Followtherope。"Whatrope？
　　PresentlyIrecalledthecordthathadbeenattachedtotheparcelwhenitfellatmyside，andafteralittlegropingmyhandcameincontactwithitagain。Itdependedfromabove，andwhenI
　　pulleduponitIdiscoveredthatitwasrigidlyfastened，possiblyatthepit’smouth。
　　UponexaminationIfoundthatthecord，thoughsmall，wasamplyabletosustaintheweightofseveralmen。ThenImadeanotherdiscovery——
　　therewasasecondmessageknottedintheropeatabouttheheightofmyhead。ThisIdecipheredmoreeasily，nowthatthekeywasmine。
　　"Bringtheropewithyou。Beyondtheknotsliesdanger。"
　　Thatwasalltherewastothismessage。Itwasevidentlyhastilyformed——anafterthought。
　　Ididnotpauselongerthantolearnthecontentsofthesecondmessage，and，thoughIwasnonetoosureofthemeaningofthefinaladmonition，"Beyondtheknotsliesdanger，"
　　yetIwassurethatherebeforemelayanavenueofescape，andthatthesoonerItookadvantageofitthemorelikelywasItowintoliberty。
　　Atleast，IcouldbebutlittleworseoffthanIhadbeeninthePitofPlenty。
　　Iwastofind，however，ereIwaswelloutofthatdamnableholethatImighthavebeenverymuchworseoffhadIbeencompelledtoremainthereanothertwominutes。
　　Ithadtakenmeaboutthatlengthoftimetoascendsomefiftyfeetabovethebottomwhenanoiseaboveattractedmyattention。
　　TomychagrinIsawthatthecoveringofthepitwasbeingremovedfaraboveme，andinthelightofthecourtyardbeyondIsawanumberofyellowwarriors。
　　CoulditbethatIwaslaboriouslyworkingmywayintosomenewtrap？
　　Werethemessagesspurious，afterall？Andthen，justasmyhopeandcouragehadebbedtotheirlowest，Isawtwothings。
　　Onewasthebodyofahuge，struggling，snarlingaptbeingloweredoverthesideofthepittowardme，andtheotherwasanapertureinthesideoftheshaft——anaperturelargerthanaman’sbody，intowhichmyropeled。
　　JustasIscrambledintothedarkholebeforemetheaptpassedme，reachingoutwithhismightyhandstoclutchme，andsnapping，growling，androaringinamostfrightfulmanner。
　　PlainlynowIsawtheendforwhichSalensusOllhaddestinedme。
　　Afterfirsttorturingmewithstarvationhehadcausedthisfiercebeasttobeloweredintomyprisontofinishtheworkthatthejeddak’shellishimaginationhadconceived。
　　Andthenanothertruthflasheduponme——IhadlivedninedaysoftheallottedtenwhichmustintervenebeforeSalensusOllcouldmakeDejahThorishisqueen。Thepurposeoftheaptwastoinsuremydeathbeforethetenthday。
　　IalmostlaughedaloudasIthoughthowSalensusOll’smeasureofsafetywastoaidindefeatingtheveryendhesought，forwhentheydiscoveredthattheaptwasaloneinthePitofPlentytheycouldnotknowbutthathehadcompletelydevouredme，andsonosuspicionofmyescapewouldcauseasearchtobemadeforme。
　　Coilingtheropethathadcarriedmethusfaruponmystrangejourney，Isoughtfortheotherend，butfoundthatasIfolloweditforwarditextendedalwaysbeforeme。Sothiswasthemeaningofthewords："Followtherope。"
　　ThetunnelthroughwhichIcrawledwaslowanddark。IhadfolloweditforseveralhundredyardswhenIfeltaknotbeneathmyfingers。
　　"Beyondtheknotsliesdanger。"
　　NowIwentwiththeutmostcaution，andamomentlaterasharpturninthetunnelbroughtmetoanopeningintoalarge，brilliantlylightedchamber。
　　ThetrendofthetunnelIhadbeentraversinghadbeenslightlyupward，andfromthisIjudgedthatthechamberintowhichInowfoundmyselflookingmustbeeitheronthefirstfloorofthepalaceordirectlybeneaththefirstfloor。
　　Upontheoppositewallweremanystrangeinstrumentsanddevices，andinthecenteroftheroomstoodalongtable，atwhichtwomenwereseatedinearnestconversation。
　　Hewhofacedmewasayellowman——alittle，wizened—up，pasty—facedoldfellowwithgreateyesthatshowedthewhiteroundtheentirecircumferenceoftheiris。
　　Hiscompanionwasablackman，andIdidnotneedtoseehisfacetoknowthatitwasThurid，fortherewasnootheroftheFirstBornnorthoftheice—barrier。
　　ThuridwasspeakingasIcamewithinhearingofthemen’svoices。
　　"Solan，"hewassaying，"thereisnoriskandtherewardisgreat。
　　YouknowthatyouhateSalensusOllandthatnothingwouldpleaseyoumorethantothwarthiminsomecherishedplan。
　　TherebenothingthathemorecherishestodaythantheideaofweddingthebeautifulPrincessofHelium;butI，too，wanther，andwithyourhelpImaywinher。
　　"YouneednotmorethanstepfromthisroomforaninstantwhenIgiveyouthesignal。Iwilldotherest，andthen，whenI
