Книга - Princess of Mars / Принцесса Марса. Уровень 2

Princess of Mars / Принцесса Марса. Уровень 2
Edgar Rice Burroughs


Легко читаем по-английски
Не можете понять, что там Илон Маск говорит по поводу Марса? Краснеете, если вам приходится говорить по-английски? С «Принцессой Марса» ваш английский язык выйдет на внеземную орбиту! Знаменитый роман Эдгара Райса Берроуза некогда вдохновлял целые поколения мальчишек, из которых выросли такие фантасты как Рэй Бредбери, Роберт Хайнлайн и Артур Кларк. По книге в 2012 году был снят фильм «Джон Картер», один из самых кассовых фильмов российского проката.

Эдгар Райс Берроуз – автор, подаривший миру Тарзана и Джона Картера, первоначально и не замышлял стать писателем. После неудачной карьеры военного и безуспешных предприятий, он решил, читая на досуге популярные журналы, что и сам может писать не хуже. И он не ошибся. Из-под его пера вышла несколько десятков популярных приключенческих романов в разных циклах. Один из них вы держите в руках сейчас. «Принцесса Марса» открывает один из наиболее популярных циклов Э. Р. Берроуза, рассказывающий о джентльмене из Вирджинии – Джоне Картере. Ветеран Гражданской войны в США, спасаясь в пещере от краснокожих, попадает на Марс. Засушливая Красная планета стала для местных жителей ареной борьбы за скудные ресурсы. Джону Картеру, невольному участнику этой борьбы, тоже придется взяться за оружие, чтобы защитить свою любовь.

Текст адаптирован для продолжающих изучение английского языка нижней ступени (уровень 2 – Pre-Intermediate). Книга содержит словарь и подробные комментарии. Автор адаптации – замечательный лингвист Александра Игоревна Смирнова.

В формате PDF A4 сохранен издательский макет книги.





Эдгар Берроуз

Princess of Mars / Принцесса Марса. Уровень 2





© Смирнова А. И., адаптация, словарь, 2022

© ООО «Издательство АСТ», 2022





I. On the Arizona Hills


I do not know how old I am. I may be hundred years old, maybe more. I cannot tell because I never aged as other men and I do not remember any childhood. I look just like I did forty years ago and more. I died twice and I am still alive. However, I feel that I cannot live forever and I have the same horror of death as everybody else. That is why I decided to write down the interesting story of my life and of my death.

Ten years my dead body lay undiscovered in an Arizona cave. Strange events happened to me during that period. I cannot explain them. But I can write the chronicle as an ordinary soldier of fortune[1 - soldier of fortune – наемный солдат].

My name is John Carter; I am better known as Captain Jack Carter of Virginia. When the Civil War[2 - the Civil War – Гражданская война в США 1861–1865 годов] ended, I had only several hundred thousand dollars. I was a captain in the cavalry arm[3 - cavalry arm – кавалерия, конные войска] of an army, which no longer existed. I was the servant of a state, which no longer existed too. I decided to work my way to the southwest and try my luck[4 - try my luck – попытать удачу] in a search of gold.

In the winter of 1865, I and another Confederate officer, Captain James K. Powell of Richmond, were extremely fortunate to find a very remarkable gold-bearing mine. But our equipment was very primitive. One of us was to return to civilization and bring the necessary machinery and a sufficient force of men to work the mine properly. Powell was familiar with the country and with the mechanical requirements of mining. We agreed he would make the trip. And I would protect our mine.

On March 3, 1866, Powell and I packed his provisions on two of our burros. He mounted his horse, and started down the mountainside toward the valley.

The morning that day was clear and beautiful. I could see him and his little pack animals making their way down the mountainside toward the valley. Half-hour later I noticed three little dots in about the same place I saw my friend and his two pack animals. I tried to assure myself the dots were antelope or wild horses but started worrying. Powell was well armed and an experienced Indian fighter. But I knew his chances were small against a party of cunning trailing Apaches[5 - Apaches – Апачи, собирательное название для племён североамериканских индейцев]. I armed myself with my two Colt revolvers and a carbine and started down the trail taken by Powell in the morning.

It became dark. I had to await the rising of the moon. I had an opportunity to think about the wisdom of my chase. Possibly, I imagined impossible dangers, like some nervous old housewife. I am not prone to sensitiveness but following of a sense of duty was a kind of fetish with me throughout my life.

About nine o'clock the moon was sufficiently bright for me to continue on my way. About midnight, I reached the water hole. I expected Powell to camp here. But there were no signs of a camp.

I noted that tracks of the pursuing horsemen continued after Powell at the same rate of speed as his.

I was sure now that they were Apaches and that they wished to capture Powell alive for the pleasure of the torture. So I urged my horse onward at a most dangerous pace. I hoped to catch up with the red rascals before they attacked him.

Further speculation was suddenly cut short by the report of two shots far ahead of me. I knew that Powell would need me now more than ever. I instantly urged my horse to his topmost speed up the narrow and difficult mountain trail.

For perhaps a mile or more, there was no further sounds. Suddenly I was on a small, open plateau near the summit of the pass. I passed through a narrow gorge and suddenly I saw something that filled me with consternation and dismay.

The land was white with Indian tepees[6 - tepees – типи, переносное жилище кочевых индейцев]. There were probably half a thousand red warriors. I was lucky some object near the center of the camp absorbed them. I easily turned back into the dark recesses of the gorge and made my escape with perfect safety.

I was sure that Powell was the center of attraction. I whipped out my revolvers and ran down upon the entire army of warriors. I was shooting and screaming at the top of my lungs. The red men fled in every direction for their bows, arrows, and rifles. They were convinced that not less than a regiment of regulars[7 - regiment of regulars – полк регулярной армии] was upon them.

Under the clear rays of the Arizona I saw Powell. The hostile arrows of the braves pierced his body. Of course, he was dead. But I wanted to save hid dead body from the hands of the Apaches.

I rode close to him, grasped his body and lifted it up on the horseback. I continued my way across the plateau. By that time, the Indians discovered that I was alone and began to pursue me.

My horse was traveling practically unguided. I believed that he would find the right path and carry me to safety. But he didn't. He entered a pass, which led to the summit of the range. I heard the yells of the pursuing savages suddenly grow fainter and fainter. I looked the trail below and to my left. I saw the party of pursuing savages disappearing around the point of a neighboring peak.

I knew the Indians would soon discover that they were on the wrong trail. They would renew the search for me in the right direction as soon as they located my tracks.

