# SELECTED SUBSET # Extracted by select-evt-lines (sample = engl/wow subsec = tot.1) # H. G. Wells "The War of the Worlds" (1898) # Last edited on 2002-01-15 18:17:44 by stolfi # # From a Project Gutenberg file # Reformatted for statistical purposes by J. Stolfi. # Indented text is indicated by {»} comments; {»»»} # denotes extra indentation. # Significant line breaks (verses, tables) are indicated by "~". # Each text division is a chapter of the book, with an identifier of the form # cMMM where MMM is the chapter number. ( c000 is the title page ). # Each text unit within a division is identified by a letter: # T = Title of work. # A = Author name and date. # P = Running text. # B = Volume number ("Book" in the original). # C = Chapter number. # H = Book or chapter title. # # NULL = "" # BLANK = "_" # ALPHA = "ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ" # ALPHA = "abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz" # ALPHA = "'" # SYMBOL = "0123456789&" # PUNCT = ".,!?()[]/:;-"`" # BREAK = "~" # PARAG = "=" # # part a Title_page # ## # chapter 1 Book_title # unit T booktitle # unit A author # unit P text # part b BOOK_ONE # ## # chapter 0 Part_title # unit B vol_number # unit H vol_title # ## # chapter 1 ONE # unit C chapter_number # unit H chapter_title # unit P text No_one_would_have_believed_in_the_last_years_of_the_ nineteenth_century_that_this_world_was_being_watched_keenly_ and_closely_by_intelligences_greater_than_man's_and_yet_as_ mortal_as_his_own;_that_as_men_busied_themselves_about_their_ various_concerns_they_were_scrutinised_and_studied,_perhaps_ almost_as_narrowly_as_a_man_with_a_microscope_might_ scrutinise_the_transient_creatures_that_swarm_and_multiply_ in_a_drop_of_water._With_infinite_complacency_men_went_to_ and_fro_over_this_globe_about_their_little_affairs,_serene_ in_their_assurance_of_their_empire_over_matter._It_is_ possible_that_the_infusoria_under_the_microscope_do_the_ same._No_one_gave_a_thought_to_the_older_worlds_of_space_as_ sources_of_human_danger,_or_thought_of_them_only_to_dismiss_ the_idea_of_life_upon_them_as_impossible_or_improbable._It_ is_curious_to_recall_some_of_the_mental_habits_of_those_ departed_days._At_most_terrestrial_men_fancied_there_might_ be_other_men_upon_Mars,_perhaps_inferior_to_themselves_and_ ready_to_welcome_a_missionary_enterprise._Yet_across_the_ gulf_of_space,_minds_that_are_to_our_minds_as_ours_are_to_ those_of_the_beasts_that_perish,_intellects_vast_and_cool_ and_unsympathetic,_regarded_this_earth_with_envious_eyes,_ and_slowly_and_surely_drew_their_plans_against_us._And_early_ in_the_twentieth_century_came_the_great_disillusionment. = The_planet_Mars,_I_scarcely_need_remind_the_reader,_revolves_ about_the_sun_at_a_mean_distance_of_140,000,000_miles,_and_ the_light_and_heat_it_receives_from_the_sun_is_barely_half_ of_that_received_by_this_world._It_must_be,_if_the_nebular_ hypothesis_has_any_truth,_older_than_our_world;_and_long_ before_this_earth_ceased_to_be_molten,_life_upon_its_surface_ must_have_begun_its_course._The_fact_that_it_is_scarcely_one_ seventh_of_the_volume_of_the_earth_must_have_accelerated_its_ cooling_to_the_temperature_at_which_life_could_begin._It_has_ air_and_water_and_all_that_is_necessary_for_the_support_of_ animated_existence. = Yet_so_vain_is_man,_and_so_blinded_by_his_vanity,_that_no_ writer,_up_to_the_very_end_of_the_nineteenth_century,_ expressed_any_idea_that_intelligent_life_might_have_ developed_there_far,_or_indeed_at_all,_beyond_its_earthly_ level._Nor_was_it_generally_understood_that_since_Mars_is_ older_than_our_earth,_with_scarcely_a_quarter_of_the_ superficial_area_and_remoter_from_the_sun,_it_necessarily_ follows_that_it_is_not_only_more_distant_from_time's_ beginning_but_nearer_its_end. = The_secular_cooling_that_must_someday_overtake_our_planet_ has_already_gone_far_indeed_with_our_neighbour._Its_physical_ condition_is_still_largely_a_mystery,_but_we_know_now_that_ even_in_its_equatorial_region_the_midday_temperature_barely_ approaches_that_of_our_coldest_winter._Its_air_is_much_more_ attenuated_than_ours,_its_oceans_have_shrunk_until_they_ cover_but_a_third_of_its_surface,_and_as_its_slow_seasons_ change_huge_snowcaps_gather_and_melt_about_either_pole_and_ periodically_inundate_its_temperate_zones._That_last_stage_ of_exhaustion,_which_to_us_is_still_incredibly_remote,_has_ become_a_present-day_problem_for_the_inhabitants_of_Mars._ The_immediate_pressure_of_necessity_has_brightened_their_ intellects,_enlarged_their_powers,_and_hardened_their_ hearts._And_looking_across_space_with_instruments,_and_ intelligences_such_as_we_have_scarcely_dreamed_of,_they_see,_ at_its_nearest_distance_only_35,000,000_of_miles_sunward_of_ them,_a_morning_star_of_hope,_our_own_warmer_planet,_green_ with_vegetation_and_grey_with_water,_with_a_cloudy_ atmosphere_eloquent_of_fertility,_with_glimpses_through_its_ drifting_cloud_wisps_of_broad_stretches_of_populous_country_ and_narrow,_navy-crowded_seas. = And_we_men,_the_creatures_who_inhabit_this_earth,_must_be_to_ them_at_least_as_alien_and_lowly_as_are_the_monkeys_and_ lemurs_to_us._The_intellectual_side_of_man_already_admits_ that_life_is_an_incessant_struggle_for_existence,_and_it_ would_seem_that_this_too_is_the_belief_of_the_minds_upon_ Mars._Their_world_is_far_gone_in_its_cooling_and_this_world_ is_still_crowded_with_life,_but_crowded_only_with_what_they_ regard_as_inferior_animals._To_carry_warfare_sunward_is,_ indeed,_their_only_escape_from_the_destruction_that,_ generation_after_generation,_creeps_upon_them. = And_before_we_judge_of_them_too_harshly_we_must_remember_ what_ruthless_and_utter_destruction_our_own_species_has_ wrought,_not_only_upon_animals,_such_as_the_vanished_bison_ and_the_dodo,_but_upon_its_inferior_races._The_Tasmanians,_ in_spite_of_their_human_likeness,_were_entirely_swept_out_of_ existence_in_a_war_of_extermination_waged_by_European_ immigrants,_in_the_space_of_fifty_years._Are_we_such_ apostles_of_mercy_as_to_complain_if_the_Martians_warred_in_ the_same_spirit? = The_Martians_seem_to_have_calculated_their_descent_with_ amazing_subtlety--their_mathematical_learning_is_evidently_ far_in_excess_of_ours--and_to_have_carried_out_their_ preparations_with_a_well-nigh_perfect_unanimity._Had_our_ instruments_permitted_it,_we_might_have_seen_the_gathering_ trouble_far_back_in_the_nineteenth_century._Men_like_ Schiaparelli_watched_the_red_planet--it_is_odd,_by-the-bye,_ that_for_countless_centuries_Mars_has_been_the_star_of_ war--but_failed_to_interpret_the_fluctuating_appearances_of_ the_markings_they_mapped_so_well._All_that_time_the_Martians_ must_have_been_getting_ready. = During_the_opposition_of_1894_a_great_light_was_seen_on_the_ illuminated_part_of_the_disk,_first_at_the_Lick_Observatory,_ then_by_Perrotin_of_Nice,_and_then_by_other_observers._ English_readers_heard_of_it_first_in_the_issue_of_NATURE_ dated_August_2._I_am_inclined_to_think_that_this_blaze_may_ have_been_the_casting_of_the_huge_gun,_in_the_vast_pit_sunk_ into_their_planet,_from_which_their_shots_were_fired_at_us._ Peculiar_markings,_as_yet_unexplained,_were_seen_near_the_ site_of_that_outbreak_during_the_next_two_oppositions. = The_storm_burst_upon_us_six_years_ago_now._As_Mars_ approached_opposition,_Lavelle_of_Java_set_the_wires_of_the_ astronomical_exchange_palpitating_with_the_amazing_ intelligence_of_a_huge_outbreak_of_incandescent_gas_upon_the_ planet._It_had_occurred_towards_midnight_of_the_twelfth;_and_ the_spectroscope,_to_which_he_had_at_once_resorted,_ indicated_a_mass_of_flaming_gas,_chiefly_hydrogen,_moving_ with_an_enormous_velocity_towards_this_earth._This_jet_of_ fire_had_become_invisible_about_a_quarter_past_twelve._He_ compared_it_to_a_colossal_puff_of_flame_suddenly_and_ violently_squirted_out_of_the_planet,_"as_flaming_gases_ rushed_out_of_a_gun." = A_singularly_appropriate_phrase_it_proved._Yet_the_next_day_ there_was_nothing_of_this_in_the_papers_except_a_little_note_ in_the_DAILY_TELEGRAPH,_and_the_world_went_in_ignorance_of_ one_of_the_gravest_dangers_that_ever_threatened_the_human_ race._I_might_not_have_heard_of_the_eruption_at_all_had_I_ not_met_Ogilvy,_the_well-known_astronomer,_at_Ottershaw._He_ was_immensely_excited_at_the_news,_and_in_the_excess_of_his_ feelings_invited_me_up_to_take_a_turn_with_him_that_night_in_ a_scrutiny_of_the_red_planet. = In_spite_of_all_that_has_happened_since,_I_still_remember_ that_vigil_very_distinctly:_the_black_and_silent_ observatory,_the_shadowed_lantern_throwing_a_feeble_glow_ upon_the_floor_in_the_corner,_the_steady_ticking_of_the_ clockwork_of_the_telescope,_the_little_slit_in_the_roof--an_ oblong_profundity_with_the_stardust_streaked_across_it._ Ogilvy_moved_about,_invisible_but_audible._Looking_through_ the_telescope,_one_saw_a_circle_of_deep_blue_and_the_little_ round_planet_swimming_in_the_field._It_seemed_such_a_little_ thing,_so_bright_and_small_and_still,_faintly_marked_with_ transverse_stripes,_and_slightly_flattened_from_the_perfect_ round._But_so_little_it_was,_so_silvery_warm--a_pin's-head_ of_light!_It_was_as_if_it_quivered,_but_really_this_was_the_ telescope_vibrating_with_the_activity_of_the_clockwork_that_ kept_the_planet_in_view. = As_I_watched,_the_planet_seemed_to_grow_larger_and_smaller_ and_to_advance_and_recede,_but_that_was_simply_that_my_eye_ was_tired._Forty_millions_of_miles_it_was_from_us--more_than_ forty_millions_of_miles_of_void._Few_people_realise_the_ immensity_of_vacancy_in_which_the_dust_of_the_material_ universe_swims. = Near_it_in_the_field,_I_remember,_were_three_faint_points_of_ light,_three_telescopic_stars_infinitely_remote,_and_all_ around_it_was_the_unfathomable_darkness_of_empty_space._You_ know_how_that_blackness_looks_on_a_frosty_starlight_night._ In_a_telescope_it_seems_far_profounder._And_invisible_to_me_ because_it_was_so_remote_and_small,_flying_swiftly_and_ steadily_towards_me_across_that_incredible_distance,_drawing_ nearer_every_minute_by_so_many_thousands_of_miles,_came_the_ Thing_they_were_sending_us,_the_Thing_that_was_to_bring_so_ much_struggle_and_calamity_and_death_to_the_earth._I_never_ dreamed_of_it_then_as_I_watched;_no_one_on_earth_dreamed_of_ that_unerring_missile. = That_night,_too,_there_was_another_jetting_out_of_gas_from_ the_distant_planet._I_saw_it._A_reddish_flash_at_the_edge,_ the_slightest_projection_of_the_outline_just_as_the_ chronometer_struck_midnight;_and_at_that_I_told_Ogilvy_and_ he_took_my_place._The_night_was_warm_and_I_was_thirsty,_and_ I_went_stretching_my_legs_clumsily_and_feeling_my_way_in_the_ darkness,_to_the_little_table_where_the_siphon_stood,_while_ Ogilvy_exclaimed_at_the_streamer_of_gas_that_came_out_ towards_us. = That_night_another_invisible_missile_started_on_its_way_to_ the_earth_from_Mars,_just_a_second_or_so_under_twenty-four_ hours_after_the_first_one._I_remember_how_I_sat_on_the_table_ there_in_the_blackness,_with_patches_of_green_and_crimson_ swimming_before_my_eyes._I_wished_I_had_a_light_to_smoke_by,_ little_suspecting_the_meaning_of_the_minute_gleam_I_had_seen_ and_all_that_it_would_presently_bring_me._Ogilvy_watched_ till_one,_and_then_gave_it_up;_and_we_lit_the_lantern_and_ walked_over_to_his_house._Down_below_in_the_darkness_were_ Ottershaw_and_Chertsey_and_all_their_hundreds_of_people,_ sleeping_in_peace. = He_was_full_of_speculation_that_night_about_the_condition_of_ Mars,_and_scoffed_at_the_vulgar_idea_of_its_having_ inhabitants_who_were_signalling_us._His_idea_was_that_ meteorites_might_be_falling_in_a_heavy_shower_upon_the_ planet,_or_that_a_huge_volcanic_explosion_was_in_progress._ He_pointed_out_to_me_how_unlikely_it_was_that_organic_ evolution_had_taken_the_same_direction_in_the_two_adjacent_ planets. = "The_chances_against_anything_manlike_on_Mars_are_a_million_ to_one,"_he_said. = Hundreds_of_observers_saw_the_flame_that_night_and_the_night_ after_about_midnight,_and_again_the_night_after;_and_so_for_ ten_nights,_a_flame_each_night._Why_the_shots_ceased_after_ the_tenth_no_one_on_earth_has_attempted_to_explain._It_may_ be_the_gases_of_the_firing_caused_the_Martians_ inconvenience._Dense_clouds_of_smoke_or_dust,_visible_ through_a_powerful_telescope_on_earth_as_little_grey,_ fluctuating_patches,_spread_through_the_clearness_of_the_ planet's_atmosphere_and_obscured_its_more_familiar_features. = Even_the_daily_papers_woke_up_to_the_disturbances_at_last,_ and_popular_notes_appeared_here,_there,_and_everywhere_ concerning_the_volcanoes_upon_Mars._The_seriocomic_ periodical_PUNCH,_I_remember,_made_a_happy_use_of_it_in_the_ political_cartoon._And,_all_unsuspected,_those_missiles_the_ Martians_had_fired_at_us_drew_earthward,_rushing_now_at_a_ pace_of_many_miles_a_second_through_the_empty_gulf_of_space,_ hour_by_hour_and_day_by_day,_nearer_and_nearer._It_seems_to_ me_now_almost_incredibly_wonderful_that,_with_that_swift_ fate_hanging_over_us,_men_could_go_about_their_petty_ concerns_as_they_did._I_remember_how_jubilant_Markham_was_at_ securing_a_new_photograph_of_the_planet_for_the_illustrated_ paper_he_edited_in_those_days._People_in_these_latter_times_ scarcely_realise_the_abundance_and_enterprise_of_our_ nineteenth-century_papers._For_my_own_part,_I_was_much_ occupied_in_learning_to_ride_the_bicycle,_and_busy_upon_a_ series_of_papers_discussing_the_probable_developments_of_ moral_ideas_as_civilisation_progressed. = One_night_(the_first_missile_then_could_scarcely_have_been_ 10,000,000_miles_away)_I_went_for_a_walk_with_my_wife._It_ was_starlight_and_I_explained_the_Signs_of_the_Zodiac_to_ her,_and_pointed_out_Mars,_a_bright_dot_of_light_creeping_ zenithward,_towards_which_so_many_telescopes_were_pointed._ It_was_a_warm_night._Coming_home,_a_party_of_excursionists_ from_Chertsey_or_Isleworth_passed_us_singing_and_playing_ music._There_were_lights_in_the_upper_windows_of_the_houses_ as_the_people_went_to_bed._From_the_railway_station_in_the_ distance_came_the_sound_of_shunting_trains,_ringing_and_ rumbling,_softened_almost_into_melody_by_the_distance._My_ wife_pointed_out_to_me_the_brightness_of_the_red,_green,_and_ yellow_signal_lights_hanging_in_a_framework_against_the_sky._ It_seemed_so_safe_and_tranquil. = # ## # chapter 2 TWO # unit C chapter_number # unit H chapter_title # unit P text Then_came_the_night_of_the_first_falling_star._It_was_seen_ early_in_the_morning,_rushing_over_Winchester_eastward,_a_ line_of_flame_high_in_the_atmosphere._Hundreds_must_have_ seen_it,_and_taken_it_for_an_ordinary_falling_star._Albin_ described_it_as_leaving_a_greenish_streak_behind_it_that_ glowed_for_some_seconds._Denning,_our_greatest_authority_on_ meteorites,_stated_that_the_height_of_its_first_appearance_ was_about_ninety_or_one_hundred_miles._It_seemed_to_him_that_ it_fell_to_earth_about_one_hundred_miles_east_of_him. = I_was_at_home_at_that_hour_and_writing_in_my_study;_and_ although_my_French_windows_face_towards_Ottershaw_and_the_ blind_was_up_(for_I_loved_in_those_days_to_look_up_at_the_ night_sky),_I_saw_nothing_of_it._Yet_this_strangest_of_all_ things_that_ever_came_to_earth_from_outer_space_must_have_ fallen_while_I_was_sitting_there,_visible_to_me_had_I_only_ looked_up_as_it_passed._Some_of_those_who_saw_its_flight_say_ it_travelled_with_a_hissing_sound._I_myself_heard_nothing_of_ that._Many_people_in_Berkshire,_Surrey,_and_Middlesex_must_ have_seen_the_fall_of_it,_and,_at_most,_have_thought_that_ another_meteorite_had_descended._No_one_seems_to_have_ troubled_to_look_for_the_fallen_mass_that_night. = But_very_early_in_the_morning_poor_Ogilvy,_who_had_seen_the_ shooting_star_and_who_was_persuaded_that_a_meteorite_lay_ somewhere_on_the_common_between_Horsell,_Ottershaw,_and_ Woking,_rose_early_with_the_idea_of_finding_it._Find_it_he_ did,_soon_after_dawn,_and_not_far_from_the_sand_pits._An_ enormous_hole_had_been_made_by_the_impact_of_the_projectile,_ and_the_sand_and_gravel_had_been_flung_violently_in_every_ direction_over_the_heath,_forming_heaps_visible_a_mile_and_a_ half_away._The_heather_was_on_fire_eastward,_and_a_thin_blue_ smoke_rose_against_the_dawn. = The_Thing_itself_lay_almost_entirely_buried_in_sand,_amidst_ the_scattered_splinters_of_a_fir_tree_it_had_shivered_to_ fragments_in_its_descent._The_uncovered_part_had_the_ appearance_of_a_huge_cylinder,_caked_over_and_its_outline_ softened_by_a_thick_scaly_dun-coloured_incrustation._It_had_ a_diameter_of_about_thirty_yards._He_approached_the_mass,_ surprised_at_the_size_and_more_so_at_the_shape,_since_most_ meteorites_are_rounded_more_or_less_completely._It_was,_ however,_still_so_hot_from_its_flight_through_the_air_as_to_ forbid_his_near_approach._A_stirring_noise_within_its_ cylinder_he_ascribed_to_the_unequal_cooling_of_its_surface;_ for_at_that_time_it_had_not_occurred_to_him_that_it_might_be_ hollow. = He_remained_standing_at_the_edge_of_the_pit_that_the_Thing_ had_made_for_itself,_staring_at_its_strange_appearance,_ astonished_chiefly_at_its_unusual_shape_and_colour,_and_ dimly_perceiving_even_then_some_evidence_of_design_in_its_ arrival._The_early_morning_was_wonderfully_still,_and_the_ sun,_just_clearing_the_pine_trees_towards_Weybridge,_was_ already_warm._He_did_not_remember_hearing_any_birds_that_ morning,_there_was_certainly_no_breeze_stirring,_and_the_ only_sounds_were_the_faint_movements_from_within_the_cindery_ cylinder._He_was_all_alone_on_the_common. = Then_suddenly_he_noticed_with_a_start_that_some_of_the_grey_ clinker,_the_ashy_incrustation_that_covered_the_meteorite,_ was_falling_off_the_circular_edge_of_the_end._It_was_ dropping_off_in_flakes_and_raining_down_upon_the_sand._A_ large_piece_suddenly_came_off_and_fell_with_a_sharp_noise_ that_brought_his_heart_into_his_mouth. = For_a_minute_he_scarcely_realised_what_this_meant,_and,_ although_the_heat_was_excessive,_he_clambered_down_into_the_ pit_close_to_the_bulk_to_see_the_Thing_more_clearly._He_ fancied_even_then_that_the_cooling_of_the_body_might_account_ for_this,_but_what_disturbed_that_idea_was_the_fact_that_the_ ash_was_falling_only_from_the_end_of_the_cylinder. = And_then_he_perceived_that,_very_slowly,_the_circular_top_of_ the_cylinder_was_rotating_on_its_body._It_was_such_a_gradual_ movement_that_he_discovered_it_only_through_noticing_that_a_ black_mark_that_had_been_near_him_five_minutes_ago_was_now_ at_the_other_side_of_the_circumference._Even_then_he_ scarcely_understood_what_this_indicated,_until_he_heard_a_ muffled_grating_sound_and_saw_the_black_mark_jerk_forward_an_ inch_or_so._Then_the_thing_came_upon_him_in_a_flash._The_ cylinder_was_artificial--hollow--with_an_end_that_screwed_ out!_Something_within_the_cylinder_was_unscrewing_the_top! = "Good_heavens!"_said_Ogilvy._"There's_a_man_in_it--men_in_ it!_Half_roasted_to_death!_Trying_to_escape!" = At_once,_with_a_quick_mental_leap,_he_linked_the_Thing_with_ the_flash_upon_Mars. = The_thought_of_the_confined_creature_was_so_dreadful_to_him_ that_he_forgot_the_heat_and_went_forward_to_the_cylinder_to_ help_turn._But_luckily_the_dull_radiation_arrested_him_ before_he_could_burn_his_hands_on_the_still-glowing_metal._ At_that_he_stood_irresolute_for_a_moment,_then_turned,_ scrambled_out_of_the_pit,_and_set_off_running_wildly_into_ Woking._The_time_then_must_have_been_somewhere_about_six_ o'clock._He_met_a_waggoner_and_tried_to_make_him_understand,_ but_the_tale_he_told_and_his_appearance_were_so_wild--his_ hat_had_fallen_off_in_the_pit--that_the_man_simply_drove_on._ He_was_equally_unsuccessful_with_the_potman_who_was_just_ unlocking_the_doors_of_the_public-house_by_Horsell_Bridge._ The_fellow_thought_he_was_a_lunatic_at_large_and_made_an_ unsuccessful_attempt_to_shut_him_into_the_taproom._That_ sobered_him_a_little;_and_when_he_saw_Henderson,_the_London_ journalist,_in_his_garden,_he_called_over_the_palings_and_ made_himself_understood. = "Henderson,"_he_called,_"you_saw_that_shooting_star_last_ night?" = "Well?"_said_Henderson. = "It's_out_on_Horsell_Common_now." = "Good_Lord!"_said_Henderson._"Fallen_meteorite!_That's_ good." = "But_it's_something_more_than_a_meteorite._It's_a_cylinder_ --an_artificial_cylinder,_man!_And_there's_something_ inside." = Henderson_stood_up_with_his_spade_in_his_hand. = "What's_that?"_he_said._He_was_deaf_in_one_ear. = Ogilvy_told_him_all_that_he_had_seen._Henderson_was_a_minute_ or_so_taking_it_in._Then_he_dropped_his_spade,_snatched_up_ his_jacket,_and_came_out_into_the_road._The_two_men_hurried_ back_at_once_to_the_common,_and_found_the_cylinder_still_ lying_in_the_same_position._But_now_the_sounds_inside_had_ ceased,_and_a_thin_circle_of_bright_metal_showed_between_the_ top_and_the_body_of_the_cylinder._Air_was_either_entering_or_ escaping_at_the_rim_with_a_thin,_sizzling_sound. = They_listened,_rapped_on_the_scaly_burnt_metal_with_a_stick,_ and,_meeting_with_no_response,_they_both_concluded_the_man_ or_men_inside_must_be_insensible_or_dead. = Of_course_the_two_were_quite_unable_to_do_anything._They_ shouted_consolation_and_promises,_and_went_off_back_to_the_ town_again_to_get_help._One_can_imagine_them,_covered_with_ sand,_excited_and_disordered,_running_up_the_little_street_ in_the_bright_sunlight_just_as_the_shop_folks_were_taking_ down_their_shutters_and_people_were_opening_their_bedroom_ windows._Henderson_went_into_the_railway_station_at_once,_in_ order_to_telegraph_the_news_to_London._The_newspaper_ articles_had_prepared_men's_minds_for_the_reception_of_the_ idea. = By_eight_o'clock_a_number_of_boys_and_unemployed_men_had_ already_started_for_the_common_to_see_the_"dead_men_from_ Mars."_That_was_the_form_the_story_took._I_heard_of_it_first_ from_my_newspaper_boy_about_a_quarter_to_nine_when_I_went_ out_to_get_my_DAILY_CHRONICLE._I_was_naturally_startled,_and_ lost_no_time_in_going_out_and_across_the_Ottershaw_bridge_to_ the_sand_pits. = # ## # chapter 3 THREE # unit C chapter_number # unit H chapter_title # unit P text I_found_a_little_crowd_of_perhaps_twenty_people_surrounding_ the_huge_hole_in_which_the_cylinder_lay._I_have_already_ described_the_appearance_of_that_colossal_bulk,_embedded_in_ the_ground._The_turf_and_gravel_about_it_seemed_charred_as_ if_by_a_sudden_explosion._No_doubt_its_impact_had_caused_a_ flash_of_fire._Henderson_and_Ogilvy_were_not_there._I_think_ they_perceived_that_nothing_was_to_be_done_for_the_present,_ and_had_gone_away_to_breakfast_at_Henderson's_house. = There_were_four_or_five_boys_sitting_on_the_edge_of_the_Pit,_ with_their_feet_dangling,_and_amusing_themselves--until_I_ stopped_them--by_throwing_stones_at_the_giant_mass._After_I_ had_spoken_to_them_about_it,_they_began_playing_at_"touch"_ in_and_out_of_the_group_of_bystanders. = Among_these_were_a_couple_of_cyclists,_a_jobbing_gardener_I_ employed_sometimes,_a_girl_carrying_a_baby,_Gregg_the_ butcher_and_his_little_boy,_and_two_or_three_loafers_and_ golf_caddies_who_were_accustomed_to_hang_about_the_railway_ station._There_was_very_little_talking._Few_of_the_common_ people_in_England_had_anything_but_the_vaguest_astronomical_ ideas_in_those_days._Most_of_them_were_staring_quietly_at_ the_big_tablelike_end_of_the_cylinder,_which_was_still_as_ Ogilvy_and_Henderson_had_left_it._I_fancy_the_popular_ expectation_of_a_heap_of_charred_corpses_was_disappointed_at_ this_inanimate_bulk._Some_went_away_while_I_was_there,_and_ other_people_came._I_clambered_into_the_pit_and_fancied_I_ heard_a_faint_movement_under_my_feet._The_top_had_certainly_ ceased_to_rotate. = It_was_only_when_I_got_thus_close_to_it_that_the_strangeness_ of_this_object_was_at_all_evident_to_me._At_the_first_glance_ it_was_really_no_more_exciting_than_an_overturned_carriage_ or_a_tree_blown_across_the_road._Not_so_much_so,_indeed._It_ looked_like_a_rusty_gas_float._It_required_a_certain_amount_ of_scientific_education_to_perceive_that_the_grey_scale_of_ the_Thing_was_no_common_oxide,_that_the_yellowish-white_ metal_that_gleamed_in_the_crack_between_the_lid_and_the_ cylinder_had_an_unfamiliar_hue._"Extra-terrestrial"_had_no_ meaning_for_most_of_the_onlookers. = At_that_time_it_was_quite_clear_in_my_own_mind_that_the_ Thing_had_come_from_the_planet_Mars,_but_I_judged_it_ improbable_that_it_contained_any_living_creature._I_thought_ the_unscrewing_might_be_automatic._In_spite_of_Ogilvy,_I_ still_believed_that_there_were_men_in_Mars._My_mind_ran_ fancifully_on_the_possibilities_of_its_containing_ manuscript,_on_the_difficulties_in_translation_that_might_ arise,_whether_we_should_find_coins_and_models_in_it,_and_so_ forth._Yet_it_was_a_little_too_large_for_assurance_on_this_ idea._I_felt_an_impatience_to_see_it_opened._About_eleven,_ as_nothing_seemed_happening,_I_walked_back,_full_of_such_ thought,_to_my_home_in_Maybury._But_I_found_it_difficult_to_ get_to_work_upon_my_abstract_investigations. = In_the_afternoon_the_appearance_of_the_common_had_altered_ very_much._The_early_editions_of_the_evening_papers_had_ startled_London_with_enormous_headlines: = "A_MESSAGE_RECEIVED_FROM_MARS." = "REMARKABLE_STORY_FROM_WOKING," = and_so_forth._In_addition,_Ogilvy's_wire_to_the_Astronomical_ Exchange_had_roused_every_observatory_in_the_three_kingdoms. = There_were_half_a_dozen_flies_or_more_from_the_Woking_ station_standing_in_the_road_by_the_sand_pits,_a_ basket-chaise_from_Chobham,_and_a_rather_lordly_carriage._ Besides_that,_there_was_quite_a_heap_of_bicycles._In_ addition,_a_large_number_of_people_must_have_walked,_in_ spite_of_the_heat_of_the_day,_from_Woking_and_Chertsey,_so_ that_there_was_altogether_quite_a_considerable_crowd--one_or_ two_gaily_dressed_ladies_among_the_others._It_was_glaringly_ hot,_not_a_cloud_in_the_sky_nor_a_breath_of_wind,_and_the_ only_shadow_was_that_of_the_few_scattered_pine_trees._The_ burning_heather_had_been_extinguished,_but_the_level_ground_ towards_Ottershaw_was_blackened_as_far_as_one_could_see,_and_ still_giving_off_vertical_streamers_of_smoke._An_ enterprising_sweet-stuff_dealer_in_the_Chobham_Road_had_sent_ up_his_son_with_a_barrow-load_of_green_apples_and_ginger_ beer. = Going_to_the_edge_of_the_pit,_I_found_it_occupied_by_a_group_ of_about_half_a_dozen_men--Henderson,_Ogilvy,_and_a_tall,_ fair-haired_man_that_I_afterwards_learned_was_Stent,_the_ Astronomer_Royal,_with_several_workmen_wielding_spades_and_ pickaxes._Stent_was_giving_directions_in_a_clear,_ high-pitched_voice._He_was_standing_on_the_cylinder,_which_ was_now_evidently_much_cooler;_his_face_was_crimson_and_ streaming_with_perspiration,_and_something_seemed_to_have_ irritated_him. = A_large_portion_of_the_cylinder_had_been_uncovered,_though_ its_lower_end_was_still_embedded._As_soon_as_Ogilvy_saw_me_ among_the_staring_crowd_on_the_edge_of_the_pit_he_called_to_ me_to_come_down,_and_asked_me_if_I_would_mind_going_over_to_ see_Lord_Hilton,_the_lord_of_the_manor. = The_growing_crowd,_he_said,_was_becoming_a_serious_ impediment_to_their_excavations,_especially_the_boys._They_ wanted_a_light_railing_put_up,_and_help_to_keep_the_people_ back._He_told_me_that_a_faint_stirring_was_occasionally_ still_audible_within_the_case,_but_that_the_workmen_had_ failed_to_unscrew_the_top,_as_it_afforded_no_grip_to_them._ The_case_appeared_to_be_enormously_thick,_and_it_was_ possible_that_the_faint_sounds_we_heard_represented_a_noisy_ tumult_in_the_interior. = I_was_very_glad_to_do_as_he_asked,_and_so_become_one_of_the_ privileged_spectators_within_the_contemplated_enclosure._I_ failed_to_find_Lord_Hilton_at_his_house,_but_I_was_told_he_ was_expected_from_London_by_the_six_o'clock_train_from_ Waterloo;_and_as_it_was_then_about_a_quarter_past_five,_I_ went_home,_had_some_tea,_and_walked_up_to_the_station_to_ waylay_him. = # ## # chapter 4 FOUR # unit C chapter_number # unit H chapter_title # unit P text When_I_returned_to_the_common_the_sun_was_setting._Scattered_ groups_were_hurrying_from_the_direction_of_Woking,_and_one_ or_two_persons_were_returning._The_crowd_about_the_pit_had_ increased,_and_stood_out_black_against_the_lemon_yellow_of_ the_sky--a_couple_of_hundred_people,_perhaps._There_were_ raised_voices,_and_some_sort_of_struggle_appeared_to_be_ going_on_about_the_pit._Strange_imaginings_passed_through_my_ mind._As_I_drew_nearer_I_heard_Stent's_voice: = "Keep_back!_Keep_back!" = A_boy_came_running_towards_me. = "It's_a-movin',"_he_said_to_me_as_he_passed;_"a-screwin'_and_ a-screwin'_out._I_don't_like_it._I'm_a-goin'_'ome,_I_am." = I_went_on_to_the_crowd._There_were_really,_I_should_think,_ two_or_three_hundred_people_elbowing_and_jostling_one_ another,_the_one_or_two_ladies_there_being_by_no_means_the_ least_active. = "He's_fallen_in_the_pit!"_cried_some_one. = "Keep_back!"_said_several. = The_crowd_swayed_a_little,_and_I_elbowed_my_way_through._ Every_one_seemed_greatly_excited._I_heard_a_peculiar_humming_ sound_from_the_pit. = "I_say!"_said_Ogilvy;_"help_keep_these_idiots_back._We_don't_ know_what's_in_the_confounded_thing,_you_know!" = I_saw_a_young_man,_a_shop_assistant_in_Woking_I_believe_he_ was,_standing_on_the_cylinder_and_trying_to_scramble_out_of_ the_hole_again._The_crowd_had_pushed_him_in. = The_end_of_the_cylinder_was_being_screwed_out_from_within._ Nearly_two_feet_of_shining_screw_projected._Somebody_ blundered_against_me,_and_I_narrowly_missed_being_pitched_ onto_the_top_of_the_screw._I_turned,_and_as_I_did_so_the_ screw_must_have_come_out,_for_the_lid_of_the_cylinder_fell_ upon_the_gravel_with_a_ringing_concussion._I_stuck_my_elbow_ into_the_person_behind_me,_and_turned_my_head_towards_the_ Thing_again._For_a_moment_that_circular_cavity_seemed_ perfectly_black._I_had_the_sunset_in_my_eyes. = I_think_everyone_expected_to_see_a_man_emerge--possibly_ something_a_little_unlike_us_terrestrial_men,_but_in_all_ essentials_a_man._I_know_I_did._But,_looking,_I_presently_ saw_something_stirring_within_the_shadow:_greyish_billowy_ movements,_one_above_another,_and_then_two_luminous_ disks--like_eyes._Then_something_resembling_a_little_grey_ snake,_about_the_thickness_of_a_walking_stick,_coiled_up_out_ of_the_writhing_middle,_and_wriggled_in_the_air_towards_ me--and_then_another. = A_sudden_chill_came_over_me._There_was_a_loud_shriek_from_a_ woman_behind._I_half_turned,_keeping_my_eyes_fixed_upon_the_ cylinder_still,_from_which_other_tentacles_were_now_ projecting,_and_began_pushing_my_way_back_from_the_edge_of_ the_pit._I_saw_astonishment_giving_place_to_horror_on_the_ faces_of_the_people_about_me._I_heard_inarticulate_ exclamations_on_all_sides._There_was_a_general_movement_ backwards._I_saw_the_shopman_struggling_still_on_the_edge_of_ the_pit._I_found_myself_alone,_and_saw_the_people_on_the_ other_side_of_the_pit_running_off,_Stent_among_them._I_ looked_again_at_the_cylinder,_and_ungovernable_terror_ gripped_me._I_stood_petrified_and_staring. = A_big_greyish_rounded_bulk,_the_size,_perhaps,_of_a_bear,_ was_rising_slowly_and_painfully_out_of_the_cylinder._As_it_ bulged_up_and_caught_the_light,_it_glistened_like_wet_ leather. = Two_large_dark-coloured_eyes_were_regarding_me_steadfastly._ The_mass_that_framed_them,_the_head_of_the_thing,_was_ rounded,_and_had,_one_might_say,_a_face._There_was_a_mouth_ under_the_eyes,_the_lipless_brim_of_which_quivered_and_ panted,_and_dropped_saliva._The_whole_creature_heaved_and_ pulsated_convulsively._A_lank_tentacular_appendage_gripped_ the_edge_of_the_cylinder,_another_swayed_in_the_air. = Those_who_have_never_seen_a_living_Martian_can_scarcely_ imagine_the_strange_horror_of_its_appearance._The_peculiar_ V-shaped_mouth_with_its_pointed_upper_lip,_the_absence_of_ brow_ridges,_the_absence_of_a_chin_beneath_the_wedgelike_ lower_lip,_the_incessant_quivering_of_this_mouth,_the_Gorgon_ groups_of_tentacles,_the_tumultuous_breathing_of_the_lungs_ in_a_strange_atmosphere,_the_evident_heaviness_and_ painfulness_of_movement_due_to_the_greater_gravitational_ energy_of_the_earth--above_all,_the_extraordinary_intensity_ of_the_immense_eyes--were_at_once_vital,_intense,_inhuman,_ crippled_and_monstrous._There_was_something_fungoid_in_the_ oily_brown_skin,_something_in_the_clumsy_deliberation_of_the_ tedious_movements_unspeakably_nasty._Even_at_this_first_ encounter,_this_first_glimpse,_I_was_overcome_with_disgust_ and_dread. = Suddenly_the_monster_vanished._It_had_toppled_over_the_brim_ of_the_cylinder_and_fallen_into_the_pit,_with_a_thud_like_ the_fall_of_a_great_mass_of_leather._I_heard_it_give_a_ peculiar_thick_cry,_and_forthwith_another_of_these_creatures_ appeared_darkly_in_the_deep_shadow_of_the_aperture. = I_turned_and,_running_madly,_made_for_the_first_group_of_ trees,_perhaps_a_hundred_yards_away;_but_I_ran_slantingly_ and_stumbling,_for_I_could_not_avert_my_face_from_these_ things. = There,_among_some_young_pine_trees_and_furze_bushes,_I_ stopped,_panting,_and_waited_further_developments._The_ common_round_the_sand_pits_was_dotted_with_people,_standing_ like_myself_in_a_half-fascinated_terror,_staring_at_these_ creatures,_or_rather_at_the_heaped_gravel_at_the_edge_of_the_ pit_in_which_they_lay._And_then,_with_a_renewed_horror,_I_ saw_a_round,_black_object_bobbing_up_and_down_on_the_edge_of_ the_pit._It_was_the_head_of_the_shopman_who_had_fallen_in,_ but_showing_as_a_little_black_object_against_the_hot_western_ sun._Now_he_got_his_shoulder_and_knee_up,_and_again_he_ seemed_to_slip_back_until_only_his_head_was_visible._ Suddenly_he_vanished,_and_I_could_have_fancied_a_faint_ shriek_had_reached_me._I_had_a_momentary_impulse_to_go_back_ and_help_him_that_my_fears_overruled. = Everything_was_then_quite_invisible,_hidden_by_the_deep_pit_ and_the_heap_of_sand_that_the_fall_of_the_cylinder_had_made._ Anyone_coming_along_the_road_from_Chobham_or_Woking_would_ have_been_amazed_at_the_sight--a_dwindling_multitude_of_ perhaps_a_hundred_people_or_more_standing_in_a_great_ irregular_circle,_in_ditches,_behind_bushes,_behind_gates_ and_hedges,_saying_little_to_one_another_and_that_in_short,_ excited_shouts,_and_staring,_staring_hard_at_a_few_heaps_of_ sand._The_barrow_of_ginger_beer_stood,_a_queer_derelict,_ black_against_the_burning_sky,_and_in_the_sand_pits_was_a_ row_of_deserted_vehicles_with_their_horses_feeding_out_of_ nosebags_or_pawing_the_ground. = # ## # chapter 5 FIVE # unit C chapter_number # unit H chapter_title # unit P text After_the_glimpse_I_had_had_of_the_Martians_emerging_from_ the_cylinder_in_which_they_had_come_to_the_earth_from_their_ planet,_a_kind_of_fascination_paralysed_my_actions._I_ remained_standing_knee-deep_in_the_heather,_staring_at_the_ mound_that_hid_them._I_was_a_battleground_of_fear_and_ curiosity. = I_did_not_dare_to_go_back_towards_the_pit,_but_I_felt_a_ passionate_longing_to_peer_into_it._I_began_walking,_ therefore,_in_a_big_curve,_seeking_some_point_of_vantage_and_ continually_looking_at_the_sand_heaps_that_hid_these_ new-comers_to_our_earth._Once_a_leash_of_thin_black_whips,_ like_the_arms_of_an_octopus,_flashed_across_the_sunset_and_ was_immediately_withdrawn,_and_afterwards_a_thin_rod_rose_ up,_joint_by_joint,_bearing_at_its_apex_a_circular_disk_that_ spun_with_a_wobbling_motion._What_could_be_going_on_there? = Most_of_the_spectators_had_gathered_in_one_or_two_groups_ --one_a_little_crowd_towards_Woking,_the_other_a_knot_of_ people_in_the_direction_of_Chobham._Evidently_they_shared_my_ mental_conflict._There_were_few_near_me._One_man_I_ approached--he_was,_I_perceived,_a_neighbour_of_mine,_though_ I_did_not_know_his_name--and_accosted._But_it_was_scarcely_a_ time_for_articulate_conversation. = "What_ugly_brutes!"_he_said._"Good_God!_What_ugly_brutes!"_ He_repeated_this_over_and_over_again. = "Did_you_see_a_man_in_the_pit?"