　　amgone，youmaycomeandthrowthegreatswitchbackintoitsplace，andallwillbeasbefore。Ineedbutanhour’sstarttobesafebeyondthedevilishpowerthatyoucontrolinthishiddenchamberbeneaththepalaceofyourmaster。Seehoweasy，"andwiththewordstheblackdatorrosefromhisseatand，crossingtheroom，laidhishanduponalarge，burnishedleverthatprotrudedfromtheoppositewall。
　　"No！No！"criedthelittleoldman，springingafterhim，withawildshriek。"Notthatone！Notthatone！Thatcontrolsthesunraytanks，andshouldyoupullittoofardown，allKadabrawouldbeconsumedbyheatbeforeIcouldreplaceit。Comeaway！
　　Comeaway！Youknownotwithwhatmightypowersyouplay。
　　Thisistheleverthatyouseek。Notewellthesymbolinlaidinwhiteuponitsebonsurface。"
　　Thuridapproachedandexaminedthehandleofthelever。
　　"Ah，amagnet，"hesaid。"Iwillremember。ItissettledthenItakeit，"hecontinued。
　　Theoldmanhesitated。Alookofcombinedgreedandapprehensionoverspreadhisnonetoobeautifulfeatures。
　　"Doublethefigure，"hesaid。"Eventhatwerealltoosmallanamountfortheserviceyouask。Why，Iriskmylifebyevenentertainingyouherewithintheforbiddenprecinctsofmystation。
　　ShouldSalensusOlllearnofithewouldhavemethrowntotheaptsbeforethedaywasdone。"
　　"Hedarenotdothat，andyouknowitfullwell，Solan，"
　　contradictedtheblack。"ToogreatapoweroflifeanddeathyouholdoverthepeopleofKadabraforSalensusOllevertoriskthreateningyouwithdeath。Beforeeverhisminionscouldlaytheirhandsuponyou，youmightseizethisveryleverfromwhichyouhavejustwarnedmeandwipeouttheentirecity。"
　　"Andmyselfintothebargain，"saidSolan，withashudder。
　　"Butifyouweretodie，anyway，youwouldfindthenervetodoit，"
　　repliedThurid。
　　"Yes，"mutteredSolan，"Ihaveoftenthoughtuponthatverything。
　　Well，FirstBorn，isyourredprincessworththepriceIaskformyservices，orwillyougowithoutherandseeherinthearmsofSalensusOlltomorrownight？"
　　"Takeyourprice，yellowman，"repliedThurid，withanoath。
　　"Halfnowandthebalancewhenyouhavefulfilledyourcontract。"
　　Withthatthedatorthrewawell—filledmoney—pouchuponthetable。
　　Solanopenedthepouchandwithtremblingfingerscounteditscontents。
　　Hisweirdeyesassumedagreedyexpression，andhisunkemptbeardandmustachetwitchedwiththemusclesofhismouthandchin。
　　ItwasquiteevidentfromhisverymannerismthatThuridhadkeenlyguessedtheman’sweakness——eventheclawlike，clutchingmovementofthefingersbetokenedtheavariciousnessofthemiser。
　　Havingsatisfiedhimselfthattheamountwascorrect，Solanreplacedthemoneyinthepouchandrosefromthetable。
　　"Now，"hesaid，"areyouquitesurethatyouknowthewaytoyourdestination？YoumusttravelquicklytocoverthegroundtothecaveandfromthencebeyondtheGreatPower，allwithinabriefhour，fornomoredareIspareyou。"
　　"Letmerepeatittoyou，"saidThurid，"thatyoumayseeifIbeletter—perfect。"
　　"Proceed，"repliedSolan。
　　"Throughyonderdoor，"hecommenced，pointingtoadooratthefarendoftheapartment，"Ifollowacorridor，passingthreedivergingcorridorsuponmyright;thenintothefourthright—handcorridorstraighttowherethreecorridorsmeet;hereagainI
　　followtotheright，huggingtheleftwallcloselytoavoidthepit。
　　"AttheendofthiscorridorIshallcometoaspiralrunway，whichImustfollowdowninsteadofup;afterthatthewayisalongbutasinglebranchlesscorridor。AmIright？"
　　"Quiteright，Dator，"answeredSolan;"andnowbegone。Alreadyhaveyoutemptedfatetoolongwithinthisforbiddenplace。"
　　"Tonight，ortomorrow，then，youmayexpectthesignal，"saidThurid，risingtogo。
　　"Tonight，ortomorrow，"repeatedSolan，andasthedoorclosedbehindhisguesttheoldmancontinuedtomutterasheturnedbacktothetable，whereheagaindumpedthecontentsofthemoney—pouch，runninghisfingersthroughtheheapofshiningmetal;
　　pilingthecoinsintolittletowers;counting，recounting，andfondlingthewealththewhilehemutteredonandoninacrooningundertone。
　　Presentlyhisfingersceasedtheirplay;hiseyespoppedwiderthaneverastheyfasteneduponthedoorthroughwhichThuridhaddisappeared。
　　Thecroonchangedtoaquerulousmuttering，andfinallytoanuglygrowl。
　　Thentheoldmanrosefromthetable，shakinghisfistatthecloseddoor。
　　Nowheraisedhisvoice，andhiswordscamedistinctly。
　　"Fool！"hemuttered。"ThinkyouthatforyourhappinessSolanwillgiveuphislife？Ifyouescaped，SalensusOllwouldknowthatonlythroughmyconnivancecouldyouhavesucceeded。