I went short distance further and saw an excellent trail. It was level and quite broad and led upward and in the general direction I wished to go. I followed this trail for perhaps a hundred yards. A sharp turn to the right brought me to the mouth of a large cave. The opening was about four feet in height and three to four feet wide, and at this opening, the trail ended. It was now morning.

I laid Powell upon the ground. The most painstaking examination[8 - painstaking examination – тщательное обследование] failed to reveal the faintest spark of life. I forced water from my canteen between his dead lips, bathed his face and rubbed his hands. I worked over him continuously for the better part of an hour. But I knew he was dead.

I was very fond of Powell[9 - I was very fond of – я был очень привязан к Пауэллу]; he was a hard-working man in every respect; a polished southern gentleman; a staunch and true friend. With a feeling of the deepest grief, I finally gave up trying to reanimate him.

I crept into the cave to explore. I found a large chamber, possibly a hundred feet in diameter and thirty or forty feet in height. There were many evidences that the cave was inhabited some time ago. The back of the cave was lost in shadow and I could not see whether there were openings into other apartments or not.

I continued my examination but felt a pleasant drowsiness creeping over me. I was tired from my long and strenuous ride. I felt comparatively safe in my present location. I knew one man could defend the trail to the cave against an army.

I soon became so drowsy that I hardly resisted the desire to rest on the floor of the cave. I knew that it would mean certain death at the hands of my red friends. But as soon as I started toward the opening of the cave I reeled drunkenly against a side wall and slipped upon the floor.




II. The Escape of the Dead


Delicious dreaminess overcame me and my muscles relaxed. I was half-asleep when the sound of approaching horses reached my ears. I tried to spring to my feet but was horrified to discover that my muscles refused to respond. I was awake but unable to move. I noticed a slight vapor filling the cave. A faintly pungent odor came to my nostrils. I assumed that it was some poisoning gas. But I could not explain why I should retain my mental faculties and yet be unable to move.

I didn't have to wait long in my living tomb before a stealthy sound told me of the Indians' nearness. Then, I saw a war-bonneted, paint-streaked face staring at me. I was sure he could see me as the early morning sun was falling full upon me through the opening.

Instead of approaching, the fellow merely stood and stared. His eyes were bulging and his jaw was dropped. And then another savage face appeared, and a third and fourth and fifth. They craned their necks over the shoulders of their fellows whom they could not pass upon the narrow ledge. Each face was the picture of awe and fear but I could not see why.

Suddenly a low but distinct moaning sound issued from the recesses of the cave behind me. As it reached the ears of the Indians, they turned and fled in terror, panic-stricken. Their wild cries echoed in the canyon for a short time, and then all was still once more.

The sound did not repeat but it was sufficient for me to speculate on the possible horror, which lurked in the shadows at my back. Several times I thought I heard faint sounds behind me as of somebody moving cautiously, but eventually even these ceased. I could only vaguely conjecture the cause of my paralysis. My only hope was that it might pass off as suddenly as it fell upon me.

Late in the afternoon, my horse started slowly down the trail in search of food and water. I was alone with my mysterious unknown companion and the dead body of my friend.

From then until possibly midnight all was silence, the silence of the dead[10 - the silence of the dead – гробовая тишина]. Suddenly, I heard the awful moan of the morning. The sound of a moving thing came again from the black shadow. The shock to my already overstrained nervous system[11 - overstrained nervous system – перенапряженные нервы] was terrible. With a superhuman effort I strove to break my awful bonds. It was an effort of the mind, of the will, of the nerves. And then, something gave and I stood with my back against the wall of the cave.

The moonlight flooded the cave and I saw my own body lying on the floor. My eyes were staring toward the open ledge and the hands were resting limply upon the ground. I lay clothed, and yet here I stood naked as at the minute of my birth.

The transition was so sudden and so unexpected that I forgot anything else than my strange metamorphosis. My first thought was, is this death? But I could not believe this because I could feel my heart pounding against my ribs. My breath was coming in quick, short gasps, cold sweat stood out from every pore of my body. Definitely, I was anything other than a ghost.

Suddenly, the weird moan from the depths of the cave repeated. I was naked and unarmed and I had no desire to face the unseen thing which menaced me. I could no longer resist the temptation to escape this horrible place. I leaped quickly through the opening into the starlight of a clear Arizona night.

The crisp, fresh mountain air outside the cave made me feel new life and new courage coursing through me. The fact, that I lay helpless for many hours within the cave and nothing molested me, convinced me those noises might resulted from purely natural and harmless causes.

I filled my lungs with the pure, invigorating night air of the mountains. As I did so, I saw the beautiful vista of rocky gorge, and level, cacti-studded flat, transformed by the moonlight into a miracle of soft splendor and wondrous enchantment stretching far below me.

I turned my gaze from the landscape to the heavens where the myriad stars formed a gorgeous and fitting canopy for the wonders of the earthly scene[12 - the myriad stars formed a gorgeous and fitting canopy for the wonders of the earthly scene – мириады светил образовали гигантский плотный шатер над земными красотами]. A large red star close to the distant horizon quickly riveted my attention. It was Mars, the god of war. As a fighting man, I was fascinated by it. I closed my eyes, stretched out my arms toward the god of my vocation and felt myself drawn with the suddenness of thought through the trackless immensity of space. There was an instant of extreme cold and utter darkness.




III. My Advent on Mars


I opened my eyes upon a strange and weird landscape. I knew that I was on Mars. I was not asleep, no need for pinching here. My inner consciousness told me as plainly that I was upon Mars as your conscious mind tells you that you are upon Earth. You do not question the fact; neither did I.

I found myself lying prone upon a bed of yellowish, mosslike vegetation, which stretched around me in all directions for miles. I seemed to be lying in a deep, circular basin, along the outer verge of which I could distinguish the irregularities of low hills.

It was midday, the sun was shining full upon me and the heat of it was intense. Here and there were slight outcroppings of quartz-bearing rock, which glistened in the sunlight. No water and no other vegetation than the moss was in evidence. I decided to do a little exploring as I was thirsty.

I sprang to my feet and, surprisingly, jumped up in the Martian air to the height of about three yards. I alighted softly upon the ground, however, without appreciable shock or jar. I found that I must learn to walk all over again, as the muscular exertion which carried me easily and safely upon Earth played strange tricks with me upon Mars.

I decided to explore the low structure, which was the only evidence of habitation in sight. I reached the low, encircling wall of the enclosure. There appeared to be no doors or windows upon the side nearest me. But the wall was only about four feet high so I cautiously gained my feet and peered over the top. The things that I saw surprised me.