_I_said;_but_he_made_no_ answer_to_that._We_became_silent,_and_stood_watching_for_a_ time_side_by_side,_deriving,_I_fancy,_a_certain_comfort_in_ one_another's_company._Then_I_shifted_my_position_to_a_ little_knoll_that_gave_me_the_advantage_of_a_yard_or_more_of_ elevation_and_when_I_looked_for_him_presently_he_was_walking_ towards_Woking. = The_sunset_faded_to_twilight_before_anything_further_ happened._The_crowd_far_away_on_the_left,_towards_Woking,_ seemed_to_grow,_and_I_heard_now_a_faint_murmur_from_it._The_ little_knot_of_people_towards_Chobham_dispersed._There_was_ scarcely_an_intimation_of_movement_from_the_pit. = It_was_this,_as_much_as_anything,_that_gave_people_courage,_ and_I_suppose_the_new_arrivals_from_Woking_also_helped_to_ restore_confidence._At_any_rate,_as_the_dusk_came_on_a_slow,_ intermittent_movement_upon_the_sand_pits_began,_a_movement_ that_seemed_to_gather_force_as_the_stillness_of_the_evening_ about_the_cylinder_remained_unbroken._Vertical_black_figures_ in_twos_and_threes_would_advance,_stop,_watch,_and_advance_ again,_spreading_out_as_they_did_so_in_a_thin_irregular_ crescent_that_promised_to_enclose_the_pit_in_its_attenuated_ horns._I,_too,_on_my_side_began_to_move_towards_the_pit. = Then_I_saw_some_cabmen_and_others_had_walked_boldly_into_the_ sand_pits,_and_heard_the_clatter_of_hoofs_and_the_gride_of_ wheels._I_saw_a_lad_trundling_off_the_barrow_of_apples._And_ then,_within_thirty_yards_of_the_pit,_advancing_from_the_ direction_of_Horsell,_I_noted_a_little_black_knot_of_men,_ the_foremost_of_whom_was_waving_a_white_flag. = This_was_the_Deputation._There_had_been_a_hasty_ consultation,_and_since_the_Martians_were_evidently,_in_ spite_of_their_repulsive_forms,_intelligent_creatures,_it_ had_been_resolved_to_show_them,_by_approaching_them_with_ signals,_that_we_too_were_intelligent. = Flutter,_flutter,_went_the_flag,_first_to_the_right,_then_to_ the_left._It_was_too_far_for_me_to_recognise_anyone_there,_ but_afterwards_I_learned_that_Ogilvy,_Stent,_and_Henderson_ were_with_others_in_this_attempt_at_communication._This_ little_group_had_in_its_advance_dragged_inward,_so_to_speak,_ the_circumference_of_the_now_almost_complete_circle_of_ people,_and_a_number_of_dim_black_figures_followed_it_at_ discreet_distances. = Suddenly_there_was_a_flash_of_light,_and_a_quantity_of_ luminous_greenish_smoke_came_out_of_the_pit_in_three_ distinct_puffs,_which_drove_up,_one_after_the_other,_ straight_into_the_still_air. = This_smoke_(or_flame,_perhaps,_would_be_the_better_word_for_ it)_was_so_bright_that_the_deep_blue_sky_overhead_and_the_ hazy_stretches_of_brown_common_towards_Chertsey,_set_with_ black_pine_trees,_seemed_to_darken_abruptly_as_these_puffs_ arose,_and_to_remain_the_darker_after_their_dispersal._At_ the_same_time_a_faint_hissing_sound_became_audible. = Beyond_the_pit_stood_the_little_wedge_of_people_with_the_ white_flag_at_its_apex,_arrested_by_these_phenomena,_a_ little_knot_of_small_vertical_black_shapes_upon_the_black_ ground._As_the_green_smoke_arose,_their_faces_flashed_out_ pallid_green,_and_faded_again_as_it_vanished._Then_slowly_ the_hissing_passed_into_a_humming,_into_a_long,_loud,_ droning_noise._Slowly_a_humped_shape_rose_out_of_the_pit,_ and_the_ghost_of_a_beam_of_light_seemed_to_flicker_out_from_ it. = Forthwith_flashes_of_actual_flame,_a_bright_glare_leaping_ from_one_to_another,_sprang_from_the_scattered_group_of_men._ It_was_as_if_some_invisible_jet_impinged_upon_them_and_ flashed_into_white_flame._It_was_as_if_each_man_were_ suddenly_and_momentarily_turned_to_fire. = Then,_by_the_light_of_their_own_destruction,_I_saw_them_ staggering_and_falling,_and_their_supporters_turning_to_run. = I_stood_staring,_not_as_yet_realising_that_this_was_death_ leaping_from_man_to_man_in_that_little_distant_crowd._All_I_ felt_was_that_it_was_something_very_strange._An_almost_ noiseless_and_blinding_flash_of_light,_and_a_man_fell_ headlong_and_lay_still;_and_as_the_unseen_shaft_of_heat_ passed_over_them,_pine_trees_burst_into_fire,_and_every_dry_ furze_bush_became_with_one_dull_thud_a_mass_of_flames._And_ far_away_towards_Knaphill_I_saw_the_flashes_of_trees_and_ hedges_and_wooden_buildings_suddenly_set_alight. = It_was_sweeping_round_swiftly_and_steadily,_this_flaming_ death,_this_invisible,_inevitable_sword_of_heat._I_perceived_ it_coming_towards_me_by_the_flashing_bushes_it_touched,_and_ was_too_astounded_and_stupefied_to_stir._I_heard_the_crackle_ of_fire_in_the_sand_pits_and_the_sudden_squeal_of_a_horse_ that_was_as_suddenly_stilled._Then_it_was_as_if_an_invisible_ yet_intensely_heated_finger_were_drawn_through_the_heather_ between_me_and_the_Martians,_and_all_along_a_curving_line_ beyond_the_sand_pits_the_dark_ground_smoked_and_crackled._ Something_fell_with_a_crash_far_away_to_the_left_where_the_ road_from_Woking_station_opens_out_on_the_common._Forthwith_ the_hissing_and_humming_ceased,_and_the_black,_dome-like_ object_sank_slowly_out_of_sight_into_the_pit. = All_this_had_happened_with_such_swiftness_that_I_had_stood_ motionless,_dumbfounded_and_dazzled_by_the_flashes_of_light._ Had_that_death_swept_through_a_full_circle,_it_must_ inevitably_have_slain_me_in_my_surprise._But_it_passed_and_ spared_me,_and_left_the_night_about_me_suddenly_dark_and_ unfamiliar. = The_undulating_common_seemed_now_dark_almost_to_blackness,_ except_where_its_roadways_lay_grey_and_pale_under_the_deep_ blue_sky_of_the_early_night._It_was_dark,_and_suddenly_void_ of_men._Overhead_the_stars_were_mustering,_and_in_the_west_ the_sky_was_still_a_pale,_bright,_almost_greenish_blue._The_ tops_of_the_pine_trees_and_the_roofs_of_Horsell_came_out_ sharp_and_black_against_the_western_afterglow._The_Martians_ and_their_appliances_were_altogether_invisible,_save_for_ that_thin_mast_upon_which_their_restless_mirror_wobbled._ Patches_of_bush_and_isolated_trees_here_and_there_smoked_and_ glowed_still,_and_the_houses_towards_Woking_station_were_ sending_up_spires_of_flame_into_the_stillness_of_the_evening_ air. = Nothing_was_changed_save_for_that_and_a_terrible_ astonishment._The_little_group_of_black_specks_with_the_flag_ of_white_had_been_swept_out_of_existence,_and_the_stillness_ of_the_evening,_so_it_seemed_to_me,_had_scarcely_been_ broken. = It_came_to_me_that_I_was_upon_this_dark_common,_helpless,_ unprotected,_and_alone._Suddenly,_like_a_thing_falling_upon_ me_from_without,_came--fear. = With_an_effort_I_turned_and_began_a_stumbling_run_through_ the_heather. = The_fear_I_felt_was_no_rational_fear,_but_a_panic_terror_not_ only_of_the_Martians,_but_of_the_dusk_and_stillness_all_ about_me._Such_an_extraordinary_effect_in_unmanning_me_it_ had_that_I_ran_weeping_silently_as_a_child_might_do._Once_I_ had_turned,_I_did_not_dare_to_look_back. = I_remember_I_felt_an_extraordinary_persuasion_that_I_was_ being_played_with,_that_presently,_when_I_was_upon_the_very_ verge_of_safety,_this_mysterious_death--as_swift_as_the_ passage_of_light--would_leap_after_me_from_the_pit_about_the_ cylinder_and_strike_me_down. = # ## # chapter 6 SIX # unit C chapter_number # unit P text It_is_still_a_matter_of_wonder_how_the_Martians_are_able_to_ slay_men_so_swiftly_and_so_silently._Many_think_that_in_some_ way_they_are_able_to_generate_an_intense_heat_in_a_chamber_ of_practically_absolute_non-conductivity._This_intense_heat_ they_project_in_a_parallel_beam_against_any_object_they_ choose,_by_means_of_a_polished_parabolic_mirror_of_unknown_ composition,_much_as_the_parabolic_mirror_of_a_lighthouse_ projects_a_beam_of_light._But_no_one_has_absolutely_proved_ these_details._However_it_is_done,_it_is_certain_that_a_beam_ of_heat_is_the_essence_of_the_matter._Heat,_and_invisible,_ instead_of_visible,_light._Whatever_is_combustible_flashes_ into_flame_at_its_touch,_lead_runs_like_water,_it_softens_ iron,_cracks_and_melts_glass,_and_when_it_falls_upon_water,_ incontinently_that_explodes_into_steam. = That_night_nearly_forty_people_lay_under_the_starlight_about_ the_pit,_charred_and_distorted_beyond_recognition,_and_all_ night_long_the_common_from_Horsell_to_Maybury_was_deserted_ and_brightly_ablaze. = The_news_of_the_massacre_probably_reached_Chobham,_Woking,_ and_Ottershaw_about_the_same_time._In_Woking_the_shops_had_ closed_when_the_tragedy_happened,_and_a_number_of_people,_ shop_people_and_so_forth,_attracted_by_the_stories_they_had_ heard,_were_walking_over_the_Horsell_Bridge_and_along_the_ road_between_the_hedges_that_runs_out_at_last_upon_the_ common._You_may_imagine_the_young_people_brushed_up_after_ the_labours_of_the_day,_and_making_this_novelty,_as_they_ would_make_any_novelty,_the_excuse_for_walking_together_and_ enjoying_a_trivial_flirtation._You_may_figure_to_yourself_ the_hum_of_voices_along_the_road_in_the_gloaming._._._. = As_yet,_of_course,_few_people_in_Woking_even_knew_that_the_ cylinder_had_opened,_though_poor_Henderson_had_sent_a_ messenger_on_a_bicycle_to_the_post_office_with_a_special_ wire_to_an_evening_paper. = As_these_folks_came_out_by_twos_and_threes_upon_the_open,_ they_found_little_knots_of_people_talking_excitedly_and_ peering_at_the_spinning_mirror_over_the_sand_pits,_and_the_ new-comers_were,_no_doubt,_soon_infected_by_the_excitement_ of_the_occasion. = By_half_past_eight,_when_the_Deputation_was_destroyed,_there_ may_have_been_a_crowd_of_three_hundred_people_or_more_at_ this_place,_besides_those_who_had_left_the_road_to_approach_ the_Martians_nearer._There_were_three_policemen_too,_one_of_ whom_was_mounted,_doing_their_best,_under_instructions_from_ Stent,_to_keep_the_people_back_and_deter_them_from_ approaching_the_cylinder._There_was_some_booing_from_those_ more_thoughtless_and_excitable_souls_to_whom_a_crowd_is_ always_an_occasion_for_noise_and_horse-play. = Stent_and_Ogilvy,_anticipating_some_possibilities_of_a_ collision,_had_telegraphed_from_Horsell_to_the_barracks_as_ soon_as_the_Martians_emerged,_for_the_help_of_a_company_of_ soldiers_to_protect_these_strange_creatures_from_violence._ After_that_they_returned_to_lead_that_ill-fated_advance._The_ description_of_their_death,_as_it_was_seen_by_the_crowd,_ tallies_very_closely_with_my_own_impressions:_the_three_ puffs_of_green_smoke,_the_deep_humming_note,_and_the_flashes_ of_flame. = But_that_crowd_of_people_had_a_far_narrower_escape_than_ mine._Only_the_fact_that_a_hummock_of_heathery_sand_ intercepted_the_lower_part_of_the_Heat-Ray_saved_them._Had_ the_elevation_of_the_parabolic_mirror_been_a_few_yards_ higher,_none_could_have_lived_to_tell_the_tale._They_saw_the_ flashes_and_the_men_falling_and_an_invisible_hand,_as_it_ were,_lit_the_bushes_as_it_hurried_towards_them_through_the_ twilight._Then,_with_a_whistling_note_that_rose_above_the_ droning_of_the_pit,_the_beam_swung_close_over_their_heads,_ lighting_the_tops_of_the_beech_trees_that_line_the_road,_and_ splitting_the_bricks,_smashing_the_windows,_firing_the_ window_frames,_and_bringing_down_in_crumbling_ruin_a_portion_ of_the_gable_of_the_house_nearest_the_corner. = In_the_sudden_thud,_hiss,_and_glare_of_the_igniting_trees,_ the_panic-stricken_crowd_seems_to_have_swayed_hesitatingly_ for_some_moments._Sparks_and_burning_twigs_began_to_fall_ into_the_road,_and_single_leaves_like_puffs_of_flame._Hats_ and_dresses_caught_fire._Then_came_a_crying_from_the_common._ There_were_shrieks_and_shouts,_and_suddenly_a_mounted_ policeman_came_galloping_through_the_confusion_with_his_ hands_clasped_over_his_head,_screaming. = "They're_coming!"_a_woman_shrieked,_and_incontinently_ everyone_was_turning_and_pushing_at_those_behind,_in_order_ to_clear_their_way_to_Woking_again._They_must_have_bolted_as_ blindly_as_a_flock_of_sheep._Where_the_road_grows_narrow_and_ black_between_the_high_banks_the_crowd_jammed,_and_a_ desperate_struggle_occurred._All_that_crowd_did_not_escape;_ three_persons_at_least,_two_women_and_a_little_boy,_were_ crushed_and_trampled_there,_and_left_to_die_amid_the_terror_ and_the_darkness. = # ## # chapter 7 SEVEN # unit C chapter_number # unit H chapter_title # unit P text For_my_own_part,_I_remember_nothing_of_my_flight_except_the_ stress_of_blundering_against_trees_and_stumbling_through_the_ heather._All_about_me_gathered_the_invisible_terrors_of_the_ Martians;_that_pitiless_sword_of_heat_seemed_whirling_to_and_ fro,_flourishing_overhead_before_it_descended_and_smote_me_ out_of_life._I_came_into_the_road_between_the_crossroads_and_ Horsell,_and_ran_along_this_to_the_crossroads. = At_last_I_could_go_no_further;_I_was_exhausted_with_the_ violence_of_my_emotion_and_of_my_flight,_and_I_staggered_and_ fell_by_the_wayside._That_was_near_the_bridge_that_crosses_ the_canal_by_the_gasworks._I_fell_and_lay_still. = I_must_have_remained_there_some_time. = I_sat_up,_strangely_perplexed._For_a_moment,_perhaps,_I_ could_not_clearly_understand_how_I_came_there._My_terror_had_ fallen_from_me_like_a_garment._My_hat_had_gone,_and_my_ collar_had_burst_away_from_its_fastener._A_few_minutes_ before,_there_had_only_been_three_real_things_before_me--the_ immensity_of_the_night_and_space_and_nature,_my_own_ feebleness_and_anguish,_and_the_near_approach_of_death._Now_ it_was_as_if_something_turned_over,_and_the_point_of_view_ altered_abruptly._There_was_no_sensible_transition_from_one_ state_of_mind_to_the_other._I_was_immediately_the_self_of_ every_day_again--a_decent,_ordinary_citizen._The_silent_ common,_the_impulse_of_my_flight,_the_starting_flames,_were_ as_if_they_had_been_in_a_dream._I_asked_myself_had_these_ latter_things_indeed_happened?