　　Thenwouldhesendforme。Whatwouldyouhavemedo？Reducethecityandmyselftoashes？No，fool，thereisabetterway——abetterwayforSolantokeepthymoneyandberevengeduponSalensusOll。"
　　Helaughedinanasty，cacklingnote。
　　"Poorfool！YoumaythrowthegreatswitchthatwillgiveyouthefreedomoftheairofOkar，andthen，infatuoussecurity，goonwiththyredprincesstothefreedomof——death。Whenyouhavepassedbeyondthischamberinyourflight，whatcanpreventSolanreplacingtheswitchasitwasbeforeyourvilehandtouchedit？
　　Nothing;andthentheGuardianoftheNorthwillclaimyouandyourwoman，andSalensusOll，whenheseesyourdeadbodies，willneverdreamthatthehandofSolanhadaughttodowiththething。"
　　ThenhisvoicedroppedoncemoreintomutteringsthatIcouldnottranslate，butIhadheardenoughtocausemetoguessagreatdealmore，andIthankedthekindProvidencethathadledmetothischamberatatimesofilledwithimportancetoDejahThorisandmyselfasthis。
　　Buthowtopasstheoldmannow！Thecord，almostinvisibleuponthefloor，stretchedstraightacrosstheapartmenttoadooruponthefarside。
　　TherewasnootherwayofwhichIknew，norcouldIaffordtoignoretheadviceto"followtherope。"Imustcrossthisroom，buthoweverIshouldaccomplishitundetectedwiththatoldmanintheverycenterofitbaffledme。
　　OfcourseImighthavesprunginuponhimandwithmybarehandssilencedhimforever，butIhadheardenoughtoconvincemethatwithhimalivetheknowledgethatIhadgainedmightservemeatsomefuturemoment，whileshouldIkillhimandanotherbestationedinhisplaceThuridwouldnotcomehitherwithDejahThoris，aswasquiteevidentlyhisintention。
　　AsIstoodinthedarkshadowofthetunnel’sendrackingmybrainforafeasibleplanthewhileIwatched，catlike，theoldman’severymove，hetookupthemoney—pouchandcrossedtooneendoftheapartment，where，bendingtohisknees，hefumbledwithapanelinthewall。
　　InstantlyIguessedthatherewasthehidingplaceinwhichhehoardedhiswealth，andwhilehebentthere，hisbacktowardme，I
　　enteredthechamberupontiptoe，andwiththeutmoststealthessayedtoreachtheoppositesidebeforeheshouldcompletehistaskandturnagaintowardtheroom’scenter。
　　Scarcelythirtysteps，alltold，mustItake，andyetitseemedtomyoverwroughtimaginationthatthatfartherwallwasmilesaway;butatlastIreachedit，noroncehadItakenmyeyesfromthebackoftheoldmiser’shead。
　　Hedidnotturnuntilmyhandwasuponthebuttonthatcontrolledthedoorthroughwhichmywayled，andthenheturnedawayfrommeasIpassedthroughandgentlyclosedthedoor。
　　ForaninstantIpaused，myearclosetothepanel，tolearnifhehadsuspectedaught，butasnosoundofpursuitcamefromwithinIwheeledandmademywayalongthenewcorridor，followingtherope，whichIcoiledandbroughtwithmeasIadvanced。
　　ButashortdistancefartheronIcametotherope’sendatapointwherefivecorridorsmet。WhatwasItodo？WhichwayshouldIturn？Iwasnonplused。
　　Acarefulexaminationoftheendoftheroperevealedthefactthatithadbeencleanlycutwithsomesharpinstrument。ThisfactandthewordsthathadcautionedmethatdangerlaybeyondtheKNOTSconvincedmethattheropehadbeenseveredsincemyfriendhadplaceditasmyguide，forIhadbutpassedasingleknot，whereastherehadevidentlybeentwoormoreintheentirelengthofthecord。
　　Now，indeed，wasIinaprettyfix，forneitherdidIknowwhichavenuetofollownorwhendangerlaydirectlyinmypath;
　　buttherewasnothingelsetobedonethanfollowoneofthecorridors，forIcouldgainnothingbyremainingwhereIwas。
　　SoIchosethecentralopening，andpassedonintoitsgloomydepthswithaprayeruponmylips。
　　ThefloorofthetunnelroserapidlyasIadvanced，andamomentlaterthewaycametoanabruptendbeforeaheavydoor。
　　Icouldhearnothingbeyond，and，withmyaccustomedrashness，pushedtheportalwidetostepintoaroomfilledwithyellowwarriors。
　　Thefirsttoseemeopenedhiseyeswideinastonishment，andatthesameinstantIfeltthetinglingsensationinmyfingerthatdenotedthepresenceofafriendofthering。
　　Thenotherssawme，andtherewasaconcertedrushtolayhandsuponme，forthesewereallmembersofthepalaceguard——menfamiliarwithmyface。
　　Thefirsttoreachmewasthewearerofthematetomystrangering，andashecameclosehewhispered："Surrendertome！"theninaloudvoiceshouted："Youaremyprisoner，whiteman，"andmenacedmewithhistwoweapons。
