"Had they any kind of crafts or science; any cult of stars or figures?"
But again she shook her head, and said, "Hath might know, Hath understood
most things, but herself knew little of either." "Armies or navies?" and
again the Martian shrugged her shoulders, questioning in turn--

"What for?"

"What for!" I cried, a little angry with her engaging dulness, "Why, to
keep that which the strong hand got, and to get more for those who come
next; navies to sweep yonder blue seas, and armies to ward what they
should bring home, or guard the city walls against all enemies,--for
I suppose, An," I said, putting down my knife as the cheering thought
came on me,--"I suppose, An, you have some enemies? It is not like
Providence to give such riches as you possess, such lands, such cities,
and not to supply the antidote in some one poor enough to covet them."

At once the girl's face clouded over, and it was obvious a tender subject
had been chanced upon. She waved her hand impatiently as though to
change the subject, but I would not be put off.

"Come," I said, "this is better than breakfast. It was the one
thing--this unknown enemy of yours--wanting to lever the dull mass of
your too peacefulness. What is he like? How strong? How stands the
quarrel between you? I was a soldier myself before the sea allured me,
and love horse and sword best of all things."

"You would not jest if you knew our enemy!"

"That is as it may be. I have laughed in the face of many a stronger
foe than yours is like to prove; but anyhow, give me a chance to judge.