The roof of the enclosure was of solid glass about four or five inches in thickness. Beneath this, there were several hundred large eggs. They were perfectly round and snowy white, and nearly uniform in size[13 - uniform in size – одинаковые в размере] being about two and one-half feet in diameter.

Five or six of them already opened. The grotesque caricatures, which sat blinking in the sunlight, made me doubt my sanity. They seemed mostly head, with little scrawny bodies, long necks and six legs. Later I learned those were two legs and two arms, with an intermediary pair of limbs, which they could use at will as either arms or legs. Their eyes were set at the extreme sides of their heads a trifle above the center and protruded in such a manner that they could be directed either forward or back. They could look in any direction, or in two directions at once, without the necessity of turning the head.

The ears, which were slightly above the eyes and closer together, were small, cup-shaped antennae, protruding not more than an inch on these young specimens. Their noses were longitudinal slits in the center of their faces, midway between their mouths and ears.

There was no hair on their bodies, which were of a very light yellowish-green color. In the adults, as I learned later, this color deepens to an olive green and is darker in the male than in the female. Further, the heads of the adults are not so out of proportion to their bodies as in the case of the young.

The iris of the eyes is blood red while the pupil is dark. The eyeball itself is very white and so are teeth. The lower tusks curve upward to sharp points which end about where the eyes of earthly human beings are located. Against the dark background of their olive skins their tusks stand out in a most striking manner, making these weapons present an especially formidable appearance.

Most of these details I noted later because I had little time to speculate on the wonders of my new discovery. As I stood watching the hideous little monsters break from their shells, I failed to note full-grown Martians from behind me.

The rattling of the ammunition of the foremost warrior warned me and I turned. And there upon me, not ten feet from my breast[14 - not ten feet from my breast – меньше чем в десяти футах от моей груди], was the point of that huge spear.

The man himself, for such I may call him, was fully fifteen feet in height. He sat his mount as we sit a horse, grasping the animal's barrel with his lower limbs, while the hands of his two right arms held his immense spear low at the side of his mount. His mount was ten feet at the shoulder; had four legs on either side; a broad flat tail, larger at the tip than at the root, and which it held straight out behind while running; a gaping mouth which split its head from its snout to its long, massive neck.

Like its master, it was bold, but of a dark slate color and exceeding smooth and glossy. Its belly was white, and its legs shaded from the slate of its shoulders and hips to a vivid yellow at the feet. The feet themselves were heavily padded and nailless.

I needed to get out of the point of the charging spear. I gave a very earthly and at the same time superhuman leap to reach the top of the Martian incubator. Successfully I landed a hundred feet from my pursuers and on the opposite side of the enclosure. My enemies were clearly surprised by my leap. Some of them seemed to be satisfied that I did not molest their young.

They were conversing together in low tones, gesticulating and pointing toward me. Now they looked upon me with less ferocity.

While the Martians are immense, their bones are very large and they are muscled only in proportion to the gravitation which they must overcome. The result is that they are much less agile and less powerful, in proportion to their weight, than an Earthman. In fact, if one of them were transported to Earth, he could not lift his own weight from the ground. My feat then was as marvelous upon Mars as it was upon Earth. I was a wonderful discovery to them.

Each of them was armed with several other weapons in addition to the huge spear which I described. They had rifles of a white metal stocked with wood. The wood was much prized on Mars as it was hard to grow. The metal of the barrel is an alloy composed principally of aluminum and steel which they learned to temper to a great hardness.

After conversing for a short time, the Martians turned and rode away. One of them stayed alone by the enclosure. He definitely was the leader of the band. He threw down his spear and small arms and came around the end of the incubator toward me. He was entirely unarmed and naked except for the ornaments strapped upon his head, limbs and breast.

When he was within about fifty feet of me, he unclasped an enormous metal armlet and put it in the open palm of his hand. He tried to tell me something but I did not understand the language. I guessed that he was making overtures of peace[15 - was making overtures of peace – предложил мир].

Placing my hand over my heart I bowed low to the Martian. He understood the action right. I took the armlet from his open palm, clasped it about my arm above the elbow; smiled at him and stood waiting. His wide mouth spread into an answering smile. Then we turned and walked back toward his mount. At the same time he motioned his followers to advance. They started toward us on a wild run, but were checked by a signal from him.

He exchanged a few words with his men, motioned to me[16 - motioned to me – показал жестом] that I would ride behind one of them, and then mounted his own animal. The fellow designated reached down two or three hands and lifted me up behind him on the glossy back of his mount.

The entire cavalcade then turned and galloped away toward the range of hills in the distance.




IV. A Prisoner


Ten miles after, we were nearing the edge of one of Mars' long-dead seas. In a short time, we gained the foot of the mountains. After traversing a narrow gorge, we came to an open valley. At the far extremity of it was a low tableland upon which I saw an enormous city. We entered the city by a ruined roadway that led out from the city but only to the edge of the tableland. Then it ended abruptly in a flight of broad steps.

As we came closer to the buildings, I saw that they were abandoned. They seemed uninhabited for years or even ages. Toward the center of the city was a large plaza. Some nine or ten hundred creatures of the same breed as my captors camped upon this and in the buildings immediately surrounding it.

All were naked with the exception of their ornaments. The women looked much like the men. But their tusks were much larger in proportion to their height and curving nearly to their high-set ears. Their bodies were smaller and lighter in color. Their fingers and toes had the rudiments of nails, which were entirely lacking among the males. The adult females ranged in height from ten to twelve feet.

The children were light in color, even lighter than the women. They all looked precisely alike to me, except that some were taller than others; older, I presumed.

I saw no signs of extreme age[17 - extreme age – старость] among them and no difference in their appearance from the age of maturity. All looked about forty.

Only about one Martian in a thousand dies of sickness or disease. Possibly about twenty take the voluntary pilgrimage down the river Iss[18 - the river Iss – река Исс]. No living Martian knows where leads the river and no Martian ever returned from there. The other nine hundred and seventy-nine die violent deaths in duels, in hunting, in aviation and in war. But perhaps by far the greatest death loss comes during the age of childhood. Vast numbers of the little Martians fall victims to the great white apes of Mars.

The average life expectancy[19 - average life expectancy – средняя продолжительность жизни] of a Martian after the age of maturity, about forty, is about three hundred years. It would be nearer the one-thousand mark if it were not for the waning resources of the planet[20 - waning resources of the planet – истощающиеся ресурсы планеты] and the almost continual warfare between the various communities.

As we neared the plaza, hundreds of the creatures immediately surrounded us. They seemed anxious to pluck me from my seat behind my guard. A word from the leader of the party stilled their clamor. We proceeded across the plaza to the entrance of a magnificent building.

