And sizing up the fresh boys, I realized I was as broad, massive, if not quite as tall as they. Sheldon’s remark made me blush like a girl, the color flamed my face, and perceiving it the Centaurians shouted with glee. One slapped me on the back, another patted my cheek, a third pulled me one way, while a fourth drew me in the opposite direction. I caught the nearest man, raised him above my head, swung him around several times, then flung him from me. Another rushed upon me and, to show my strength, I caught him with one arm, tossed him high as though he were a ball, dizzied him with a rapid swing, then laid him gently on his back. It was enough. “A Centauri! A Centauri!” they shouted, crowding closer. Then amid laughter and cheers I was hoisted and carried in triumph aboard one of the ships. What a predicament had I been less strong! Such a glory this muscular popularity (?). Saxe., Sheldon and Saunders laughingly followed and cheered with the crowd. They were proud of their Sally? Well! Our staunch little car created considerable anxiety, but finally, with the utmost care and reverence, was hoisted aboard. Octrogona accompanied us to the ship simply to go through the formality of explaining that we would meet again. He gave a long hand-clasp to Saxe., to whom apparently he’d taken a great fancy, while that gentleman advised him that “Peace is the Spirit of civilization,” and begged him cease the continual warfare with Potolili. “Become friends, comrades,” continued Saxe., warming up. “Yield to the pleading of the girl you love, or you may lose her. She will return to her people.” “Oh, no!” Octrogona answered quickly. “I love her youth, beauty; but passion does not control me; I delight in anticipation. The girl is mine, and she will never return to her people.” “This savage delights in anticipation,” murmured Sheldon, “and those on our side delight in precipitation. Wow!” “Have you ever met Potolili?” Saxe, asked. “No!” cried Octrogona, aghast. “Meet Potolili! Oh, no!” “You should,” Saxe. urged, undaunted. “You love the daughter, you will be charmed with the father. Just give the word, he will meet you more than half.” “Ah, no doubt, no doubt,” said Octrogona drily; “but (politely wishing to make Saxe. happy), I shall consider your advice. It never occurred to me to meet Potolili, but it could be arranged, and to please the girl I am willing to make some concessions; then—ahem! my sister Gona, is still his captive.”