　　AndsoJohnCarter，PrinceofHelium，meeklysurrenderedtoasingleantagonist。Theothersnowswarmedaboutus，askingmanyquestions，butIwouldnottalktothem，andfinallymycaptorannouncedthathewouldleadmebacktomycell。
　　Anofficerorderedseveralotherwarriorstoaccompanyhim，andamomentlaterwewereretracingthewayIhadjustcome。
　　Myfriendwalkedclosebesideme，askingmanysillyquestionsaboutthecountryfromwhichIhadcome，untilfinallyhisfellowspaidnofurtherattentiontohimorhisgabbling。
　　Gradually，ashespoke，heloweredhisvoice，sothatpresentlyhewasabletoconversewithmeinalowtonewithoutattractingattention。
　　Hisrusewasacleverone，andshowedthatTaluhadnotmisjudgedtheman’sfitnessforthedangerousdutyuponwhichhewasdetailed。
　　Whenhehadfullyassuredhimselfthattheotherguardsmenwerenotlistening，heaskedmewhyIhadnotfollowedtherope，andwhenItoldhimthatithadendedatthefivecorridorshesaidthatitmusthavebeencutbysomeoneinneedofapieceofrope，forhewassurethat"thestupidKadabranswouldneverhaveguesseditspurpose。"
　　BeforewehadreachedthespotfromwhichthefivecorridorsdivergemyMarentinianfriendhadmanagedtodroptotherearofthelittlecolumnwithme，andwhenwecameinsightofthebranchingwayshewhispered：
　　"Runupthefirstupontheright。Itleadstothewatchtoweruponthesouthwall。Iwilldirectthepursuitupthenextcorridor，"
　　andwiththathegavemeagreatshoveintothedarkmouthofthetunnel，atthesametimecryingoutinsimulatedpainandalarmashethrewhimselfuponthefloorasthoughIhadfelledhimwithablow。
　　Frombehindthevoicesoftheexcitedguardsmencamereverberatingalongthecorridor，suddenlygrowingfainterasTalu’sspyledthemupthewrongpassagewayinfanciedpursuit。
　　AsIranformylifethroughthedarkgalleriesbeneaththepalaceofSalensusOllImustindeedhavepresentedaremarkableappearancehadtherebeenanytonoteit，forthoughdeathloomedlargeaboutme，myfacewassplitbyabroadgrinasIthoughtoftheresourcefulnessofthenamelessheroofMarentinatowhomIowedmylife。
　　OfsuchstuffarethemenofmybelovedHelium，andwhenImeetanotheroftheirkind，ofwhateverraceorcolor，myheartgoesouttohimasitdidnowtomynewfriendwhohadriskedhislifeformesimplybecauseIworethematetotheringhisrulerhadputuponhisfinger。
　　ThecorridoralongwhichIranledalmoststraightforaconsiderabledistance，terminatingatthefootofaspiralrunway，upwhichIproceededtoemergepresentlyintoacircularchamberuponthefirstfloorofatower。
　　Inthisapartmentadozenredslaveswereemployedpolishingorrepairingtheweaponsoftheyellowmen。Thewallsoftheroomwerelinedwithracksinwhichwerehundredsofstraightandhookedswords，javelins，anddaggers。Itwasevidentlyanarmory。
　　Therewerebutthreewarriorsguardingtheworkers。
　　Myeyestookintheentiresceneataglance。Herewereweaponsinplenty！Hereweresinewyredwarriorstowieldthem！
　　AndherenowwasJohnCarter，PrinceofHelium，inneedbothofweaponsandwarriors！
　　AsIsteppedintotheapartment，guardsandprisonerssawmesimultaneously。
　　ClosetotheentrancewhereIstoodwasarackofstraightswords，andasmyhandcloseduponthehiltofoneofthemmyeyesfelluponthefacesoftwooftheprisonerswhoworkedsidebyside。
　　Oneoftheguardsstartedtowardme。"Whoareyou？"hedemanded。
　　"Whatdoyouhere？"
　　"IcomeforTardosMors，JeddakofHelium，andhisson，MorsKajak，"
　　Icried，pointingtothetworedprisoners，whohadnowsprungtotheirfeet，wide—eyedinastonishedrecognition。
　　"Rise，redmen！BeforewedieletusleaveamemorialinthepalaceofOkar’styrantthatwillstandforeverintheannalsofKadabratothehonorandgloryofHelium，"forIhadseenthatalltheprisonersthereweremenofTardosMors’snavy。
　　Thenthefirstguardsmanwasuponmeandthefightwason，butscarcedidweengageere，tomyhorror，Isawthattheredslaveswereshackledtothefloor。
　　THEMAGNETSWITCH
　　Theguardsmenpaidnottheslightestattentiontotheirwards，fortheredmencouldnotmoveovertwofeetfromthegreatringstowhichtheywerepadlocked，thougheachhadseizedaweaponuponwhichhehadbeenengagedwhenIenteredtheroom，andstoodreadytojoinmecouldtheyhavebutdoneso。
　　Theyellowmendevotedalltheirattentiontome，norweretheylongindiscoveringthatthethreeofthemwerenonetoomanytodefendthearmoryagainstJohnCarter。WouldthatIhadhadmyowngoodlong—swordinmyhandthatday;but，asitwas，Irenderedasatisfactoryaccountofmyselfwiththeunfamiliarweaponoftheyellowman。
