just such cities, and lesser ones, in diminishing num-
bers, were to be found converging toward the
center of the oceans, as the people had found it
necessary to follow the receding waters until neces-
sity had forced upon them their ultimate salvation,
the so-called Martian canals.

We had been so engrossed in exploration of the
building and in our conversation that it was late
in the afternoon before we realized it. We were
brought back to a realization of our present con-
ditions by a messenger bearing a summons from
Lorquas Ptomel directing me to appear before
him forthwith. Bidding Dejah Thoris and Sola
farewell, and commanding Woola to remain on
guard, I hastened to the audience chamber, where
I found Lorquas Ptomel and Tars Tarkas seated
upon the rostrum.

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