The building was low, but covered an enormous area. It was made of gleaming white marble with gold and brilliant stones. The stones sparkled and scintillated in the sunlight. The main entrance was some hundred feet in width and projected from the building forming a huge canopy above the entrance hall. There was no stairway, but a gentle incline to the first floor of the building opened into an enormous chamber encircled by galleries.

About forty or fifty male Martians assembled around the steps of a rostrum on the floor of this chamber. On the platform, there was an enormous warrior. He was loaded with metal ornaments, gay-colored feathers and leather trappings set with precious stones. From his shoulders depended a short cape of white fur lined with brilliant scarlet silk.

What struck me most[21 - what struck me most – что меня поразило больше всего] is that the creatures were entirely out of proportion to the desks, chairs and other furnishings. Those were of a size adapted to human beings such as I. Evidently, there were other denizens on Mars. But the evidences of extreme antiquity of these buildings demonstrated they could belong to some long-extinct and forgotten race of Mars.

The leader and I proceeded into the audience chamber. There were few formalities observed in approaching the Martian chieftain. The chieftain rose to his feet and uttered the name of my escort. In turn, he halted and repeated the name of the ruler followed by his title.

My captor, whose name was Tars Tarkas, was virtually the vice-chieftain of the community, and a man of great ability as a statesman and warrior. He explained briefly the incidents connected with his expedition, including my capture. When he concluded, the chieftain addressed me at length.

I replied in our good old English tongue merely to convince him that neither of us could understand the other. But I noticed that when I smiled slightly on concluding, he smiled back. It convinced me that we had at least something in common – the ability to smile, therefore to laugh. But I was to learn that the Martian smile is merely perfunctory, and that the Martian laugh may cause strong men to blanch in horror[22 - blanch in horror – побледнеть от ужаса].

The ideas of humor among the green men of Mars are widely at variance with our conceptions. The death agonies of a fellow being are provocative of the wildest hilarity. Their chief form of commonest amusement is to inflict death on their prisoners of war in various ingenious and horrible ways.

The assembled warriors and chieftains examined me closely, feeling my muscles and the texture of my skin. The principal chieftain then signified a desire to see me perform. He started with Tars Tarkas for the open plaza and motioned me to follow.

On the way here, Tars Tarkas was holding my arm and I could walk properly. Now, I was not attempting to walk, but went skipping and flitting about among desks and chairs like some monstrous grasshopper. After bruising myself[23 - bruising myself – набив синяки] severely, I tried to creep, but this did not suit the Martians and a towering fellow roughly jerked me to my feet.

As he banged me down upon my feet, his face was bent close to mine and I did the only thing a gentleman might do under such circumstances. I swung my fist squarely to his jaw and he went down like a felled ox[24 - felled ox – поверженный бык]. I expected the Martians to fight for him but suddenly they broke into wild peals of laughter and applause. None of them approached their fallen fellow.

Tars Tarkas came to me and gave me his hand. Thus, we proceeded to the plaza without further mishap.

They first repeated the word “sak” a number of times, and then Tars Tarkas made several jumps. He repeated the same word before each leap. Then, turning to me, he said, “sak!” I saw what they were after[25 - I saw what they were after – я понял, что им нужно от меня]. I “sakked” with such marvelous success that I cleared a good hundred and fifty feet, and landed squarely upon my feet without falling. Then I returned by easy jumps of twenty-five or thirty feet to the little group of warriors.

They wanted me to repeat the leap immediately, but I was both hungry and thirsty. Every time they repeated the commands to “sak”, I motioned to my mouth and rubbed my stomach.

Tars Tarkas and the chief exchanged a few words. The former called a young female among the throng and gave her some instructions. He then motioned me to accompany her. I grasped her proffered arm and together we crossed the plaza toward a large building on the far side.

My fair companion was about eight feet tall. She just arrived at maturity[26 - arrived at maturity – достигла совершеннолетия], but not yet to her full height. She was of a light olive-green color, with a smooth, glossy hide. Her name, as I afterward learned, was Sola, and she belonged to the retinue of Tars Tarkas. She conducted me to a spacious chamber in one of the buildings fronting on the plaza.

The room was well lighted by a number of large windows and was beautifully decorated with mural paintings and mosaics.

Sola motioned me to seat upon a pile of silks near the center of the room. She made a peculiar hissing sound. In response to her call, I saw a new Martian wonder. It waddled in on its ten short legs, and squatted down before the girl like an obedient puppy. The thing was about the size of a Shetland pony. Its head bore a slight resemblance to that of a frog, except that the jaws were equipped with three rows of long, sharp tusks.




V. I Elude My Watch Dog


Sola stared into the brute's wicked-looking eyes, muttered a word or two of command, pointed to me, and left the chamber. The beast examined me intently for a moment, crossed the room to the only exit, which led to the street, and lay down full length across the threshold.

While Sola was away, I took occasion to examine more minutely the room. The mural painting depicted scenes of rare and wonderful beauty – mountains, rivers, lake, ocean, meadow, trees and flowers, winding roadways, sun-kissed[27 - sun-kissed – залитые солнцем] gardens. One could think those paintings portrayed earthly views but the coloring of the vegetation was different. And not a single one portrayed a living animal or human.

Sola returned with both food and drink. She placed them on the floor beside me and regarded me intently. The food consisted of about a pound of some solid substance of the consistency of cheese and almost tasteless, while the liquid was apparently milk from some animal. It came, as I later discovered, not from an animal, but from a large plant, which grows practically without water. A single plant of this species will give eight or ten quarts of milk per day.

When I was full, I felt the need of rest. I stretched out upon the silks and was soon asleep. When I woke up, it was dark and cold. A hand reached out and pulled the fur over me and I presumed that was Sola. I was not wrong. This girl disclosed characteristics of[28 - disclosed characteristics of – показала склонность к] sympathy, kindliness, and affection. Her ministrations to my bodily wants[29 - bodily wants – физические потребности] were unfailing, and her solicitous care saved me from much suffering and many hardships.

As I was to learn, the Martian nights are extremely cold. There is practically no twilight or dawn. The changes in temperature are sudden and most uncomfortable, as are the transitions from brilliant daylight to darkness. When two of the moon happen to be in the sky, the surface of the ground is brightly illuminated. The absence of both of the moons results in total darkness.

The green men of Mars is a nomadic race without high intellectual development and have crude means for artificial lighting[30 - crude means for artificial lighting – примитивные средства искусственного освещения]. They depend principally upon torches, a kind of candle, and a peculiar oil lamp, which generates a gas and burns without a wick.