　　AtfirstIhadatimeofitdodgingtheirvillainoushook—swords，butafteraminuteortwoIhadsucceededinwrestingasecondstraightswordfromoneoftheracksalongthewall，andthereafter，usingittoparrythehooksofmyantagonists，Ifeltmoreevenlyequipped。
　　Thethreeofthemwereonmeatonce，andbutforaluckycircumstancemyendmighthavecomequickly。Theforemostguardsmanmadeaviciouslungeformysidewithhishookafterthethreeofthemhadbackedmeagainstthewall，butasIsidesteppedandraisedmyarmhisweaponbutgrazedmyside，passingintoarackofjavelins，whereitbecameentangled。
　　BeforehecouldreleaseitIhadrunhimthrough，andthen，fallingbackuponthetacticsthathavesavedmeahundredtimesintightpinches，Irushedthetworemainingwarriors，forcingthembackwithaperfecttorrentofcutsandthrusts，weavingmyswordinandoutabouttheirguardsuntilIhadthefearofdeathuponthem。
　　Thenoneofthemcommencedcallingforhelp，butitwastoolatetosavethem。
　　Theywereasputtyinmyhandsnow，andIbackedthemaboutthearmoryasIwoulduntilIhadthemwhereIwantedthem——withinreachoftheswordsoftheshackledslaves。Inaninstantbothlaydeaduponthefloor。Buttheircrieshadnotbeenentirelyfruitless，fornowIheardansweringshoutsandthefootfallsofmanymenrunningandtheclankofaccoutermentsandthecommandsofofficers。
　　"Thedoor！Quick，JohnCarter，barthedoor！"criedTardosMors。
　　Alreadytheguardwasinsight，chargingacrosstheopencourtthatwasvisiblethroughthedoorway。
　　Adozensecondswouldbringthemintothetower。Asingleleapcarriedmetotheheavyportal。WitharesoundingbangI
　　slammeditshut。
　　"Thebar！"shoutedTardosMors。
　　Itriedtoslipthehugefasteningintoplace，butitdefiedmyeveryattempt。
　　"Raiseitalittletoreleasethecatch，"criedoneoftheredmen。
　　Icouldheartheyellowwarriorsleapingalongtheflaggingjustbeyondthedoor。Iraisedthebarandshotittotherightjustastheforemostoftheguardsmenthrewhimselfagainsttheoppositesideofthemassivepanels。
　　Thebarrierheld——Ihadbeenintime，butbythefractionofasecondonly。
　　NowIturnedmyattentiontotheprisoners。ToTardosMorsI
　　wentfirst，askingwherethekeysmightbewhichwouldunfastentheirfetters。
　　"Theofficeroftheguardhasthem，"repliedtheJeddakofHelium，"andheisamongthosewithoutwhoseekentrance。Youwillhavetoforcethem。"
　　Mostoftheprisonerswerealreadyhackingattheirbondswiththeswordsintheirhands。Theyellowmenwerebatteringatthedoorwithjavelinsandaxes。
　　IturnedmyattentiontothechainsthatheldTardosMors。
　　AgainandagainIcutdeepintothemetalwithmysharpblade，buteverfasterandfasterfellthetorrentofblowsupontheportal。
　　Atlastalinkpartedbeneathmyefforts，andamomentlaterTardosMorswasfree，thoughafewinchesoftrailingchainstilldangledfromhisankle。
　　Asplinterofwoodfallinginwardfromthedoorannouncedtheheadwaythatourenemiesweremakingtowardus。
　　Themightypanelstrembledandbentbeneaththefuriousonslaughtoftheenragedyellowmen。
　　Whatwiththebatteringuponthedoorandthehackingoftheredmenattheirchainsthedinwithinthearmorywasappalling。
　　NosoonerwasTardosMorsfreethanheturnedhisattentiontoanotheroftheprisoners，whileIsettoworktoliberateMorsKajak。
　　Wemustworkfastifwewouldhaveallthosefetterscutbeforethedoorgaveway。Nowapanelcrashedinwarduponthefloor，andMorsKajaksprangtotheopeningtodefendthewayuntilweshouldhavetimetoreleasetheothers。
　　WithjavelinssnatchedfromthewallhewroughthavocamongtheforemostoftheOkarianswhilewebattledwiththeinsensatemetalthatstoodbetweenourfellowsandfreedom。
　　Atlengthallbutoneoftheprisonerswerefreed，andthenthedoorfellwithamightycrashbeforeahastilyimprovisedbattering—ram，andtheyellowhordewasuponus。
　　"Totheupperchambers！"shoutedtheredmanwhowasstillfetteredtothefloor。"Totheupperchambers！ThereyoumaydefendthetoweragainstallKadabra。Donotdelaybecauseofme，whocouldprayfornobetterdeaththanintheserviceofTardosMorsandthePrinceofHelium。"
　　ButIwouldhavesacrificedthelifeofeverymanofusratherthandesertasingleredman，muchlessthelion—heartedherowhobeggedustoleavehim。
　　"Cuthischains，"Icriedtotwooftheredmen，"whilethebalanceofusholdoffthefoe。"
　　ThereweretenofusnowtodobattlewiththeOkarianguard，andIwarrantthatthatancientwatchtowerneverlookeddownuponamorehotlycontestedbattlethantookplacethatdaywithinitsowngrimwalls。
