Читать книгу Princess of Mars / Принцесса Марса. Уровень 2 - Эдгар Берроуз, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Эдгар Райс Берроуз - Страница 11

Early the next morning I was astir. Sola said that as long as I did not attempt to leave the city I was free to go and come as I pleased. She warned me, however, against venturing forth unarmed, as this city was peopled by great white apes[48].

She also explained that Woola would prevent any attempt to leave the boundaries of the city. His nature was such[49], as she said, that he would be bring me back into the city dead or alive; “preferably dead,” she added.

I was exploring a new street on this morning and suddenly found myself at the limits of the city. Low hills pierced by narrow and inviting ravines were before me shutting out my view. I felt an urge to explore the new land. I also thought that this would be an excellent opportunity to test the qualities of Woola. I was sure the brute loved me.

As I approached the boundary line Woola ran anxiously before me, and thrust his body against my legs. His expression was pleading rather than ferocious. Just like any normal earthly man, I needed some outlet for my natural affections[50]. I developed considerable affection for Woola and Sola and was not disappointed in both of them.

I sat upon the ground and put my arms around Woola's heavy neck. I talked to him in my newly acquired Martian tongue as I would talk to any animal on the Earth. His response to my manifestation of affection was remarkable to a degree. He stretched his great mouth to its full width, baring the entire expanse of his upper rows of tusks and wrinkling his snout, looking a bit like smiling collie.

He threw himself upon his back and fairly wallowed at my feet. He was wriggling and squirming around me like a playful puppy presenting its back for the petting it craves. I talked to him for more few minutes, and then, in an authoritative tone, commanded him to follow me, and started for the hills.

There was no further question of authority between us; Woola was my devoted slave from that moment hence. I reached the hill in a few minutes but I found nothing interesting to reward me. Numerous brilliantly colored and strangely formed wild flowers dotted the ravines. From the summit of the first hill, I saw other hills stretching off toward the north.

My morning walk was important as it resulted in a perfect understanding with Woola, upon whom Tars Tarkas relied for my safe keeping. I now knew that while theoretically a prisoner I was virtually free. I hastened to regain the city limits before Woola's erstwhile masters could discover the defection of him. I decided never again leave the limits of my prescribed stamping grounds again until I was ready to venture forth for good and all.

On regaining the plaza, I saw the captive girl. She was standing with her guards before the entrance to the audience chamber. She gave me one haughty glance and turned her back full upon me. The act was so womanly, so earthly womanly, that though it stung my pride[51] it also warmed my heart with a feeling of companionship. It was good to know that someone else on Mars beside myself had human instincts of a civilized order.

If a Martian woman wanted to show dislike or contempt, she would do it with a sword thrust or a movement of her trigger finger. But their sentiments are mostly atrophied and it would require a serious injury to arouse such passions in them. Sola, let me add, was an exception. I never saw her perform a cruel or rude act, or fail in uniform kindliness and good nature. She was indeed, as her fellow Martian had said of her, an atavism; a dear and precious reversion to a former type of loved and loving ancestor.

Seeing that the prisoner seemed the center of attraction, I halted to view the proceedings. Lorquas Ptomel and his retinue of chieftains approached the building and, signing the guards to follow with the prisoner entered the audience chamber. I chanced an attempt to enter the audience chamber and listen to the proceeding, as I was a somewhat favored character