The last device produces an intensely brilliant far-reaching white light. It requires the natural oil, which can only be obtained by mining in one of the several localities. But these creatures use it rarely as their thought is for today and they hate the manual labor, which kept them in a semi-barbaric state[31 - semi-barbaric state – полуварварское состояние] for countless ages.

I fell asleep again and woke up in the next morning. There were five other female occupants in the room. They were still sleeping, piled high with a motley array of silks and furs. The sleepless guardian brute lay across the threshold. His eyes were fairly glued upon me[32 - glued upon me – прикованы ко мне]. I was wondering what might befall me if I try to escape.

I could see from the shortness of the beast's legs that the brute himself was no jumper and probably no runner. I was sure I could escape easily.

Slowly and carefully, I gained my feet. My watcher did the same. I advanced toward him and found out that I could retain my balance if I move with a shuffling gait[33 - with a shuffling gait – шаркающей походкой]. As I neared the brute, he backed cautiously away from me. When I reached the open, he moved to one side to let me pass. He then fell in behind me and followed about ten paces in my rear as I made my way along the deserted street.

Evidently, his mission was to protect me only. But when we reached the edge of the city he suddenly sprang before me, uttering strange sounds and baring his ugly and ferocious tusks. I rushed toward him and sprang into the air, alighting far beyond him and away from the city. He wheeled instantly and charged me with the most appalling speed ever. As I was to learn, this is the fastest animal on Mars. Owing to its intelligence, loyalty, and ferocity the Martian man uses it in hunting and war.

I quickly saw, that it would be difficult to escape the fangs of the beast on a straightaway. I doubled in my tracks and leaped over him when he was almost upon me. This maneuver let me reach the city quite a bit of him. I jumped for a window about thirty feet from the ground in the face of one of the buildings overlooking the valley.

I grasped the sill and sat. Suddenly, a huge hand grasped me by the neck from behind and dragged me violently into the room. A colossal ape-like creature, white and hairless except for an enormous shock of bristly hair upon its head, threw me upon my back.




VI. A Fight That Won Friends


The thing pinched me to the ground with one huge foot, while it jabbered and gesticulated at some answering creature behind me. This other came toward us with a mighty stone club in his hands with which it evidently intended to brain[34 - to brain – размозжить череп] me.

The creatures were about ten or fifteen feet tall. Like the green Martians, they had an intermediary set of arms or legs, midway between their upper and lower limbs. Their eyes were close together and non-protruding; their ears were high set. Snouts and teeth were strikingly like those of our African gorilla.

The club was swinging in the arc when my faithful watch-thing hurled itself full upon the breast of my executioner. The ape, which held me, leaped through the open window. Its mate closed in a terrific death struggle with my preserver.

My beast had an advantage in his first hold as he sunk his mighty fangs far into the breast of his adversary. But the great arms and paws of the ape locked the throat of my guardian and slowly were choking out his life. It was evident that the beast was weakening, but so also was the ape. Instinctively I seized the club and crashed it full upon the head of the ape, crushing his skull as it was an eggshell.

The ape's mate recovered from its first shock of terror and returned to the scene of the encounter by way of the interior of the building. I knew the odds were too against me[35 - the odds were too against me – у меня было мало шансов]. It is true I held the club, but what could I do with it against the ape's four great arms? I was standing near the window and I knew that once in the street I might gain safety before the creature could overtake me. I turned to jump out of the window but saw my guardian lying and gasping upon the floor of the chamber. His great eyes fastened upon me in what seemed a pitiful appeal for protection. This view threw all thoughts of flight to the four winds.

Without more ado, therefore, I turned to meet the charge of the infuriated bull ape. He was now close to me and I hit him with the club as heavily as I could, just below his knees. Then, when he lost his balance, I swung my right fist full upon the point of his chin and smashed with the left one to the pit of his stomach. He doubled up with pain[36 - he doubled up with pain – он согнулся пополам от боли]. I seized the club and finished the monster before he could regain his feet.

As I delivered the blow, a low laugh rang out behind me. It was Tars Tarkas, Sola, and three or four warriors standing in the doorway of the chamber. My eyes met theirs and they applauded.

It turned out that they witnessed my short but decisive battle with the ape. This, together with my jump skills, placed me upon a high pinnacle in their regard. Evidently, these people fairly worship physical prowess and bravery.

Sola was the only one who did not laugh while I battled for my life. She, on the contrary, was sober with apparent solicitude. She rushed to me and carefully examined my body for possible wounds or injuries. Only after making sure I was unharmed, she smiled quietly, and, taking my hand, started toward the door of the chamber.

Tars Tarkas and the other warriors were standing over the brute. They seemed to be deep in argument. Finally, Tars Tarkas gave some command to the fellow with a word and gesture, and turned to follow us from the room. I sensed that something was wrong and hesitated to leave. The warrior drew an evil looking pistol from its holster and intended to shoot the creature. I sprang forward and struck up his arm. The bullet striking the wooden casing of the window exploded, blowing a hole completely through the wood and masonry.

I knelt down beside the fearsome-looking thing and motioned for it to follow me. The looks of surprise the Martians' faces were ludicrous. They could not understand, except in a feeble and childish way, such attributes as gratitude and compassion. The warrior looked enquiringly at Tars Tarkas, but the latter signed to left me to my own devices. We returned to the plaza with my great beast following close at heel, and Sola grasping me tightly by the arm.

I had at least two friends on Mars:a young woman who watched over me with motherly solicitude[37 - with motherly solicitude – с материнской заботой], and a brute which held in its poor ugly carcass love, loyalty and gratitude.




VII. Child-Raising On Mars


After a breakfast which was an exact replica of the meal, Sola escorted me to the plaza. There, the Martians were harnessing huge mastodonian animals to great three-wheeled chariots. The chariots themselves were large, commodious, and gorgeously decorated. A female Martian loaded with ornaments of metal, with jewels and silks and furs was seating in each chariot. The animals wore neither bit nor bridle; the Martians guided them entirely by telepathic means[38 - guided them entirely by telepathic means – управляли ими телепатически]. This power is wonderfully developed in all Martians.

Sola dragged me into an empty chariot and we proceeded with the procession. At the head of the caravan rode some two hundred warriors, five abreast, and a like number brought up the rear, while twenty-five or thirty outriders flanked us on either side. Our way led out across the little valley before the city, through the hills, and down into the dead sea. The incubator, as it proved, was the terminal point of our journey[39 - terminal point of our journey – конечная цель нашего путешествия] this day. As soon as we reached the level expanse of sea bottom, we were soon within sight of our goal.

