strong an affinity for oxygen that it burns in water. Manganese, which
belongs to the 'iron group,' is hard enough to scratch glass; and, like
iron, is decidedly magnetic. Copper is red--"

"The signals for colour we might get from the spectra direct."

"Mercury or quicksilver is fluid at ordinary temperatures, and that
might lead us to the idea of movement--animation--life itself."

"Having got certain fundamental ideas," I went on, "by combining these
we might arrive at other distinct conceptions. We might build up an
ideographic or glyphic language of signs--the signs being spectra. The
numerals might be telegraphed by simple occultations of the light. Then
from spectra we might pass by an easy step to equivalent signals of
long and short flashes in various combinations, also made by occulting
the light. With such a code, our correspondence might go on at great
length, and present no difficulty; but, of course, we must be able to
reply."

"If the Martians are as clever as you are pleased to imagine, we ought
to learn a good deal from them."

"I hope we may, and I'm sure the world will be all the better for a
little superior enlightenment on some points."

"Well, we must follow the matter up, at all events," said the professor,
taking another peep through the telescope. "For the present the Martian
philosophers appear to have shut up shop; and, as my nebula has now
risen, I should like to do a little work on it before daybreak. Look
here, if it's a fine night, can you join me to-morrow? We shall then