“The result is what I fully expected.  The proof that the regenerating rays exist in the super-radium current, lies in the fact that your body was perfectly preserved for six hours, and there is no reason for supposing that they differ, in any way, from the rays which preserve life here for an unlimited time.”

“Then I can no longer keep my discovery a secret,” I declared resolutely.  “It becomes my solemn duty at once to make public the knowledge of these wonderful rays emanating from Mars.”

“What you say is indeed the truth,” rejoined Almos.  “The time has now arrived; the existence of a people on Mars, our early history, progress, and the conditions under which we live at the present day, must now become known upon Earth; our inventions and scientific advancement must be made available to Earth’s scientists.  Since the discovery of the radioscope, which enabled us to see the people on your planet, Mars has yearned to give a helping hand to her younger sister.  That time has now come, and before many years the conditions of life on Earth will be similar to those here.  A great work must be accomplished, however, but the burden of that work rests upon me; when it is finished the goal of my life has been reached.  There are many things that are not clear to you now, my dear fellow, but there is no time at present for explanations.  In half an hour I shall have prepared for your visit—­remember, no matter what happens, tomorrow all shall be explained.”

Having thus spoken, his voice and manner evincing great earnestness and determination, he waved his hand in farewell, and instantly the instrument was plunged into darkness.

For some moments I stood motionless under the spell that his remarkable personality had cast over me, nor did even his abrupt manner appear at all strange, such perfect harmony of word and action existed in this Martian genius.  Indeed, it seemed a fitting conclusion to all that had gone before.  Speaking rapidly, as though realizing the loss of time in mere words, his handsome face, strong with determination, holding me fascinated, he had confessed the ambition nearest and dearest to his heart—­that of giving to Earth the discoveries and inventions of hundreds of years of advancement in science; all that had resulted in the longevity, health, peace, and happiness which existed upon Mars.

Humbled at my own insignificance and full of admiration for this great character, I turned slowly away, and, procuring a light, commenced to prepare for my journey.

My letters and other papers, with a brief note of explanation, still remained on my desk, and, as my glance fell upon this bundle, I became conscious of a nervousness, which, although to many would be perfectly natural at such a time, was entirely strange to me.  I had not experienced the least nervousness on the occasion of my first visit the night before, yet the mere sight of this package on my desk, with its note of explanation, now caused me an uneasiness, which, try as I would, I could not ignore.