On reaching it, the Martians parked the chariots with military precision[40 - with military precision – с армейской точностью] on the four sides of the enclosure. Tars Tarkas was explaining something to the principal chieftain, whose name was Lorquas Ptomel, Jed; jed was his title. He signed Sola to send me to him. I already mastered the intricacies of walking under Martian conditions and quickly advanced to the side of the incubator where the warriors stood.

As I came to a halt before him, Tars Tarkas pointed over the incubator and said, “Sak.” I saw that he wanted me to repeat my performance of yesterday in sight of Lorquas Ptomel. I quickly leaped entirely over the parked chariots on the far side of the incubator. As I returned, Lorquas Ptomel grunted something at me, and then gave a few words of command relative to the incubator to his warriors.

Almost all eggs hatched. The incubator was alive with the hideous little devils. The warriors broke an opening in the wall of the incubator, while the women and the younger Martians formed two solid walls leading out through the chariots and quite away in plain beyond[41 - while the women and the younger Martians formed two solid walls leading out through the chariots and quite away in plain beyond – взрослые женщины и молодежь образовали живой коридор, который шел между колесницами до самой долины]. Between these walls the little Martians scampered, wild as deer. The women and older children captured each of them. As the women caught the young, they fell out of line and returned to their respective chariots. Those who fell into the hands of the young men, were later turned over to some of the women.

I saw that the ceremony was over. I started seeking out Sola and found her in our chariot with a hideous little creature held tightly in her arms.

They come from eggs perfectly developed except size. They do not know their mothers, who, in turn, do not know their children. The work of rearing young Martians consists solely in teaching them to talk, and to use the weapons of warfare. From birth, they know no father or mother love. Deformed and defective ones are promptly shot. I believe that horrible system is the direct cause of the loss of all the finer feelings and higher humanitarian instincts among these poor creatures.

By careful selection they rear only the hardiest specimens of each species, and with almost supernatural foresight they regulate the birth rate to merely offset the loss by death.

Each adult Martian female brings forth about thirteen eggs each year. If the eggs meet the size, weight, and specific gravity tests, the Martians hide them in the recesses of some subterranean vault. The temperature there is too low for incubation. Every year a council of twenty chieftains examine these eggs carefully. All but about one hundred of the most perfect are destroyed out of each yearly supply. The perfect eggs are placed in the almost air-tight incubators to be hatched by the sun's rays after a period of another five years.

The incubators are built in remote fastnesses so no other tribe could discover them. The result of such a catastrophe would mean no children in the community for another five years.

After our return to the dead city, I passed several days in comparative idleness. On the day following all the warriors rode forth early in the morning and did not return until dark. As I later learned, they transported the eggs from the subterranean vaults to the incubator. The incubator was not to be visited another five years[42 - the incubator was not to be visited another five years – инкубатор не будут посещать следующие пять лет].

Sola's duties were now doubled, as she was compelled to care for the young Martian as well as for me. Neither one of us required much attention, and as we were both about equally advanced in Martian education, Sola took it upon herself to train us together.

Her prize consisted in a male about four feet tall, very strong and physically perfect. He learned quickly and so did I. The Martian language is extremely simple, and in a week I could make all my wants known and understand nearly everything. Likewise, under Sola's tutelage, I developed my telepathic powers so that I shortly could sense practically everything that went on around me.

What surprised Sola most in me was that while I could catch telepathic messages easily from others, and often when they were not intended for me. But no one could read a jot from my mind under any circumstances. At first this vexed me, but later I was very glad of it, as it gave me an undoubted advantage over the Martians.




VIII. A Fair Captive from the Sky


On the third day after the incubator ceremony, we set forth toward home. When the head of the procession debouched into the open ground before the city, he gave orders for an immediate and hasty return. The green Martians melted like mist into the spacious doorways of the nearby buildings.

Sola and I entered a building upon the front of the city. I mounted to an upper floor and peered from the window out over the valley and the hills beyond to see what happens. And there I saw the cause of their sudden scurrying to cover. A huge craft, long, low, and gray-painted, swung slowly over the crest of the nearest hill. There was another twenty of them following the first one. Swinging low above the ground, they sailed slowly and majestically toward us.

Each carried a strange banner swung from stem to stern above the upper work. Some odd device that gleamed in the sunlight and showed plainly even at the distance was painted upon the prow of each. I could see figures crowding the forward decks and upper works of the air craft. I could not say whether they discovered us or simply were looking at the deserted city. But in any event, they received a rude reception. Suddenly and without warning, the green Martian warriors fired a terrific volley from the windows of the buildings.

Instantly the scene changed as by magic. The foremost vessel swung broadside toward, brought her guns and returned our fire. They were moving parallel to our front for a short distance, but then turned back to complete a great circle. The other vessels followed in her wake, each one opening fire upon us. Our own fire never diminished, and I doubt if twenty-five per cent of our shots went wild. The green warriors seem to be deadly accurate in aiming.

The fire from the vessels was very ineffectual, as they were not prepared for the attack. The green warriors, thus, successfully directed their fire upon the vessels' big guns, smaller guns, gunners, officers and other members of the crew.

Twenty minutes after, the ships were defeated. They ceased the fire entirely and tried to escape, but our warriors rushed up to the roofs of the buildings and followed them with a continuous fusillade of deadly fire.

The foremost vessel was drifting some fifty feet above the ground and soon it became evident that it would strike the face of the buildings about a mile south of our position. As the craft neared the building, and just before it struck, the Martian warriors swarmed upon it from the windows of the building it seemed destined to touch. They eased the shock of the collision with their great spears. In a few moments, they threw out grappling hooks and hauled the big boat to ground.

After making it fast, they swarmed the sides and searched the vessel from stem to stern. I could see them examining the dead sailors, evidently for signs of life. A party of them appeared from below dragging a little figure among them. The creature was considerably less than half as tall as the green Martian warriors. I surmised that it was some new and strange Martian monstrosity with which I did not become acquainted yet.

They removed their prisoner to the ground and then commenced a systematic rifling of the vessel. This operation required several hours. During this time a number of the chariots were requisitioned to transport the loot, which consisted in arms, ammunition, silks, furs, jewels, strangely carved stone vessels, and a quantity of solid foods and liquids, including many casks of water.

After that operation, the last warrior to leave the desk[43 - the last warrior to leave the desk – последний воин, покинувший судно] turned and threw something back upon the vessel. A faint spurt of flame rose from the point where the missile struck. He swung over the side and was quickly upon the ground and the guy ropes were simultaneously released. The great warship, lightened by the removal of the loot, soared majestically into the air, her decks and upper works a mass of roaring flames.

