Overhead were the two tiny moons of Mars, but they gave but little light, and had it not been for the wonderful red substance the streets would have been quite dark. "This stuff is what makes Mars seem so I red when we look at it with telescopes from our earth," observed Mr. Roumann. "It is a very marvelous chemical. I must get some to examine." "I wonder where they'll put us?" asked Jack, but his question was answered a few moments later, when they were ushered into a finely built house of generous size, and by signs their guide indicated that they were to make this their home. It was nicely furnished, though in a different manner from houses in the world, and there were many scientific books and instruments in it. "The Martians must study all the while," observed Mr. Henderson. "No wonder they have such big heads. All their intellectual faculties are wonderfully developed." "At the expense of their arms, legs and bodies," said Jack. "I fancy I could fight half a dozen of their biggest men." "But we're not going to," said Mr. Roumann. "At least, not as long as they treat us decently." "And now for something to eat," added Henderson. Their guide showed them a dining-room, where they found a table filled with food that looked very appetizing. The Martian motioned for them to eat. "I want t' find where mah kitchen is goin' t' be," declared Washington. "If I'm goin' t' cook heah, I want t' see how I'm goin' t' do it." The Martian seemed to understand what was wanted, for he led the way to another apartment, where it was evident that cooking was done, as there were pots, pans and what looked like a stove in it. "But I don't see no coal," objected the colored man. "How I gwine t' cook without coal t' make a fire?" The Martian opened the square iron box that seemed to be the stove. Inside was a small metal box, which he also opened, disclosing a lump of the red substance. "They cook with it, too!" exclaimed Mr. Roumann. "And I have no doubt that they warm their houses with it in winter. A wonderful substance--most marvelous! It exceeds my wildest dreams--light, heat and power! Our fortunes are made! It is good that we came to Mars!" "And it's a good thing they've got something to eat!" remarked Jack. "Come on, I'm half starved." "I'll wait on table fo' yo'," said Washington, as they went back to the dining-room, and the Martian left. They sat down, and the colored man was about to pass the victuals, when, to the surprise of all, the center of the table began to revolve, and the dishes of food went with it, passing slowly in front of each one in turn. "Good land a' massy!" cried Washington. "It's bewitched! Look at de table movin'!" CHAPTER XXV SEEKING THE TREASURE