to our original programme and
leave about the beginning of December, but asked John why he was so
anxious to know?

"Well, Professor," he answered, "there is more than one reason for my
question. I do not think our stay should be prolonged. Haven't you
noticed any change in us?"

I replied that "I had not seen any particular change or alteration in
them, except that in build and general appearance they were becoming
more like the Martians."

"Yes, Professor," exclaimed John, "that's just it. I don't know whether
it is the Martian air or the Martian food, or the combination of both,
but we certainly are becoming more like Martians every day. Our eyes are
becoming luminous, our complexions and features are changing, and, by
Jove! if I haven't grown nearly two inches since we came here! If I go
on like this I shall soon be such a giant that I shall not care to go
back at all."

"Really, John," I said, "is it so bad as that? Now I come to look at you
critically you certainly do look taller; and I can see a little
luminosity in M'Allister's eyes, and rather more in yours. I suppose,
being the youngest, you are more susceptible than M'Allister or myself."

"Yes, I think that must be the case, Professor," remarked John.

"However," I added, looking at him and smiling, "you told me there were
more reasons than one, so I suppose you have kept the weightiest reason
to the last."

"Well, I don't know about its being the weightiest reason," he
answered, "but we shall require nearly four months to accomplish our
journey to England after we leave here, and I reckon that by that time
my stock of tobacco will be pretty nearly used up. I have given a lot
away to our Martian friends, and I've tried some of the native growth;
it's rather decent stuff, but not a patch upon my mixture."

I burst out laughing in such a hearty fashion that it set them off too,
as I remarked, "Ah, John, I had a shrewd idea that there was something
more behind your anxiety than the fact that you were becoming
Martianised."

"Heh, John," exclaimed M'Allister, touching him playfully on the
shoulder, "the Professor had you all right that time, I'm thinking!"
John blushed up to the eyes, and said no more.

Ultimately it was agreed that it would be well to leave Mars on the 1st
December, according to terrestrial reckoning.

So that matter was settled; but, just after they had left, Merna and
Eleeta came in, both looking very glowing and happy.

After