Slowly she drifted to the southeast, rising higher and higher as the flames ate away her wooden parts. I watched her for hours, until finally she was lost in the dim vistas of the distance. The sight of this mighty floating funeral pyre was awe-inspiring. It drifted unguided and unmanned through the lonely wastes of the Martian heavens.

I slowly descended to the street. I was much depressed. I had a feeling that it was the forces of a kindred people rather than a horde of unfriendly creatures who was defeated and annihilated. Somewhere in the innermost recesses of my soul, I felt a strange yearning toward these unknown foemen.

We decided to stay in the deserted city for another week as there was danger of a return attack by the air craft. Lorquas Ptomel was too astute an old warrior to be caught upon the open plains with a caravan of chariots and children.

When I emerged upon the street, Sola rushed to me as if she was searching for me. Woola, the hound was also following me. We entered the plaza and I saw something that filled my whole being with a great surge of mingled hope, fear, exultation, and depression, and yet most dominant was a subtle sense of relief and happiness. As we neared the throng of Martians I caught a glimpse of the prisoner from the battle craft.

The sight that met my eyes was that of a slender, girlish figure, similar in every detail to the earthly women of my past life. She turned, and her eyes met mine. She was extremely beautiful. Her face was oval, her every feature was finely chiseled and exquisite, her eyes large and lustrous and her head surmounted by a mass of coal black, waving hair, caught loosely into a strange yet becoming coiffure. Her skin was of a light reddish copper color, her cheeks glowed and the lips shone like a ruby. She was entirely naked except her intricate ornaments and one could see the beauty of her perfect and symmetrical figure.

As she saw me, her eyes opened wide in astonishment. She made a little sign with her free hand; a sign which I did not, of course, understand. The look of hope and renewed courage in her eyes faded into one of utter dejection, mingled with loathing and contempt. I realized she made an appeal for help and protection. But my unfortunate ignorance prevented me from answering it. And then she was dragged out of my sight into the depths of the deserted edifice.




IX. I Learn the Language


When I came back to myself, I looked at Sola. She witnessed this encounter and I was surprised to see a strange expression upon her usually expressionless face. I did not know what she was thinking, because I just began to learn the Martian tongue. I knew enough only to suffice for my daily needs.

There was a strange surprise when I reached the doorway of our building. An armed warrior with arms, ornaments and full equipment of his kind approached me and gave them to me. He talked to me with a few unintelligible words. He was respectful and menacing at the same time.

Later, Sola remodeled the trappings to fit my lesser proportions with the aid of several of the other women. After they completed the work, I was garbed in all the panoply of war.

After that Sola instructed me in the mysteries of the various weapons. I spent several hours each day practicing upon the plaza with the young Martians. I was not yet familiar with all the weapons, but my great knowledge about similar weapons from Earth made me a quick learner and I progressed very fast.

Solely the women conducted my training with the young Martians. They were not only teaching the young about individual defense and offense, but also did a production of manufactures. They create all they need for the green Martians:the powder, the cartridges, the firearms. The females produced everything valuable. In the wartime, they form a part of the reserves and, if needed, fight with even greater intelligence and fury than the men.

The men learn higher branches of the art of war:strategy and the maneuvering of large units. They also make the laws; a new law for each emergency. These customs are old. The punishment for ignoring a custom is determined by individual treatment in a jury of the criminal's peers. I may say that justice is rarely wrong.

I did not see the prisoner again for several days after our first encounter. I only caught a fleeting glimpse of her when she was being conducted to the great audience chamber. I noted the unnecessary harshness and brutality by her guards; so different from the almost maternal Sola's kindliness to me.

I noticed that the prisoner exchanged words with her guards for two times when I saw her. That meant that they spoke, or at least could make themselves understood by a common language.

With this added incentive, I nearly drove Sola distracted by my importunities to hasten on my education. Within a few more days I was able fully communicate and understand practically all that I heard.

Three or four females and a couple of the recently hatched young Martians occupied our sleeping quarters at this time; Sola and her youthful ward, myself, and Woola the hound. It was customary[44 - it was customary – было принято] for the adults to carry on a desultory conversation for a short time before sleeping. I was always a keen listener because now I could understand their language, although I never proffered any remarks myself[45 - I never proffered any remarks myself – хотя сам я ничего не говорил].

Once the conversation finally fell upon the prisoner. I was all ears[46 - I was all ears – я стал внимательно слушать] on the instant. I never dared to question Sola about the beautiful captive. I remembered the strange expression I noted upon her face after my first encounter with the prisoner. I did not know if it was jealousy, and I felt it safer to affect indifference judging by earthly standards. I wanted to learn more surely Sola's attitude toward the object of my solicitude.

Someone asked Sarkoja, one of the older women who shared our home and one of the prisoner's guards:

“When will we enjoy the death throes of the red one? or does our Jed Lorquas Ptomel intend holding her for ransom?”

“They decided to carry her with us back to Thark, and exhibit her last agonies at the great games before Tal Hajus,” replied Sarkoja.

“How will she die?” asked Sola. “She is very small and very beautiful; I hoped that they would hold her for ransom.”

Sarkoja and the other women grunted angrily at this evidence of weakness on the part of Sola.

“It is sad that you were not born a million years ago, Sola” snapped Sarkoja, “when all the hollows of the land were filled with water, and the peoples were as soft as the stuff they sailed upon. We progressed to a point where such sentiments mark weakness and atavism in our day. It will not be well for you to let Tars Tarkas know your degenerate sentiments. I doubt that he would give you the grave responsibilities of maternity after that.

“I see nothing wrong with my expression of interest in this red woman,” answered Sola. “She never harmed us. It is only the men of her kind who fight against us. I always thought that it is just the reflection to our attitude towards them. They live at peace with all their fellows and fight only when duty calls upon them, while we are at peace with none. We are always at war with our own kind and with the red men. Even in our own communities, the individuals fight amongst themselves. Say what you want to Tars Tarkas. He cannot give worse fate to me than a continuation of the horrible existence in this life.”

This wild outbreak of Sola greatly surprised and shocked the other women. After a few words of general reprimand, they all went silent and soon fell asleep. That episode showed me Sola's friendliness toward the poor girl. It also convinced me that I was extremely fortunate in falling into her hands rather than those of some of the other females. I knew that she was fond of me and that she hated cruelty and barbarity. Now I was confident that she would help me to escape with the captured girl.