　　ThefirstinrushingwaveofyellowwarriorsrecoiledfromtheslashingbladesoftenofHelium’sveteranfightingmen。AdozenOkariancorpsesblockedthedoorway，butoverthegruesomebarrierascoremoreoftheirfellowsdashed，shoutingtheirhoarseandhideouswar—cry。
　　Uponthebloodymoundwemetthem，handtohand，stabbingwherethequartersweretooclosetocut，thrustingwhenwecouldpushafoemantoarm’slength;andmingledwiththewildcryoftheOkarianthereroseandfellthegloriouswords："ForHelium！
　　ForHelium！"thatforcountlessageshavespurredonthebravestofthebravetothosedeedsofvalorthathavesentthefameofHelium’sheroesbroadcastthroughoutthelengthandbreadthofaworld。
　　Nowwerethefettersstruckfromthelastoftheredmen，andthirteenstrongwemeteachnewchargeofthesoldiersofSalensusOll。Scarceoneofusbutbledfromascoreofwounds，yetnonehadfallen。
　　Fromwithoutwesawhundredsofguardsmenpouringintothecourtyard，andalongthelowercorridorfromwhichIhadfoundmywaytothearmorywecouldheartheclankofmetalandtheshoutingofmen。
　　Inamomentweshouldbeattackedfromtwosides，andwithallourprowesswecouldnothopetowithstandtheunequaloddswhichwouldthusdivideourattentionandoursmallnumbers。
　　"Totheupperchambers！"criedTardosMors，andamomentlaterwefellbacktowardtherunwaythatledtothefloorsabove。
　　Hereanotherbloodybattlewaswagedwiththeforceofyellowmenwhochargedintothearmoryaswefellbackfromthedoorway。
　　Herewelostourfirstman，anoblefellowwhomwecouldillspare;
　　butatlengthallhadbackedintotherunwayexceptmyself，whoremainedtoholdbacktheOkariansuntiltheothersweresafeabove。
　　Inthemouthofthenarrowspiralbutasinglewarriorcouldattackmeatatime，sothatIhadlittledifficultyinholdingthemallbackforthebriefmomentthatwasnecessary。Then，backingslowlybeforethem，Icommencedtheascentofthespiral。
　　Allthelongwaytothetower’stoptheguardsmenpressedmeclosely。
　　Whenonewentdownbeforemyswordanotherscrambledoverthedeadmantotakehisplace;andthus，takinganawfultollwitheachfewfeetgained，Icametothespaciousglass—walledwatchtowerofKadabra。
　　Heremycompanionsclusteredreadytotakemyplace，andforamoment’srespiteIsteppedtoonesidewhiletheyheldtheenemyoff。
　　Fromtheloftyperchaviewcouldbehadformilesineverydirection。
　　Towardthesouthstretchedtherugged，ice—cladwastetotheedgeofthemightybarrier。Towardtheeastandwest，anddimlytowardthenorthIdescriedotherOkariancities，whileintheimmediateforeground，justbeyondthewallsofKadabra，thegrimguardianshaftreareditssomberhead。
　　ThenIcastmyeyesdownintothestreetsofKadabra，fromwhichasuddentumulthadarisen，andthereIsawabattleraging，andbeyondthecity’swallsIsawarmedmenmarchingingreatcolumnstowardanear—bygate。
　　EagerlyIpressedforwardagainsttheglasswalloftheobservatory，scarcedaringtocreditthetestimonyofmyowneyes。ButatlastIcoulddoubtnolonger，andwithashoutofjoythatrosestrangelyinthemidstofthecursingandgroaningofthebattlingmenattheentrancetothechamber，IcalledtoTardosMors。
　　AshejoinedmeIpointeddownintothestreetsofKadabraandtotheadvancingcolumnsbeyond，abovewhichfloatedbravelyinthearcticairtheflagsandbannersofHelium。
　　Aninstantlatereveryredmanintheloftychamberhadseentheinspiringsight，andsuchashoutofthanksgivingaroseasI
　　warrantneverbeforeechoedthroughthatage—oldpileofstone。
　　Butstillwemustfighton，forthoughourtroopshadenteredKadabra，thecitywasyetfarfromcapitulation，norhadthepalacebeenevenassaulted。Turnandturnaboutweheldthetopoftherunwaywhiletheothersfeastedtheireyesuponthesightofourvaliantcountrymenbattlingfarbeneathus。
　　Nowtheyhaverushedthepalacegate！Greatbattering—ramsaredashedagainstitsformidablesurface。Nowtheyarerepulsedbyadeadlyshowerofjavelinsfromthewall’stop！
　　Onceagaintheycharge，butasortiebyalargeforceofOkariansfromanintersectingavenuecrumplestheheadofthecolumn，andthemenofHeliumgodown，fighting，beneathanoverwhelmingforce。
　　Thepalacegatefliesopenandaforceofthejeddak’sownguard，pickedmenfromthefloweroftheOkarianarmy，salliesforthtoshatterthebrokenregiments。Foramomentitlooksasthoughnothingcouldavertdefeat，andthenIseeanoblefigureuponamightythoat——notthetinythoatoftheredman，butoneofhishugecousinsofthedeadseabottoms。