_I_could_not_credit_it. = I_rose_and_walked_unsteadily_up_the_steep_incline_of_the_ bridge._My_mind_was_blank_wonder._My_muscles_and_nerves_ seemed_drained_of_their_strength._I_dare_say_I_staggered_ drunkenly._A_head_rose_over_the_arch,_and_the_figure_of_a_ workman_carrying_a_basket_appeared._Beside_him_ran_a_little_ boy._He_passed_me,_wishing_me_good_night._I_was_minded_to_ speak_to_him,_but_did_not._I_answered_his_greeting_with_a_ meaningless_mumble_and_went_on_over_the_bridge. = Over_the_Maybury_arch_a_train,_a_billowing_tumult_of_white,_ firelit_smoke,_and_a_long_caterpillar_of_lighted_windows,_ went_flying_south--clatter,_clatter,_clap,_rap,_and_it_had_ gone._A_dim_group_of_people_talked_in_the_gate_of_one_of_the_ houses_in_the_pretty_little_row_of_gables_that_was_called_ Oriental_Terrace._It_was_all_so_real_and_so_familiar._And_ that_behind_me!_It_was_frantic,_fantastic!_Such_things,_I_ told_myself,_could_not_be. = Perhaps_I_am_a_man_of_exceptional_moods._I_do_not_know_how_ far_my_experience_is_common._At_times_I_suffer_from_the_ strangest_sense_of_detachment_from_myself_and_the_world_ about_me;_I_seem_to_watch_it_all_from_the_outside,_from_ somewhere_inconceivably_remote,_out_of_time,_out_of_space,_ out_of_the_stress_and_tragedy_of_it_all._This_feeling_was_ very_strong_upon_me_that_night._Here_was_another_side_to_my_ dream. = But_the_trouble_was_the_blank_incongruity_of_this_serenity_ and_the_swift_death_flying_yonder,_not_two_miles_away._There_ was_a_noise_of_business_from_the_gasworks,_and_the_electric_ lamps_were_all_alight._I_stopped_at_the_group_of_people. = "What_news_from_the_common?"_said_I. = There_were_two_men_and_a_woman_at_the_gate. = "Eh?"_said_one_of_the_men,_turning. = "What_news_from_the_common?"_I_said. = "'Ain't_yer_just_BEEN_there?"_asked_the_men. = "People_seem_fair_silly_about_the_common,"_said_the_woman_ over_the_gate._"What's_it_all_abart?" = "Haven't_you_heard_of_the_men_from_Mars?"_said_I;_"the_ creatures_from_Mars?" = "Quite_enough,"_said_the_woman_over_the_gate._"Thenks";_and_ all_three_of_them_laughed. = I_felt_foolish_and_angry._I_tried_and_found_I_could_not_tell_ them_what_I_had_seen._They_laughed_again_at_my_broken_ sentences. = "You'll_hear_more_yet,"_I_said,_and_went_on_to_my_home. = I_startled_my_wife_at_the_doorway,_so_haggard_was_I._I_went_ into_the_dining_room,_sat_down,_drank_some_wine,_and_so_soon_ as_I_could_collect_myself_sufficiently_I_told_her_the_things_ I_had_seen._The_dinner,_which_was_a_cold_one,_had_already_ been_served,_and_remained_neglected_on_the_table_while_I_ told_my_story. = "There_is_one_thing,"_I_said,_to_allay_the_fears_I_had_ aroused;_"they_are_the_most_sluggish_things_I_ever_saw_ crawl._They_may_keep_the_pit_and_kill_people_who_come_near_ them,_but_they_cannot_get_out_of_it._._._._But_the_horror_of_ them!" = "Don't,_dear!"_said_my_wife,_knitting_her_brows_and_putting_ her_hand_on_mine. = "Poor_Ogilvy!"_I_said._"To_think_he_may_be_lying_dead_ there!" = My_wife_at_least_did_not_find_my_experience_incredible._When_ I_saw_how_deadly_white_her_face_was,_I_ceased_abruptly. = "They_may_come_here,"_she_said_again_and_again. = I_pressed_her_to_take_wine,_and_tried_to_reassure_her. = "They_can_scarcely_move,"_I_said. = I_began_to_comfort_her_and_myself_by_repeating_all_that_ Ogilvy_had_told_me_of_the_impossibility_of_the_Martians_ establishing_themselves_on_the_earth._In_particular_I_laid_ stress_on_the_gravitational_difficulty._On_the_surface_of_ the_earth_the_force_of_gravity_is_three_times_what_it_is_on_ the_surface_of_Mars._A_Martian,_therefore,_would_weigh_three_ times_more_than_on_Mars,_albeit_his_muscular_strength_would_ be_the_same._His_own_body_would_be_a_cope_of_lead_to_him._ That,_indeed,_was_the_general_opinion._Both_THE_TIMES_and_ the_DAILY_TELEGRAPH,_for_instance,_insisted_on_it_the_next_ morning,_and_both_overlooked,_just_as_I_did,_two_obvious_ modifying_influences. = The_atmosphere_of_the_earth,_we_now_know,_contains_far_more_ oxygen_or_far_less_argon_(whichever_way_one_likes_to_put_it)_ than_does_Mars._The_invigorating_influences_of_this_excess_ of_oxygen_upon_the_Martians_indisputably_did_much_to_ counterbalance_the_increased_weight_of_their_bodies._And,_in_ the_second_place,_we_all_overlooked_the_fact_that_such_ mechanical_intelligence_as_the_Martian_possessed_was_quite_ able_to_dispense_with_muscular_exertion_at_a_pinch. = But_I_did_not_consider_these_points_at_the_time,_and_so_my_ reasoning_was_dead_against_the_chances_of_the_invaders._With_ wine_and_food,_the_confidence_of_my_own_table,_and_the_ necessity_of_reassuring_my_wife,_I_grew_by_insensible_ degrees_courageous_and_secure. = "They_have_done_a_foolish_thing,"_said_I,_fingering_my_ wineglass._"They_are_dangerous_because,_no_doubt,_they_are_ mad_with_terror._Perhaps_they_expected_to_find_no_living_ things--certainly_no_intelligent_living_things. = "A_shell_in_the_pit"_said_I,_"if_the_worst_comes_to_the_ worst_will_kill_them_all." = The_intense_excitement_of_the_events_had_no_doubt_left_my_ perceptive_powers_in_a_state_of_erethism._I_remember_that_ dinner_table_with_extraordinary_vividness_even_now._My_dear_ wife's_sweet_anxious_face_peering_at_me_from_under_the_pink_ lamp_shade,_the_white_cloth_with_its_silver_and_glass_table_ furniture--for_in_those_days_even_philosophical_writers_had_ many_little_luxuries--the_crimson-purple_wine_in_my_glass,_ are_photographically_distinct._At_the_end_of_it_I_sat,_ tempering_nuts_with_a_cigarette,_regretting_Ogilvy's_ rashness,_and_denouncing_the_shortsighted_timidity_of_the_ Martians. = So_some_respectable_dodo_in_the_Mauritius_might_have_lorded_ it_in_his_nest,_and_discussed_the_arrival_of_that_shipful_of_ pitiless_sailors_in_want_of_animal_food._"We_will_peck_them_ to_death_tomorrow,_my_dear." = I_did_not_know_it,_but_that_was_the_last_civilised_dinner_I_ was_to_eat_for_very_many_strange_and_terrible_days. = # ## # chapter 8 EIGHT # unit C chapter_number # unit H chapter_title # unit P text The_most_extraordinary_thing_to_my_mind,_of_all_the_strange_ and_wonderful_things_that_happened_upon_that_Friday,_was_the_ dovetailing_of_the_commonplace_habits_of_our_social_order_ with_the_first_beginnings_of_the_series_of_events_that_was_ to_topple_that_social_order_headlong._If_on_Friday_night_you_ had_taken_a_pair_of_compasses_and_drawn_a_circle_with_a_ radius_of_five_miles_round_the_Woking_sand_pits,_I_doubt_if_ you_would_have_had_one_human_being_outside_it,_unless_it_ were_some_relation_of_Stent_or_of_the_three_or_four_cyclists_ or_London_people_lying_dead_on_the_common,_whose_emotions_or_ habits_were_at_all_affected_by_the_new-comers._Many_people_ had_heard_of_the_cylinder,_of_course,_and_talked_about_it_in_ their_leisure,_but_it_certainly_did_not_make_the_sensation_ that_an_ultimatum_to_Germany_would_have_done. = In_London_that_night_poor_Henderson's_telegram_describing_ the_gradual_unscrewing_of_the_shot_was_judged_to_be_a_ canard,_and_his_evening_paper,_after_wiring_for_ authentication_from_him_and_receiving_no_reply--the_man_was_ killed--decided_not_to_print_a_special_edition. = Even_within_the_five-mile_circle_the_great_majority_of_ people_were_inert._I_have_already_described_the_behaviour_of_ the_men_and_women_to_whom_I_spoke._All_over_the_district_ people_were_dining_and_supping;_working_men_were_gardening_ after_the_labours_of_the_day,_children_were_being_put_to_ bed,_young_people_were_wandering_through_the_lanes_ love-making,_students_sat_over_their_books. = Maybe_there_was_a_murmur_in_the_village_streets,_a_novel_and_ dominant_topic_in_the_public-houses,_and_here_and_there_a_ messenger,_or_even_an_eye-witness_of_the_later_occurrences,_ caused_a_whirl_of_excitement,_a_shouting,_and_a_running_to_ and_fro;_but_for_the_most_part_the_daily_routine_of_working,_ eating,_drinking,_sleeping,_went_on_as_it_had_done_for_ countless_years--as_though_no_planet_Mars_existed_in_the_ sky._Even_at_Woking_station_and_Horsell_and_Chobham_that_was_ the_case. = In_Woking_junction,_until_a_late_hour,_trains_were_stopping_ and_going_on,_others_were_shunting_on_the_sidings,_ passengers_were_alighting_and_waiting,_and_everything_was_ proceeding_in_the_most_ordinary_way._A_boy_from_the_town,_ trenching_on_Smith's_monopoly,_was_selling_papers_with_the_ afternoon's_news._The_ringing_impact_of_trucks,_the_sharp_ whistle_of_the_engines_from_the_junction,_mingled_with_their_ shouts_of_"Men_from_Mars!"_Excited_men_came_into_the_station_ about_nine_o'clock_with_incredible_tidings,_and_caused_no_ more_disturbance_than_drunkards_might_have_done._People_ rattling_Londonwards_peered_into_the_darkness_outside_the_ carriage_windows,_and_saw_only_a_rare,_flickering,_vanishing_ spark_dance_up_from_the_direction_of_Horsell,_a_red_glow_and_ a_thin_veil_of_smoke_driving_across_the_stars,_and_thought_ that_nothing_more_serious_than_a_heath_fire_was_happening._ It_was_only_round_the_edge_of_the_common_that_any_ disturbance_was_perceptible._There_were_half_a_dozen_villas_ burning_on_the_Woking_border._There_were_lights_in_all_the_ houses_on_the_common_side_of_the_three_villages,_and_the_ people_there_kept_awake_till_dawn. = A_curious_crowd_lingered_restlessly,_people_coming_and_going_ but_the_crowd_remaining,_both_on_the_Chobham_and_Horsell_ bridges._One_or_two_adventurous_souls,_it_was_afterwards_ found,_went_into_the_darkness_and_crawled_quite_near_the_ Martians;_but_they_never_returned,_for_now_and_again_a_ light-ray,_like_the_beam_of_a_warship's_searchlight_swept_ the_common,_and_the_Heat-Ray_was_ready_to_follow._Save_for_ such,_that_big_area_of_common_was_silent_and_desolate,_and_ the_charred_bodies_lay_about_on_it_all_night_under_the_ stars,_and_all_the_next_day._A_noise_of_hammering_from_the_ pit_was_heard_by_many_people. = So_you_have_the_state_of_things_on_Friday_night._In_the_ centre,_sticking_into_the_skin_of_our_old_planet_Earth_like_ a_poisoned_dart,_was_this_cylinder._But_the_poison_was_ scarcely_working_yet._Around_it_was_a_patch_of_silent_ common,_smouldering_in_places,_and_with_a_few_dark,_dimly_ seen_objects_lying_in_contorted_attitudes_here_and_there._ Here_and_there_was_a_burning_bush_or_tree._Beyond_was_a_ fringe_of_excitement,_and_farther_than_that_fringe_the_ inflammation_had_not_crept_as_yet._In_the_rest_of_the_world_ the_stream_of_life_still_flowed_as_it_had_flowed_for_ immemorial_years._The_fever_of_war_that_would_presently_clog_ vein_and_artery,_deaden_nerve_and_destroy_brain,_had_still_ to_develop. = All_night_long_the_Martians_were_hammering_and_stirring,_ sleepless,_indefatigable,_at_work_upon_the_machines_they_ were_making_ready,_and_ever_and_again_a_puff_of_ greenish-white_smoke_whirled_up_to_the_starlit_sky. = About_eleven_a_company_of_soldiers_came_through_Horsell,_and_ deployed_along_the_edge_of_the_common_to_form_a_cordon._ Later_a_second_company_marched_through_Chobham_to_deploy_on_ the_north_side_of_the_common._Several_officers_from_the_ Inkerman_barracks_had_been_on_the_common_earlier_in_the_day,_ and_one,_Major_Eden,_was_reported_to_be_missing._The_colonel_ of_the_regiment_came_to_the_Chobham_bridge_and_was_busy_ questioning_the_crowd_at_midnight._The_military_authorities_ were_certainly_alive_to_the_seriousness_of_the_business._ About_eleven,_the_next_morning's_papers_were_able_to_say,_a_ squadron_of_hussars,_two_Maxims,_and_about_four_hundred_men_ of_the_Cardigan_regiment_started_from_Aldershot. = A_few_seconds_after_midnight_the_crowd_in_the_Chertsey_road,_ Woking,_saw_a_star_fall_from_heaven_into_the_pine_woods_to_ the_northwest._It_had_a_greenish_colour,_and_caused_a_silent_ brightness_like_summer_lightning._This_was_the_second_ cylinder. = # ## # chapter 9 NINE # unit C chapter_number # unit H chapter_title # unit P text Saturday_lives_in_my_memory_as_a_day_of_suspense._It_was_a_ day_of_lassitude_too,_hot_and_close,_with,_I_am_told,_a_ rapidly_fluctuating_barometer._I_had_slept_but_little,_ though_my_wife_had_succeeded_in_sleeping,_and_I_rose_early._ I_went_into_my_garden_before_breakfast_and_stood_listening,_ but_towards_the_common_there_was_nothing_stirring_but_a_ lark. = The_milkman_came_as_usual._I_heard_the_rattle_of_his_chariot_ and_I_went_round_to_the_side_gate_to_ask_the_latest_news._He_ told_me_that_during_the_night_the_Martians_had_been_ surrounded_by_troops,_and_that_guns_were_expected._Then--a_ familiar,_reassuring_note--I_heard_a_train_running_towards_ Woking. = "They_aren't_to_be_killed,"_said_the_milkman,_"if_that_can_ possibly_be_avoided." = I_saw_my_neighbour_gardening,_chatted_with_him_for_a_time,_ and_then_strolled_in_to_breakfast._It_was_a_most_ unexceptional_morning._My_neighbour_was_of_opinion_that_the_ troops_would_be_able_to_capture_or_to_destroy_the_Martians_ during_the_day. = "It's_a_pity_they_make_themselves_so_unapproachable,"_he_ said._"It_would_be_curious_to_know_how_they_live_on_another_ planet;_we_might_learn_a_thing_or_two." = He_came_up_to_the_fence_and_extended_a_handful_of_ strawberries,_for_his_gardening_was_as_generous_as_it_was_ enthusiastic._At_the_same_time_he_told_me_of_the_burning_of_ the_pine_woods_about_the_Byfleet_Golf_Links. = "They_say,"_said_he,_"that_there's_another_of_those_blessed_ things_fallen_there--number_two._But_one's_enough,_surely._ This_lot'll_cost_the_insurance_people_a_pretty_penny_before_ everything's_settled."