I did not even know if there were any better conditions to escape to. But I was ready to take my chances among people of my own kind rather than to remain longer among the hideous and bloodthirsty green men of Mars. But I did not know where and how to go.

I decided that I will ask Sola for help at the first opportunity. I turned among my silks and furs and, with this resolution strong upon me[47 - with this resolution strong upon me – с твердым решением], slept the dreamless and refreshing sleep of Mars.




X. Champion and Chief


Early the next morning I was astir. Sola said that as long as I did not attempt to leave the city I was free to go and come as I pleased. She warned me, however, against venturing forth unarmed, as this city was peopled by great white apes[48 - this city was peopled by great white apes – город был населен большими белыми обезьянами].

She also explained that Woola would prevent any attempt to leave the boundaries of the city. His nature was such[49 - his nature was such – его характер был таков], as she said, that he would be bring me back into the city dead or alive; “preferably dead,” she added.

I was exploring a new street on this morning and suddenly found myself at the limits of the city. Low hills pierced by narrow and inviting ravines were before me shutting out my view. I felt an urge to explore the new land. I also thought that this would be an excellent opportunity to test the qualities of Woola. I was sure the brute loved me.

As I approached the boundary line Woola ran anxiously before me, and thrust his body against my legs. His expression was pleading rather than ferocious. Just like any normal earthly man, I needed some outlet for my natural affections[50 - I needed some outlet for my natural affections – я должен был найти выход своим естественным чувствам]. I developed considerable affection for Woola and Sola and was not disappointed in both of them.

I sat upon the ground and put my arms around Woola's heavy neck. I talked to him in my newly acquired Martian tongue as I would talk to any animal on the Earth. His response to my manifestation of affection was remarkable to a degree. He stretched his great mouth to its full width, baring the entire expanse of his upper rows of tusks and wrinkling his snout, looking a bit like smiling collie.

He threw himself upon his back and fairly wallowed at my feet. He was wriggling and squirming around me like a playful puppy presenting its back for the petting it craves. I talked to him for more few minutes, and then, in an authoritative tone, commanded him to follow me, and started for the hills.

There was no further question of authority between us; Woola was my devoted slave from that moment hence. I reached the hill in a few minutes but I found nothing interesting to reward me. Numerous brilliantly colored and strangely formed wild flowers dotted the ravines. From the summit of the first hill, I saw other hills stretching off toward the north.

My morning walk was important as it resulted in a perfect understanding with Woola, upon whom Tars Tarkas relied for my safe keeping. I now knew that while theoretically a prisoner I was virtually free. I hastened to regain the city limits before Woola's erstwhile masters could discover the defection of him. I decided never again leave the limits of my prescribed stamping grounds again until I was ready to venture forth for good and all.

On regaining the plaza, I saw the captive girl. She was standing with her guards before the entrance to the audience chamber. She gave me one haughty glance and turned her back full upon me. The act was so womanly, so earthly womanly, that though it stung my pride[51 - it stung my pride – это задело мою гордость] it also warmed my heart with a feeling of companionship. It was good to know that someone else on Mars beside myself had human instincts of a civilized order.

If a Martian woman wanted to show dislike or contempt, she would do it with a sword thrust or a movement of her trigger finger. But their sentiments are mostly atrophied and it would require a serious injury to arouse such passions in them. Sola, let me add, was an exception. I never saw her perform a cruel or rude act, or fail in uniform kindliness and good nature. She was indeed, as her fellow Martian had said of her, an atavism; a dear and precious reversion to a former type of loved and loving ancestor.

Seeing that the prisoner seemed the center of attraction, I halted to view the proceedings. Lorquas Ptomel and his retinue of chieftains approached the building and, signing the guards to follow with the prisoner entered the audience chamber. I chanced an attempt to enter the audience chamber and listen to the proceeding, as I was a somewhat favored character





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notes


Примечания





1


soldier of fortune – наемный солдат




2


the Civil War – Гражданская война в США 1861–1865 годов




3


cavalry arm – кавалерия, конные войска




4


try my luck – попытать удачу




5


Apaches – Апачи, собирательное название для племён североамериканских индейцев




6


tepees – типи, переносное жилище кочевых индейцев




7


regiment of regulars – полк регулярной армии




8


painstaking examination – тщательное обследование




9


I was very fond of – я был очень привязан к Пауэллу




10


the silence of the dead – гробовая тишина




11


overstrained nervous system – перенапряженные нервы




12


the myriad stars formed a gorgeous and fitting canopy for the wonders of the earthly scene – мириады светил образовали гигантский плотный шатер над земными красотами




13


uniform in size – одинаковые в размере




14


not ten feet from my breast – меньше чем в десяти футах от моей груди




15


was making overtures of peace – предложил мир




16


motioned to me – показал жестом




17


extreme age – старость




18


the river Iss – река Исс




19


average life expectancy – средняя продолжительность жизни




20


waning resources of the planet – истощающиеся ресурсы планеты




21


what struck me most – что меня поразило больше всего




22


blanch in horror – побледнеть от ужаса




23


bruising myself – набив синяки




24


felled ox – поверженный бык




25


I saw what they were after – я понял, что им нужно от меня




26


arrived at maturity – достигла совершеннолетия




27


sun-kissed – залитые солнцем




28


disclosed characteristics of – показала склонность к




29


bodily wants – физические потребности




30


crude means for artificial lighting – примитивные средства искусственного освещения




31


semi-barbaric state – полуварварское состояние




32


glued upon me – прикованы ко мне




33


with a shuffling gait – шаркающей походкой




34


to brain – размозжить череп




35


the odds were too against me – у меня было мало шансов




36


he doubled up with pain – он согнулся пополам от боли




37


with motherly solicitude – с материнской заботой




38


guided them entirely by telepathic means – управляли ими телепатически




39


terminal point of our journey – конечная цель нашего путешествия




40


with military precision – с армейской точностью




41


while the women and the younger Martians formed two solid walls leading out through the chariots and quite away in plain beyond – взрослые женщины и молодежь образовали живой коридор, который шел между колесницами до самой долины




42


the incubator was not to be visited another five years – инкубатор не будут посещать следующие пять лет




43


the last warrior to leave the desk – последний воин, покинувший судно




44


it was customary – было принято




45


I never proffered any remarks myself – хотя сам я ничего не говорил




46


I was all ears – я стал внимательно слушать




47


with this resolution strong upon me – с твердым решением




48


this city was peopled by great white apes – город был населен большими белыми обезьянами




49


his nature was such – его характер был таков




50


I needed some outlet for my natural affections – я должен был найти выход своим естественным чувствам




51


it stung my pride – это задело мою гордость