　　Thewarriorhewshiswaytothefront，andbehindhimrallythedisorganizedsoldiersofHelium。AsheraiseshisheadalofttoflingachallengeatthemenuponthepalacewallsIseehisface，andmyheartswellsinprideandhappinessastheredwarriorsleaptothesideoftheirleaderandwinbackthegroundthattheyhadbutjustlost——thefaceofhimuponthemightythoatisthefaceofmyson——CarthorisofHelium。
　　AthissidefightsahugeMartianwar—hound，nordidIneedasecondlooktoknowthatitwasWoola——myfaithfulWoolawhohadthuswellperformedhisarduoustaskandbroughtthesuccoringlegionsinthenickoftime。
　　"Inthenickoftime？"
　　Whoyetmightsaythattheywerenottoolatetosave，butsurelytheycouldavenge！AndsuchretributionasthatunconqueredarmywoulddealouttothehatefulOkarians！IsighedtothinkthatI
　　mightnotbealivetowitnessit。
　　AgainIturnedtothewindows。Theredmenhadnotyetforcedtheouterpalacewall，buttheywerefightingnoblyagainstthebestthatOkarafforded——valiantwarriorswhocontestedeveryinchoftheway。
　　Nowmyattentionwascaughtbyanewelementwithoutthecitywall——
　　agreatbodyofmountedwarriorsloominglargeabovetheredmen。
　　TheywerethehugegreenalliesofHelium——thesavagehordesfromthedeadseabottomsofthefarsouth。
　　Ingrimandterriblesilencetheyspedontowardthegate，thepaddedhoofsoftheirfrightfulmountsgivingforthnosound。
　　Intothedoomedcitytheycharged，andastheywheeledacrossthewideplazabeforethepalaceoftheJeddakofJeddaksIsaw，ridingattheirhead，themightyfigureoftheirmightyleader——TarsTarkas，JeddakofThark。
　　Mywish，then，wastobegratified，forIwastoseemyoldfriendbattlingonceagain，andthoughnotshouldertoshoulderwithhim，I，too，wouldbefightinginthesamecausehereinthehightowerofOkar。
　　Nordiditseemthatourfoeswouldeverceasetheirstubbornattacks，forstilltheycame，thoughthewaytoourchamberwasoftencloggedwiththebodiesoftheirdead。Attimestheywouldpauselongenoughtodragbacktheimpedingcorpses，andthenfreshwarriorswouldforgeupwardtotastethecupofdeath。
　　IhadbeentakingmyturnwiththeothersindefendingtheapproachtoourloftyretreatwhenMorsKajak，whohadbeenwatchingthebattleinthestreetbelow，calledaloudinsuddenexcitement。TherewasanoteofapprehensioninhisvoicethatbroughtmetohissidetheinstantthatIcouldturnmyplaceovertoanother，andasIreachedhimhepointedfaroutacrossthewasteofsnowandicetowardthesouthernhorizon。
　　"Alas！"hecried，"thatIshouldbeforcedtowitnesscruelfatebetraythemwithoutpowertowarnoraid;buttheybepasteithernow。"
　　AsIlookedinthedirectionheindicatedIsawthecauseofhisperturbation。AmightyfleetofflierswasapproachingmajesticallytowardKadabrafromthedirectionoftheice—barrier。
　　Onandontheycamewitheverincreasingvelocity。
　　"ThegrimshaftthattheycalltheGuardianoftheNorthisbeckoningtothem，"saidMorsKajaksadly，"justasitbeckonedtoTardosMorsandhisgreatfleet;seewheretheylie，crumpledandbroken，agrimandterriblemonumenttothemightyforceofdestructionwhichnaughtcanresist。"
　　I，too，saw;butsomethingelseIsawthatMorsKajakdidnot;
　　inmymind’seyeIsawaburiedchamberwhosewallswerelinedwithstrangeinstrumentsanddevices。
　　Inthecenterofthechamberwasalongtable，andbeforeitsatalittle，pop—eyedoldmancountinghismoney;but，plainestofall，Isawuponthewallagreatswitchwithasmallmagnetinlaidwithinthesurfaceofitsblackhandle。
　　ThenIglancedoutatthefast—approachingfleet。Infiveminutesthatmightyarmadaoftheskieswouldbebentandworthlessscrap，lyingatthebaseoftheshaftbeyondthecity’swall，andyellowhordeswouldbeloosedfromanothergatetorushoutuponthefewsurvivorsstumblingblindlydownthroughthemassofwreckage;
　　thentheaptswouldcome。Ishudderedatthethought，forIcouldvividlypicturethewholehorriblescene。
　　QuickhaveIalwaysbeentodecideandact。Theimpulsethatmovesmeandthedoingofthethingseemsimultaneous;
　　forifmymindgoesthroughthetediousformalityofreasoning，itmustbeasubconsciousactofwhichIamnotobjectivelyaware。
　　Psychologiststellmethat，asthesubconsciousdoesnotreason，toocloseascrutinyofmymentalactivitiesmightproveanythingbutflattering;butbethatasitmay，Ihaveoftenwonsuccesswhilethethinkerwouldhavebeenstillattheendlesstaskofcomparingvariousjudgments。
　　AndnowcelerityofactionwastheprimeessentialtothesuccessofthethingthatIhaddecidedupon。