_He_laughed_with_an_air_of_the_ greatest_good_humour_as_he_said_this._The_woods,_he_said,_ were_still_burning,_and_pointed_out_a_haze_of_smoke_to_me._ "They_will_be_hot_under_foot_for_days,_on_account_of_the_ thick_soil_of_pine_needles_and_turf,"_he_said,_and_then_grew_ serious_over_"poor_Ogilvy." = After_breakfast,_instead_of_working,_I_decided_to_walk_down_ towards_the_common._Under_the_railway_bridge_I_found_a_group_ of_soldiers--sappers,_I_think,_men_in_small_round_caps,_ dirty_red_jackets_unbuttoned,_and_showing_their_blue_shirts,_ dark_trousers,_and_boots_coming_to_the_calf._They_told_me_no_ one_was_allowed_over_the_canal,_and,_looking_along_the_road_ towards_the_bridge,_I_saw_one_of_the_Cardigan_men_standing_ sentinel_there._I_talked_with_these_soldiers_for_a_time;_I_ told_them_of_my_sight_of_the_Martians_on_the_previous_ evening._None_of_them_had_seen_the_Martians,_and_they_had_ but_the_vaguest_ideas_of_them,_so_that_they_plied_me_with_ questions._They_said_that_they_did_not_know_who_had_ authorised_the_movements_of_the_troops;_their_idea_was_that_ a_dispute_had_arisen_at_the_Horse_Guards._The_ordinary_ sapper_is_a_great_deal_better_educated_than_the_common_ soldier,_and_they_discussed_the_peculiar_conditions_of_the_ possible_fight_with_some_acuteness._I_described_the_Heat-Ray_ to_them,_and_they_began_to_argue_among_themselves. = "Crawl_up_under_cover_and_rush_'em,_say_I,"_said_one. = "Get_aht!,"_said_another._"What's_cover_against_this_'ere_ 'eat?_Sticks_to_cook_yer!_What_we_got_to_do_is_to_go_as_near_ as_the_ground'll_let_us,_and_then_drive_a_trench." = "Blow_yer_trenches!_You_always_want_trenches;_you_ought_to_ ha"_been_born_a_rabbit_Snippy." = "'Ain't_they_got_any_necks,_then?"_said_a_third,_abruptly--a_ little,_contemplative,_dark_man,_smoking_a_pipe. = I_repeated_my_description. = "Octopuses,"_said_he,_"that's_what_I_calls_'em._Talk_about_ fishers_of_men--fighters_of_fish_it_is_this_time!" = "It_ain't_no_murder_killing_beasts_like_that,"_said_the_ first_speaker. = "Why_not_shell_the_darned_things_strite_off_and_finish_'em?"_ said_the_little_dark_man._"You_carn_tell_what_they_might_ do." = "Where's_your_shells?"_said_the_first_speaker._"There_ain't_ no_time._Do_it_in_a_rush,_that's_my_tip,_and_do_it_at_once." = So_they_discussed_it._After_a_while_I_left_them,_and_went_on_ to_the_railway_station_to_get_as_many_morning_papers_as_I_ could. = But_I_will_not_weary_the_reader_with_a_description_of_that_ long_morning_and_of_the_longer_afternoon._I_did_not_succeed_ in_getting_a_glimpse_of_the_common,_for_even_Horsell_and_ Chobham_church_towers_were_in_the_hands_of_the_military_ authorities._The_soldiers_I_addressed_didn't_know_anything;_ the_officers_were_mysterious_as_well_as_busy._I_found_people_ in_the_town_quite_secure_again_in_the_presence_of_the_ military,_and_I_heard_for_the_first_time_from_Marshall,_the_ tobacconist,_that_his_son_was_among_the_dead_on_the_common._ The_soldiers_had_made_the_people_on_the_outskirts_of_Horsell_ lock_up_and_leave_their_houses. = I_got_back_to_lunch_about_two,_very_tired_for,_as_I_have_ said,_the_day_was_extremely_hot_and_dull;_and_in_order_to_ refresh_myself_I_took_a_cold_bath_in_the_afternoon._About_ half_past_four_I_went_up_to_the_railway_station_to_get_an_ evening_paper,_for_the_morning_papers_had_contained_only_a_ very_inaccurate_description_of_the_killing_of_Stent,_ Henderson,_Ogilvy,_and_the_others._But_there_was_little_I_ didn't_know._The_Martians_did_not_show_an_inch_of_ themselves._They_seemed_busy_in_their_pit,_and_there_was_a_ sound_of_hammering_and_an_almost_continuous_streamer_of_ smoke._Apparently_they_were_busy_getting_ready_for_a_ struggle._"Fresh_attempts_have_been_made_to_signal,_but_ without_success,"_was_the_stereotyped_formula_of_the_papers._ A_sapper_told_me_it_was_done_by_a_man_in_a_ditch_with_a_flag_ on_a_long_pole._The_Martians_took_as_much_notice_of_such_ advances_as_we_should_of_the_lowing_of_a_cow. = I_must_confess_the_sight_of_all_this_armament,_all_this_ preparation,_greatly_excited_me._My_imagination_became_ belligerent,_and_defeated_the_invaders_in_a_dozen_striking_ ways;_something_of_my_schoolboy_dreams_of_battle_and_heroism_ came_back._It_hardly_seemed_a_fair_fight_to_me_at_that_time._ They_seemed_very_helpless_in_that_pit_of_theirs. = About_three_o'clock_there_began_the_thud_of_a_gun_at_ measured_intervals_from_Chertsey_or_Addlestone._I_learned_ that_the_smouldering_pine_wood_into_which_the_second_ cylinder_had_fallen_was_being_shelled,_in_the_hope_of_ destroying_that_object_before_it_opened._It_was_only_about_ five,_however,_that_a_field_gun_reached_Chobham_for_use_ against_the_first_body_of_Martians. = About_six_in_the_evening,_as_I_sat_at_tea_with_my_wife_in_ the_summerhouse_talking_vigorously_about_the_battle_that_was_ lowering_upon_us,_I_heard_a_muffled_detonation_from_the_ common,_and_immediately_after_a_gust_of_firing._Close_on_the_ heels_of_that_came_a_violent_rattling_crash,_quite_close_to_ us,_that_shook_the_ground;_and,_starting_out_upon_the_lawn,_ I_saw_the_tops_of_the_trees_about_the_Oriental_College_burst_ into_smoky_red_flame,_and_the_tower_of_the_little_church_ beside_it_slide_down_into_ruin._The_pinnacle_of_the_mosque_ had_vanished,_and_the_roof_line_of_the_college_itself_looked_ as_if_a_hundred-ton_gun_had_been_at_work_upon_it._One_of_our_ chimneys_cracked_as_if_a_shot_had_hit_it,_flew,_and_a_piece_ of_it_came_clattering_down_the_tiles_and_made_a_heap_of_ broken_red_fragments_upon_the_flower_bed_by_my_study_window. = I_and_my_wife_stood_amazed._Then_I_realised_that_the_crest_ of_Maybury_Hill_must_be_within_range_of_the_Martians"_ Heat-Ray_now_that_the_college_was_cleared_out_of_the_way. = At_that_I_gripped_my_wife's_arm,_and_without_ceremony_ran_ her_out_into_the_road._Then_I_fetched_out_the_servant,_ telling_her_I_would_go_upstairs_myself_for_the_box_she_was_ clamouring_for. = "We_can't_possibly_stay_here,"_I_said;_and_as_I_spoke_the_ firing_reopened_for_a_moment_upon_the_common. = "But_where_are_we_to_go?"_said_my_wife_in_terror. = I_thought_perplexed._Then_I_remembered_her_cousins_at_ Leatherhead. = "Leatherhead!"_I_shouted_above_the_sudden_noise. = She_looked_away_from_me_downhill._The_people_were_coming_out_ of_their_houses,_astonished. = "How_are_we_to_get_to_Leatherhead?"_she_said. = Down_the_hill_I_saw_a_bevy_of_hussars_ride_under_the_railway_ bridge;_three_galloped_through_the_open_gates_of_the_ Oriental_College;_two_others_dismounted,_and_began_running_ from_house_to_house._The_sun,_shining_through_the_smoke_that_ drove_up_from_the_tops_of_the_trees,_seemed_blood_red,_and_ threw_an_unfamiliar_lurid_light_upon_everything. = "Stop_here,"_said_I;_"you_are_safe_here";_and_I_started_off_ at_once_for_the_Spotted_Dog,_for_I_knew_the_landlord_had_a_ horse_and_dog_cart._I_ran,_for_I_perceived_that_in_a_moment_ everyone_upon_this_side_of_the_hill_would_be_moving._I_found_ him_in_his_bar,_quite_unaware_of_what_was_going_on_behind_ his_house._A_man_stood_with_his_back_to_me,_talking_to_him. = "I_must_have_a_pound,"_said_the_landlord,_"and_I've_no_one_ to_drive_it." = "I'll_give_you_two,"_said_I,_over_the_stranger's_shoulder. = "What_for?" = "And_I'll_bring_it_back_by_midnight,"_I_said. = "Lord!"_said_the_landlord;_"what's_the_hurry?_I'm_selling_my_ bit_of_a_pig._Two_pounds,_and_you_bring_it_back?_What's_ going_on_now?" = I_explained_hastily_that_I_had_to_leave_my_home,_and_so_ secured_the_dog_cart._At_the_time_it_did_not_seem_to_me_ nearly_so_urgent_that_the_landlord_should_leave_his._I_took_ care_to_have_the_cart_there_and_then,_drove_it_off_down_the_ road,_and,_leaving_it_in_charge_of_my_wife_and_servant,_ rushed_into_my_house_and_packed_a_few_valuables,_such_plate_ as_we_had,_and_so_forth._The_beech_trees_below_the_house_ were_burning_while_I_did_this,_and_the_palings_up_the_road_ glowed_red._While_I_was_occupied_in_this_way,_one_of_the_ dismounted_hussars_came_running_up._He_was_going_from_house_ to_house,_warning_people_to_leave._He_was_going_on_as_I_came_ out_of_my_front_door,_lugging_my_treasures,_done_up_in_a_ tablecloth._I_shouted_after_him: = "What_news?" = He_turned,_stared,_bawled_something_about_"crawling_out_in_a_ thing_like_a_dish_cover,"_and_ran_on_to_the_gate_of_the_ house_at_the_crest._A_sudden_whirl_of_black_smoke_driving_ across_the_road_hid_him_for_a_moment._I_ran_to_my_ neighbour's_door_and_rapped_to_satisfy_myself_of_what_I_ already_knew,_that_his_wife_had_gone_to_London_with_him_and_ had_locked_up_their_house._I_went_in_again,_according_to_my_ promise,_to_get_my_servant's_box,_lugged_it_out,_clapped_it_ beside_her_on_the_tail_of_the_dog_cart,_and_then_caught_the_ reins_and_jumped_up_into_the_driver's_seat_beside_my_wife._ In_another_moment_we_were_clear_of_the_smoke_and_noise,_and_ spanking_down_the_opposite_slope_of_Maybury_Hill_towards_Old_ Woking. = In_front_was_a_quiet_sunny_landscape,_a_wheat_field_ahead_on_ either_side_of_the_road,_and_the_Maybury_Inn_with_its_ swinging_sign._I_saw_the_doctor's_cart_ahead_of_me._At_the_ bottom_of_the_hill_I_turned_my_head_to_look_at_the_hillside_ I_was_leaving._Thick_streamers_of_black_smoke_shot_with_ threads_of_red_fire_were_driving_up_into_the_still_air,_and_ throwing_dark_shadows_upon_the_green_treetops_eastward._The_ smoke_already_extended_far_away_to_the_east_and_west--to_the_ Byfleet_pine_woods_eastward,_and_to_Woking_on_the_west._The_ road_was_dotted_with_people_running_towards_us._And_very_ faint_now,_but_very_distinct_through_the_hot,_quiet_air,_one_ heard_the_whirr_of_a_machine-gun_that_was_presently_stilled,_ and_an_intermittent_cracking_of_rifles._Apparently_the_ Martians_were_setting_fire_to_everything_within_range_of_ their_Heat-Ray. = I_am_not_an_expert_driver,_and_I_had_immediately_to_turn_my_ attention_to_the_horse._When_I_looked_back_again_the_second_ hill_had_hidden_the_black_smoke._I_slashed_the_horse_with_ the_whip,_and_gave_him_a_loose_rein_until_Woking_and_Send_ lay_between_us_and_that_quivering_tumult._I_overtook_and_ passed_the_doctor_between_Woking_and_Send. = # ## # chapter 10 TEN # unit C chapter_number # unit H chapter_title # unit P text Leatherhead_is_about_twelve_miles_from_Maybury_Hill._The_ scent_of_hay_was_in_the_air_through_the_lush_meadows_beyond_ Pyrford,_and_the_hedges_on_either_side_were_sweet_and_gay_ with_multitudes_of_dog-roses._The_heavy_firing_that_had_ broken_out_while_we_were_driving_down_Maybury_Hill_ceased_as_ abruptly_as_it_began,_leaving_the_evening_very_peaceful_and_ still._We_got_to_Leatherhead_without_misadventure_about_nine_ o'clock,_and_the_horse_had_an_hour's_rest_while_I_took_ supper_with_my_cousins_and_commended_my_wife_to_their_care. = My_wife_was_curiously_silent_throughout_the_drive,_and_ seemed_oppressed_with_forebodings_of_evil._I_talked_to_her_ reassuringly,_pointing_out_that_the_Martians_were_tied_to_ the_Pit_by_sheer_heaviness,_and_at_the_utmost_could_but_ crawl_a_little_out_of_it;_but_she_answered_only_in_ monosyllables._Had_it_not_been_for_my_promise_to_the_ innkeeper,_she_would,_I_think,_have_urged_me_to_stay_in_ Leatherhead_that_night._Would_that_I_had!