"Difficult me to talk this language, though here I have lived on Earth twenty years, making friends with Earthmen. I am not as I was in leaving Mars. I am changed with sundry operations, that I may live here well. Thus my voice is hard to speak, and harder still to learn difficult language. Laughing I will not like, please?" He paused. His abnormally receptive ears again picked up the whisperings of the two secretaries. "He's said exactly the same thing the past five sessions." Olduk said in his impersonal voice: "Before I make my plea for the water my planet needs, let me tell a myth that I read with enjoyment. It is the story of Tantalus, fellow delegates. Tantalus was placed by the gods in a river of purest water; when he wished to drink, recede the water would. So his thirst for ages tortured him. "Poor Tantalus," said Olduk. He seized the refilled beaker, and drained it at a single gulp. "Shall Mars be Tantalus? Or shall Earth be Tantalus?" "Mars is Tantalus," a whisper floated from the gallery. The laughter came again, a little insolently this time. * * * * * The Japanese Sectional governor rose, and said, sucking in his breath, "Why does not the thirsty Olduk speak, instead of drinking all the Speaker's water?" This time the laughter was more open. The speaker rapped with his gavel, and order was restored. Olduk said, "There is more water on Earth than five billion Olduks could drink. "But I will speak, as I have spoken years in and years over. "I shall review the history of things. Forty-five years ago great swarms of Martians descended on Earth and engaged in war. They wished to conquer Earth. Fortunately succeeded not. There became a hatred between the two peoples. This hatred has endured, without reason." "Without reason?" said the Japanese governor. "Doubtless," said Olduk, "you have neglected to follow history, of own people and of what occurred before Martians made war. Not until after the war did Martians know that Earthmen could be peaceful. Before the war, Earthmen slaughtered great numbers of Martians. So Martians did not feel bad when they wished to slaughter numbers of Earthmen." "There was the second war," sarcastically. "The second war the war of water, as the first. Earth no good for us, see? Wished water only. The second war we fought because Earth would not sell us water any price at; so we would conquer her and levy water tribute. Fortunately did not succeed. Try more friendly means, which is why I, Olduk and seven of associates, changed by operations from real Martians, are here." Olduk paused. He resumed carefully, cocking his massive head to one side. "Come to Earth, I and seven. Give Earth scientific secrets. Learn Earth language and customs. Prove friendliness for water." The Spanish governor rose, cleared his throat. "Bribes!" he said loudly. "Bribes?" said Olduk.