Rex saw that further words were useless. He stood silent until the ruler's anger subsided. Then he asked, "What do you plan to do with us?" "Kill you--as we will kill every Terran on our world." * * * * * He eyed Rex for signs of fear. When they did not appear he seemed mildly disappointed. When he spoke again it was in a quieter tone. "But first I would have you see a little of what Martian science is like. I would have you know how far ahead of the Terran bunglers our scientists were even a thousand years ago. I would have you know by what power Mars will again come into its own." "I would like to see the work of your scientists." Conceit was obviously one of this ruler's weaknesses, Rex decided. He hoped others would reveal themselves. "Very well, Terran. You shall see a part of the miracle concerning which you Terrans have wondered for years; the miracle by which your stolen lands below the polar circle have been watered and kept lush." "The ice cliffs?" "Yes. I cannot show you the process whereby the rains and the snows are created and drawn to the pole each season--how these great cliffs of ice are built over the winter months. But I can reveal to you the most spectacular part of the process--the melting of the ice cliffs." In spite of their predicament, Rex was vitally interested. Jean, also. He glanced at her and saw the intent look on her face. Pandek picked up a device at his elbow--obviously some sort of a telephone and spoke into it. His words were low and indistinguishable. But the results were almost instantaneous. A far-away hum was heard, greatening in volume as from the release of sudden power. A faint blue light appeared, glowing the ice at the base of the cliffs. The color shot up through the ice mass--clear blue--as new colors were added to that at the base. Red, yellow, purple, crimson--so bright they seemed to sear Rex's eyes. Then they too started climbing up through the solid ice. A deep rumbling was heard. Pandek said, "Your Terran scientists have not even begun to realize the power of nuclear fission. Two thousand years ago our scientists were ages ahead of them." Pandek said more, but his words were drowned in thunder from the crashing of ice cliffs beyond the great window. Huge cataracts were even now pouring down the walls of melting ice. Both Rex and Jean stood awed at the sight of such vast and instantaneous destruction. Pandek smiled his cold smile. The thunder subsided somewhat and Pandek said, "I see you are impressed. I would welcome your comments." He was enjoying himself. The display had astounded Rex but the expression on his face remained cold. "I imagine you were responsible for sending the body of Professor Spencer back to Terra." * * * * * Pandek paused at Rex's quick change of subject. "Yes, a fitting reminder to the Terrans that we aren't animals to be gaped at." "On the contrary--an indication that you _are_ animals."