　　Graspingmyswordmorefirmlyinmyhand，Icalledtotheredmanattheopeningtotherunwaytostandaside。
　　"WayforthePrinceofHelium！"Ishouted;andbeforetheastonishedyellowmanwhosemisfortuneitwastobeatthefightingendofthelineatthatparticularmomentcouldgatherhiswitstogethermyswordhaddecapitatedhim，andIwasrushinglikeamadbulldownuponthosebehindhim。
　　"WayforthePrinceofHelium！"IshoutedasIcutapaththroughtheastonishedguardsmenofSalensusOll。
　　Hewingtorightandleft，Ibeatmywaydownthatwarrior—chokedspiraluntil，nearthebottom，thosebelow，thinkingthatanarmywasdescendinguponthem，turnedandfled。
　　ThearmoryatthefirstfloorwasvacantwhenIenteredit，thelastoftheOkarianshavingfledintothecourtyard，sononesawmecontinuedownthespiraltowardthecorridorbeneath。
　　HereIranasrapidlyasmylegswouldcarrymetowardthefivecorners，andthereplungedintothepassagewaythatledtothestationoftheoldmiser。
　　Withouttheformalityofaknock，Iburstintotheroom。
　　Theresattheoldmanathistable;butashesawmehesprangtohisfeet，drawinghissword。
　　WithscarcemorethanaglancetowardhimIleapedforthegreatswitch;
　　but，quickasIwas，thatwiryoldfellowwastherebeforeme。
　　HowhediditIshallneverknow，nordoesitseemcrediblethatanyMartian—borncreaturecouldapproximatethemarvelousspeedofmyearthlymuscles。
　　Likeatigerheturneduponme，andIwasquicktoseewhySolanhadbeenchosenforthisimportantduty。
　　NeverinallmylifehaveIseensuchwondrousswordsmanshipandsuchuncannyagilityasthatancientbagofbonesdisplayed。
　　Hewasinfortyplacesatthesametime，andbeforeIhadhalfachancetoawakentomydangerhewasliketohavemadeamonkeyofme，andadeadmonkeyatthat。
　　Itisstrangehownewandunexpectedconditionsbringoutunguessedabilitytomeetthem。
　　ThatdayintheburiedchamberbeneaththepalaceofSalensusOllIlearnedwhatswordsmanshipmeant，andtowhatheightsofswordmasteryIcouldachievewhenpittedagainstsuchawizardofthebladeasSolan。
　　Foratimehelikedtohavebestedme;butpresentlythelatentpossibilitiesthatmusthavebeenlyingdormantwithinmeforalifetimecametothefore，andIfoughtasIhadneverdreamedahumanbeingcouldfight。
　　Thatthatduel—royalshouldhavetakenplaceinthedarkrecessesofacellar，withoutasingleappreciativeeyetowitnessithasalwaysseemedtomealmostaworldcalamity——atleastfromtheviewpointBarsoomian，wherebloodystrifeisthefirstandgreatestconsiderationofindividuals，nations，andraces。
　　Iwasfightingtoreachtheswitch，Solantopreventme;
　　and，thoughwestoodnotthreefeetfromit，Icouldnotwinaninchtowardit，forheforcedmebackaninchforthefirstfiveminutesofourbattle。
　　IknewthatifIweretothrowitintimetosavetheoncomingfleetitmustbedoneinthenextfewseconds，andsoItriedmyoldrushingtactics;butImightaswellhaverushedabrickwallforallthatSolangaveway。
　　Infact，Icameneartoimpalingmyselfuponhispointformypains;
　　butrightwasonmyside，andIthinkthatthatmustgiveamangreaterconfidencethanthoughheknewhimselftobebattlinginawickedcause。
　　Atleast，Ididnotwantinconfidence;andwhenInextrushedSolanitwastoonesidewithimplicitconfidencethathemustturntomeetmynewlineofattack，andturnhedid，sothatnowwefoughtwithoursidestowardsthecovetedgoal——thegreatswitchstoodwithinmyreachuponmyrighthand。
　　Touncovermybreastforaninstantwouldhavebeentocourtsuddendeath，butIsawnootherwaythantochanceit，ifbysodoingImightrescuethatoncoming，succoringfleet;andso，inthefaceofawickedsword—thrust，Ireachedoutmypointandcaughtthegreatswitchasuddenblowthatreleaseditfromitsseating。
　　SosurprisedandhorrifiedwasSolanthatheforgottofinishhisthrust;instead，hewheeledtowardtheswitchwithaloudshriek——
　　ashriekwhichwashislast，forbeforehishandcouldtouchtheleveritsought，mysword’spointhadpassedthroughhisheart。
　　THETIDEOFBATTLE
　　Butsolan’slastloudcryhadnotbeenwithouteffect，foramomentlateradozenguardsmenburstintothechamber，thoughnotbeforeIhadsobentanddemolishedthegreatswitchthatitcouldnotbeagainusedtoturnthepowerfulcurrentintothemightymagnetofdestructionitcontrolled。
　　TheresultofthesuddencomingoftheguardsmenhadbeentocompelmetoseekseclusioninthefirstpassagewaythatIcouldfind，andthattomydisappointmentprovedtobenottheonewithwhichIwasfamiliar，butanotheruponitsleft。