_Her_face,_I_ remember,_was_very_white_as_we_parted. = For_my_own_part,_I_had_been_feverishly_excited_all_day._ Something_very_like_the_war_fever_that_occasionally_runs_ through_a_civilised_community_had_got_into_my_blood,_and_in_ my_heart_I_was_not_so_very_sorry_that_I_had_to_return_to_ Maybury_that_night._I_was_even_afraid_that_that_last_ fusillade_I_had_heard_might_mean_the_extermination_of_our_ invaders_from_Mars._I_can_best_express_my_state_of_mind_by_ saying_that_I_wanted_to_be_in_at_the_death. = It_was_nearly_eleven_when_I_started_to_return._The_night_was_ unexpectedly_dark;_to_me,_walking_out_of_the_lighted_passage_ of_my_cousins'_house,_it_seemed_indeed_black,_and_it_was_as_ hot_and_close_as_the_day._Overhead_the_clouds_were_driving_ fast,_albeit_not_a_breath_stirred_the_shrubs_about_us._My_ cousins'_man_lit_both_lamps._Happily,_I_knew_the_road_ intimately._My_wife_stood_in_the_light_of_the_doorway,_and_ watched_me_until_I_jumped_up_into_the_dog_cart._Then_ abruptly_she_turned_and_went_in,_leaving_my_cousins_side_by_ side_wishing_me_good_hap. = I_was_a_little_depressed_at_first_with_the_contagion_of_my_ wife's_fears,_but_very_soon_my_thoughts_reverted_to_the_ Martians._At_that_time_I_was_absolutely_in_the_dark_as_to_ the_course_of_the_evening's_fighting._I_did_not_know_even_ the_circumstances_that_had_precipitated_the_conflict._As_I_ came_through_Ockham_(for_that_was_the_way_I_returned,_and_ not_through_Send_and_Old_Woking)_I_saw_along_the_western_ horizon_a_blood-red_glow,_which_as_I_drew_nearer,_crept_ slowly_up_the_sky._The_driving_clouds_of_the_gathering_ thunderstorm_mingled_there_with_masses_of_black_and_red_ smoke. = Ripley_Street_was_deserted,_and_except_for_a_lighted_window_ or_so_the_village_showed_not_a_sign_of_life;_but_I_narrowly_ escaped_an_accident_at_the_corner_of_the_road_to_Pyrford,_ where_a_knot_of_people_stood_with_their_backs_to_me._They_ said_nothing_to_me_as_I_passed._I_do_not_know_what_they_knew_ of_the_things_happening_beyond_the_hill,_nor_do_I_know_if_ the_silent_houses_I_passed_on_my_way_were_sleeping_securely,_ or_deserted_and_empty,_or_harassed_and_watching_against_the_ terror_of_the_night. = From_Ripley_until_I_came_through_Pyrford_I_was_in_the_valley_ of_the_Wey,_and_the_red_glare_was_hidden_from_me._As_I_ ascended_the_little_hill_beyond_Pyrford_Church_the_glare_ came_into_view_again,_and_the_trees_about_me_shivered_with_ the_first_intimation_of_the_storm_that_was_upon_me._Then_I_ heard_midnight_pealing_out_from_Pyrford_Church_behind_me,_ and_then_came_the_silhouette_of_Maybury_Hill,_with_its_ treetops_and_roofs_black_and_sharp_against_the_red. = Even_as_I_beheld_this_a_lurid_green_glare_lit_the_road_about_ me_and_showed_the_distant_woods_towards_Addlestone._I_felt_a_ tug_at_the_reins._I_saw_that_the_driving_clouds_had_been_ pierced_as_it_were_by_a_thread_of_green_fire,_suddenly_ lighting_their_confusion_and_falling_into_the_field_to_my_ left._It_was_the_third_falling_star! = Close_on_its_apparition,_and_blindingly_violet_by_contrast,_ danced_out_the_first_lightning_of_the_gathering_storm,_and_ the_thunder_burst_like_a_rocket_overhead._The_horse_took_the_ bit_between_his_teeth_and_bolted. = A_moderate_incline_runs_towards_the_foot_of_Maybury_Hill,_ and_down_this_we_clattered._Once_the_lightning_had_begun,_it_ went_on_in_as_rapid_a_succession_of_flashes_as_I_have_ever_ seen._The_thunderclaps,_treading_one_on_the_heels_of_another_ and_with_a_strange_crackling_accompaniment,_sounded_more_ like_the_working_of_a_gigantic_electric_machine_than_the_ usual_detonating_reverberations._The_flickering_light_was_ blinding_and_confusing,_and_a_thin_hail_smote_gustily_at_my_ face_as_I_drove_down_the_slope. = At_first_I_regarded_little_but_the_road_before_me,_and_then_ abruptly_my_attention_was_arrested_by_something_that_was_ moving_rapidly_down_the_opposite_slope_of_Maybury_Hill._At_ first_I_took_it_for_the_wet_roof_of_a_house,_but_one_flash_ following_another_showed_it_to_be_in_swift_rolling_movement._ It_was_an_elusive_vision--a_moment_of_bewildering_darkness,_ and_then,_in_a_flash_like_daylight,_the_red_masses_of_the_ Orphanage_near_the_crest_of_the_hill,_the_green_tops_of_the_ pine_trees,_and_this_problematical_object_came_out_clear_and_ sharp_and_bright. = And_this_Thing_I_saw!_How_can_I_describe_it?_A_monstrous_ tripod,_higher_than_many_houses,_striding_over_the_young_ pine_trees,_and_smashing_them_aside_in_its_career;_a_walking_ engine_of_glittering_metal,_striding_now_across_the_heather;_ articulate_ropes_of_steel_dangling_from_it,_and_the_ clattering_tumult_of_its_passage_mingling_with_the_riot_of_ the_thunder._A_flash,_and_it_came_out_vividly,_heeling_over_ one_way_with_two_feet_in_the_air,_to_vanish_and_reappear_ almost_instantly_as_it_seemed,_with_the_next_flash,_a_ hundred_yards_nearer._Can_you_imagine_a_milking_stool_tilted_ and_bowled_violently_along_the_ground?_That_was_the_ impression_those_instant_flashes_gave._But_instead_of_a_ milking_stool_imagine_it_a_great_body_of_machinery_on_a_ tripod_stand. = Then_suddenly_the_trees_in_the_pine_wood_ahead_of_me_were_ parted,_as_brittle_reeds_are_parted_by_a_man_thrusting_ through_them;_they_were_snapped_off_and_driven_headlong,_and_ a_second_huge_tripod_appeared,_rushing,_as_it_seemed,_ headlong_towards_me._And_I_was_galloping_hard_to_meet_it!_At_ the_sight_of_the_second_monster_my_nerve_went_altogether._ Not_stopping_to_look_again,_I_wrenched_the_horse's_head_hard_ round_to_the_right_and_in_another_moment_the_dog_cart_had_ heeled_over_upon_the_horse;_the_shafts_smashed_noisily,_and_ I_was_flung_sideways_and_fell_heavily_into_a_shallow_pool_of_ water. = I_crawled_out_almost_immediately,_and_crouched,_my_feet_ still_in_the_water,_under_a_clump_of_furze._The_horse_lay_ motionless_(his_neck_was_broken,_poor_brute!)_and_by_the_ lightning_flashes_I_saw_the_black_bulk_of_the_overturned_dog_ cart_and_the_silhouette_of_the_wheel_still_spinning_slowly._ In_another_moment_the_colossal_mechanism_went_striding_by_ me,_and_passed_uphill_towards_Pyrford. = Seen_nearer,_the_Thing_was_incredibly_strange,_for_it_was_no_ mere_insensate_machine_driving_on_its_way._Machine_it_was,_ with_a_ringing_metallic_pace,_and_long,_flexible,_glittering_ tentacles_(one_of_which_gripped_a_young_pine_tree)_swinging_ and_rattling_about_its_strange_body._It_picked_its_road_as_ it_went_striding_along,_and_the_brazen_hood_that_surmounted_ it_moved_to_and_fro_with_the_inevitable_suggestion_of_a_head_ looking_about._Behind_the_main_body_was_a_huge_mass_of_white_ metal_like_a_gigantic_fisherman's_basket,_and_puffs_of_green_ smoke_squirted_out_from_the_joints_of_the_limbs_as_the_ monster_swept_by_me._And_in_an_instant_it_was_gone. = So_much_I_saw_then,_all_vaguely_for_the_flickering_of_the_ lightning,_in_blinding_highlights_and_dense_black_shadows. = As_it_passed_it_set_up_an_exultant_deafening_howl_that_ drowned_the_thunder--"Aloo!_Aloo!"--and_in_another_minute_it_ was_with_its_companion,_half_a_mile_away,_stooping_over_ something_in_the_field._I_have_no_doubt_this_Thing_in_the_ field_was_the_third_of_the_ten_cylinders_they_had_fired_at_ us_from_Mars. = For_some_minutes_I_lay_there_in_the_rain_and_darkness_ watching,_by_the_intermittent_light,_these_monstrous_beings_ of_metal_moving_about_in_the_distance_over_the_hedge_tops._A_ thin_hail_was_now_beginning,_and_as_it_came_and_went_their_ figures_grew_misty_and_then_flashed_into_clearness_again._ Now_and_then_came_a_gap_in_the_lightning,_and_the_night_ swallowed_them_up. = I_was_soaked_with_hail_above_and_puddle_water_below._It_was_ some_time_before_my_blank_astonishment_would_let_me_struggle_ up_the_bank_to_a_drier_position,_or_think_at_all_of_my_ imminent_peril. = Not_far_from_me_was_a_little_one-roomed_squatter's_hut_of_ wood,_surrounded_by_a_patch_of_potato_garden._I_struggled_to_ my_feet_at_last,_and,_crouching_and_making_use_of_every_ chance_of_cover,_I_made_a_run_for_this._I_hammered_at_the_ door,_but_I_could_not_make_the_people_hear_(if_there_were_ any_people_inside),_and_after_a_time_I_desisted,_and,_ availing_myself_of_a_ditch_for_the_greater_part_of_the_way,_ succeeded_in_crawling,_unobserved_by_these_monstrous_ machines,_into_the_pine_woods_towards_Maybury. = Under_cover_of_this_I_pushed_on,_wet_and_shivering_now,_ towards_my_own_house._I_walked_among_the_trees_trying_to_ find_the_footpath._It_was_very_dark_indeed_in_the_wood,_for_ the_lightning_was_now_becoming_infrequent,_and_the_hail,_ which_was_pouring_down_in_a_torrent,_fell_in_columns_through_ the_gaps_in_the_heavy_foliage. = If_I_had_fully_realised_the_meaning_of_all_the_things_I_had_ seen_I_should_have_immediately_worked_my_way_round_through_ Byfleet_to_Street_Cobham,_and_so_gone_back_to_rejoin_my_wife_ at_Leatherhead._But_that_night_the_strangeness_of_things_ about_me,_and_my_physical_wretchedness,_prevented_me,_for_I_ was_bruised,_weary,_wet_to_the_skin,_deafened_and_blinded_by_ the_storm. = I_had_a_vague_idea_of_going_on_to_my_own_house,_and_that_was_ as_much_motive_as_I_had._I_staggered_through_the_trees,_fell_ into_a_ditch_and_bruised_my_knees_against_a_plank,_and_ finally_splashed_out_into_the_lane_that_ran_down_from_the_ College_Arms._I_say_splashed,_for_the_storm_water_was_ sweeping_the_sand_down_the_hill_in_a_muddy_torrent._There_in_ the_darkness_a_man_blundered_into_me_and_sent_me_reeling_ back. = He_gave_a_cry_of_terror,_sprang_sideways,_and_rushed_on_ before_I_could_gather_my_wits_sufficiently_to_speak_to_him._ So_heavy_was_the_stress_of_the_storm_just_at_this_place_that_ I_had_the_hardest_task_to_win_my_way_up_the_hill._I_went_ close_up_to_the_fence_on_the_left_and_worked_my_way_along_ its_palings. = Near_the_top_I_stumbled_upon_something_soft,_and,_by_a_flash_ of_lightning,_saw_between_my_feet_a_heap_of_black_broadcloth_ and_a_pair_of_boots._Before_I_could_distinguish_clearly_how_ the_man_lay,_the_flicker_of_light_had_passed._I_stood_over_ him_waiting_for_the_next_flash._When_it_came,_I_saw_that_he_ was_a_sturdy_man,_cheaply_but_not_shabbily_dressed;_his_head_ was_bent_under_his_body,_and_he_lay_crumpled_up_close_to_the_ fence,_as_though_he_had_been_flung_violently_against_it. = Overcoming_the_repugnance_natural_to_one_who_had_never_ before_touched_a_dead_body,_I_stooped_and_turned_him_over_to_ feel_for_his_heart._He_was_quite_dead._Apparently_his_neck_ had_been_broken._The_lightning_flashed_for_a_third_time,_and_ his_face_leaped_upon_me._I_sprang_to_my_feet._It_was_the_ landlord_of_the_Spotted_Dog,_whose_conveyance_I_had_taken. = I_stepped_over_him_gingerly_and_pushed_on_up_the_hill._I_ made_my_way_by_the_police_station_and_the_College_Arms_ towards_my_own_house._Nothing_was_burning_on_the_hillside,_ though_from_the_common_there_still_came_a_red_glare_and_a_ rolling_tumult_of_ruddy_smoke_beating_up_against_the_ drenching_hail._So_far_as_I_could_see_by_the_flashes,_the_ houses_about_me_were_mostly_uninjured._By_the_College_Arms_a_ dark_heap_lay_in_the_road. = Down_the_road_towards_Maybury_Bridge_there_were_voices_and_ the_sound_of_feet,_but_I_had_not_the_courage_to_shout_or_to_ go_to_them._I_let_myself_in_with_my_latchkey,_closed,_locked_ and_bolted_the_door,_staggered_to_the_foot_of_the_staircase,_ and_sat_down._My_imagination_was_full_of_those_striding_ metallic_monsters,_and_of_the_dead_body_smashed_against_the_ fence. = I_crouched_at_the_foot_of_the_staircase_with_my_back_to_the_ wall,_shivering_violently. = # ## # chapter 11 ELEVEN # unit C chapter_number # unit H chapter_title # unit P text I_have_already_said_that_my_storms_of_emotion_have_a_trick_ of_exhausting_themselves._After_a_time_I_discovered_that_I_ was_cold_and_wet,_and_with_little_pools_of_water_about_me_on_ the_stair_carpet._I_got_up_almost_mechanically,_went_into_ the_dining_room_and_drank_some_whiskey,_and_then_I_was_moved_ to_change_my_clothes. = After_I_had_done_that_I_went_upstairs_to_my_study,_but_why_I_ did_so_I_do_not_know._The_window_of_my_study_looks_over_the_ trees_and_the_railway_towards_Horsell_Common._In_the_hurry_ of_our_departure_this_window_had_been_left_open._The_passage_ was_dark,_and,_by_contrast_with_the_picture_the_window_frame_ enclosed,_the_side_of_the_room_seemed_impenetrably_dark._I_ stopped_short_in_the_doorway. = The_thunderstorm_had_passed._The_towers_of_the_Oriental_ College_and_the_pine_trees_about_it_had_gone,_and_very_far_ away,_lit_by_a_vivid_red_glare,_the_common_about_the_sand_ pits_was_visible._Across_the_light_huge_black_shapes,_ grotesque_and_strange,_moved_busily_to_and_fro. = It_seemed_indeed_as_if_the_whole_country_in_that_direction_ was_on_fire--a_broad_hillside_set_with_minute_tongues_of_ flame,_swaying_and_writhing_with_the_gusts_of_the_dying_ storm,_and_throwing_a_red_reflection_upon_the_cloud_scud_ above._Every_now_and_then_a_haze_of_smoke_from_some_nearer_ conflagration_drove_across_the_window_and_hid_the_Martian_ shapes._I_could_not_see_what_they_were_doing,_nor_the_clear_ form_of_them,_nor_recognise_the_black_objects_they_were_ busied_upon._Neither_could_I_see_the_nearer_fire,_though_the_ reflections_of_it_danced_on_the_wall_and_ceiling_of_the_ study._A_sharp,_resinous_tang_of_burning_was_in_the_air. = I_closed_the_door_noiselessly_and_crept_towards_the_window._ As_I_did_so,_the_view_opened_out_until,_on_the_one_hand,_it_ reached_to_the_houses_about_Woking_station,_and_on_the_other_ to_the_charred_and_blackened_pine_woods_of_Byfleet._There_ was_a_light_down_below_the_hill,_on_the_railway,_near_the_ arch,_and_several_of_the_houses_along_the_Maybury_road_and_ the_streets_near_the_station_were_glowing_ruins._The_light_ upon_the_railway_puzzled_me_at_first;_there_were_a_black_ heap_and_a_vivid_glare,_and_to_the_right_of_that_a_row_of_ yellow_oblongs._Then_I_perceived_this_was_a_wrecked_train,_ the_fore_part_smashed_and_on_fire,_the_hinder_carriages_ still_upon_the_rails. = Between_these_three_main_centres_of_light--the_houses,_the_ train,_and_the_burning_county_towards_Chobham--stretched_ irregular_patches_of_dark_country,_broken_here_and_there_by_ intervals_of_dimly_glowing_and_smoking_ground._It_was_the_ strangest_spectacle,_that_black_expanse_set_with_fire._It_ reminded_me,_more_than_anything_else,_of_the_Potteries_at_ night._At_first_I_could_distinguish_no_people_at_all,_though_ I_peered_intently_for_them._Later_I_saw_against_the_light_of_ Woking_station_a_number_of_black_figures_hurrying_one_after_ the_other_across_the_line. = And_this_was_the_little_world_in_which_I_had_been_living_ securely_for_years,_this_fiery_chaos!_What_had_happened_in_ the_last_seven_hours_I_still_did_not_know;_nor_did_I_know,_ though_I_was_beginning_to_guess,_the_relation_between_these_ mechanical_colossi_and_the_sluggish_lumps_I_had_seen_ disgorged_from_the_cylinder._With_a_queer_feeling_of_ impersonal_interest_I_turned_my_desk_chair_to_the_window,_ sat_down,_and_stared_at_the_blackened_country,_and_ particularly_at_the_three_gigantic_black_things_that_were_ going_to_and_fro_in_the_glare_about_the_sand_pits. = They_seemed_amazingly_busy._I_began_to_ask_myself_what_they_ could_be._Were_they_intelligent_mechanisms?_Such_a_thing_I_ felt_was_impossible._Or_did_a_Martian_sit_within_each,_ ruling,_directing,_using,_much_as_a_man's_brain_sits_and_ rules_in_his_body?_I_began_to_compare_the_things_to_human_ machines,_to_ask_myself_for_the_first_time_in_my_life_how_an_ ironclad_or_a_steam_engine_would_seem_to_an_intelligent_ lower_animal. = The_storm_had_left_the_sky_clear,_and_over_the_smoke_of_the_ burning_land_the_little_fading_pinpoint_of_Mars_was_dropping_ into_the_west,_when_a_soldier_came_into_my_garden._I_heard_a_ slight_scraping_at_the_fence,_and_rousing_myself_from_the_ lethargy_that_had_fallen_upon_me,_I_looked_down_and_saw_him_ dimly,_clambering_over_the_palings._At_the_sight_of_another_ human_being_my_torpor_passed,_and_I_leaned_out_of_the_window_ eagerly. = "Hist!"_said_I,_in_a_whisper. = He_stopped_astride_of_the_fence_in_doubt._Then_he_came_over_ and_across_the_lawn_to_the_corner_of_the_house._He_bent_down_ and_stepped_softly. = "Who's_there?"_he_said,_also_whispering,_standing_under_the_ window_and_peering_up. = "Where_are_you_going?"_I_asked. = "God_knows." = "Are_you_trying_to_hide?" = "That's_it." = "Come_into_the_house,"_I_said. = I_went_down,_unfastened_the_door,_and_let_him_in,_and_locked_ the_door_again._I_could_not_see_his_face._He_was_hatless,_ and_his_coat_was_unbuttoned. = "My_God!"_he_said,_as_I_drew_him_in. = "What_has_happened?"_I_asked. = "What_hasn't?"_In_the_obscurity_I_could_see_he_made_a_ gesture_of_despair._"They_wiped_us_out--simply_wiped_us_ out,"_he_repeated_again_and_again. = He_followed_me,_almost_mechanically,_into_the_dining_room. = "Take_some_whiskey,"_I_said,_pouring_out_a_stiff_dose. = He_drank_it._Then_abruptly_he_sat_down_before_the_table,_put_ his_head_on_his_arms,_and_began_to_sob_and_weep_like_a_ little_boy,_in_a_perfect_passion_of_emotion,_while_I,_with_a_ curious_forgetfulness_of_my_own_recent_despair,_stood_beside_ him,_wondering. = It_was_a_long_time_before_he_could_steady_his_nerves_to_ answer_my_questions,_and_then_he_answered_perplexingly_and_ brokenly._He_was_a_driver_in_the_artillery,_and_had_only_ come_into_action_about_seven._At_that_time_firing_was_going_ on_across_the_common,_and_it_was_said_the_first_party_of_ Martians_were_crawling_slowly_towards_their_second_cylinder_ under_cover_of_a_metal_shield. = Later_this_shield_staggered_up_on_tripod_legs_and_became_the_ first_of_the_fighting-machines_I_had_seen._The_gun_he_drove_ had_been_unlimbered_near_Horsell,_in_order_to_command_the_ sand_pits,_and_its_arrival_it_was_that_had_precipitated_the_ action._As_the_limber_gunners_went_to_the_rear,_his_horse_ trod_in_a_rabbit_hole_and_came_down,_throwing_him_into_a_ depression_of_the_ground._At_the_same_moment_the_gun_ exploded_behind_him,_the_ammunition_blew_up,_there_was_fire_ all_about_him,_and_he_found_himself_lying_under_a_heap_of_ charred_dead_men_and_dead_horses. = "I_lay_still,"_he_said,_"scared_out_of_my_wits,_with_the_ fore_quarter_of_a_horse_atop_of_me._We'd_been_wiped_out._And_ the_smell--good_God!_Like_burnt_meat!_I_was_hurt_across_the_ back_by_the_fall_of_the_horse,_and_there_I_had_to_lie_until_ I_felt_better._Just_like_parade_it_had_been_a_minute_ before--then_stumble,_bang,_swish!" = "Wiped_out!"_he_said. = He_had_hid_under_the_dead_horse_for_a_long_time,_peeping_out_ furtively_across_the_common._The_Cardigan_men_had_tried_a_ rush,_in_skirmishing_order,_at_the_pit,_simply_to_be_swept_ out_of_existence._Then_the_monster_had_risen_to_its_feet_and_ had_begun_to_walk_leisurely_to_and_fro_across_the_common_ among_the_few_fugitives,_with_its_headlike_hood_turning_ about_exactly_like_the_head_of_a_cowled_human_being._A_kind_ of_arm_carried_a_complicated_metallic_case,_about_which_ green_flashes_scintillated,_and_out_of_the_funnel_of_this_ there_smoked_the_Heat-Ray. = In_a_few_minutes_there_was,_so_far_as_the_soldier_could_see,_ not_a_living_thing_left_upon_the_common,_and_every_bush_and_ tree_upon_it_that_was_not_already_a_blackened_skeleton_was_ burning._The_hussars_had_been_on_the_road_beyond_the_ curvature_of_the_ground,_and_he_saw_nothing_of_them._He_ heard_the_Martians_rattle_for_a_time_and_then_become_still._ The_giant_saved_Woking_station_and_its_cluster_of_houses_ until_the_last;_then_in_a_moment_the_Heat-Ray_was_brought_to_ bear,_and_the_town_became_a_heap_of_fiery_ruins._Then_the_ Thing_shut_off_the_Heat-Ray,_and_turning_its_back_upon_the_ artilleryman,_began_to_waddle_away_towards_the_smouldering_ pine_woods_that_sheltered_the_second_cylinder._As_it_did_so_ a_second_glittering_Titan_built_itself_up_out_of_the_pit. = The_second_monster_followed_the_first,_and_at_that_the_ artilleryman_began_to_crawl_very_cautiously_across_the_hot_ heather_ash_towards_Horsell._He_managed_to_get_alive_into_ the_ditch_by_the_side_of_the_road,_and_so_escaped_to_Woking._ There_his_story_became_ejaculatory._The_place_was_ impassable._It_seems_there_were_a_few_people_alive_there,_ frantic_for_the_most_part_and_many_burned_and_scalded._He_ was_turned_aside_by_the_fire,_and_hid_among_some_almost_ scorching_heaps_of_broken_wall_as_one_of_the_Martian_giants_ returned._He_saw_this_one_pursue_a_man,_catch_him_up_in_one_ of_its_steely_tentacles,_and_knock_his_head_against_the_ trunk_of_a_pine_tree._At_last,_after_nightfall,_the_ artilleryman_made_a_rush_for_it_and_got_over_the_railway_ embankment. = Since_then_he_had_been_skulking_along_towards_Maybury,_in_ the_hope_of_getting_out_of_danger_Londonward._People_were_ hiding_in_trenches_and_cellars,_and_many_of_the_survivors_ had_made_off_towards_Woking_village_and_Send._He_had_been_ consumed_with_thirst_until_he_found_one_of_the_water_mains_ near_the_railway_arch_smashed,_and_the_water_bubbling_out_ like_a_spring_upon_the_road. = That_was_the_story_I_got_from_him,_bit_by_bit._He_grew_ calmer_telling_me_and_trying_to_make_me_see_the_things_he_ had_seen._He_had_eaten_no_food_since_midday,_he_told_me_ early_in_his_narrative,_and_I_found_some_mutton_and_bread_in_ the_pantry_and_brought_it_into_the_room._We_lit_no_lamp_for_ fear_of_attracting_the_Martians,_and_ever_and_again_our_ hands_would_touch_upon_bread_or_meat._As_he_talked,_things_ about_us_came_darkly_out_of_the_darkness,_and_the_trampled_ bushes_and_broken_rose_trees_outside_the_window_grew_ distinct._It_would_seem_that_a_number_of_men_or_animals_had_ rushed_across_the_lawn._I_began_to_see_his_face,_blackened_ and_haggard,_as_no_doubt_mine_was_also. = When_we_had_finished_eating_we_went_softly_upstairs_to_my_ study,_and_I_looked_again_out_of_the_open_window._In_one_ night_the_valley_had_become_a_valley_of_ashes._The_fires_had_ dwindled_now._Where_flames_had_been_there_were_now_streamers_ of_smoke;_but_the_countless_ruins_of_shattered_and_gutted_ houses_and_blasted_and_blackened_trees_that_the_night_had_ hidden_stood_out_now_gaunt_and_terrible_in_the_pitiless_ light_of_dawn._Yet_here_and_there_some_object_had_had_the_ luck_to_escape--a_white_railway_signal_here,_the_end_of_a_ greenhouse_there,_white_and_fresh_amid_the_wreckage._Never_ before_in_the_history_of_warfare_had_destruction_been_so_ indiscriminate_and_so_universal._And_shining_with_the_ growing_light_of_the_east,_three_of_the_metallic_giants_ stood_about_the_pit,_their_cowls_rotating_as_though_they_ were_surveying_the_desolation_they_had_made. = It_seemed_to_me_that_the_pit_had_been_enlarged,_and_ever_and_ again_puffs_of_vivid_green_vapour_streamed_up_and_out_of_it_ towards_the_brightening_dawn--streamed_up,_whirled,_broke,_ and_vanished. = Beyond_were_the_pillars_of_fire_about_Chobham._They_became_ pillars_of_bloodshot_smoke_at_the_first_touch_of_day. = # ## # chapter 12 TWELVE # unit C chapter_number # unit H chapter_title # unit P text OF_WEYBRIDGE_AND_SHEPPERTON = As_the_dawn_grew_brighter_we_withdrew_from_the_window_from_ which_we_had_watched_the_Martians,_and_went_very_quietly_ downstairs. = The_artilleryman_agreed_with_me_that_the_house_was_no_place_ to_stay_in._He_proposed,_he_said,_to_make_his_way_ Londonward,_and_thence_rejoin_his_battery--No._12,_of_the_ Horse_Artillery._My_plan_was_to_return_at_once_to_ Leatherhead;_and_so_greatly_had_the_strength_of_the_Martians_ impressed_me_that_I_had_determined_to_take_my_wife_to_ Newhaven,_and_go_with_her_out_of_the_country_forthwith._For_ I_already_perceived_clearly_that_the_country_about_London_ must_inevitably_be_the_scene_of_a_disastrous_struggle_before_ such_creatures_as_these_could_be_destroyed. = Between_us_and_Leatherhead,_however,_lay_the_third_cylinder,_ with_its_guarding_giants._Had_I_been_alone,_I_think_I_should_ have_taken_my_chance_and_struck_across_country._But_the_ artilleryman_dissuaded_me:_"It's_no_kindness_to_the_right_ sort_of_wife,"_he_said,_"to_make_her_a_widow";_and_in_the_ end_I_agreed_to_go_with_him,_under_cover_of_the_woods,_ northward_as_far_as_Street_Cobham_before_I_parted_with_him._ Thence_I_would_make_a_big_detour_by_Epsom_to_reach_ Leatherhead. = I_should_have_started_at_once,_but_my_companion_had_been_in_ active_service_and_he_knew_better_than_that._He_made_me_ ransack_the_house_for_a_flask,_which_he_filled_with_whiskey;_ and_we_lined_every_available_pocket_with_packets_of_biscuits_ and_slices_of_meat._Then_we_crept_out_of_the_house,_and_ran_ as_quickly_as_we_could_down_the_ill-made_road_by_which_I_had_ come_overnight._The_houses_seemed_deserted._In_the_road_lay_ a_group_of_three_charred_bodies_close_together,_struck_dead_ by_the_Heat-Ray;_and_here_and_there_were_things_that_people_ had_dropped--a_clock,_a_slipper,_a_silver_spoon,_and_the_ like_poor_valuables._At_the_corner_turning_up_towards_the_ post_office_a_little_cart,_filled_with_boxes_and_furniture,_ and_horseless,_heeled_over_on_a_broken_wheel._A_cash_box_had_ been_hastily_smashed_open_and_thrown_under_the_debris. = Except_the_lodge_at_the_Orphanage,_which_was_still_on_fire,_ none_of_the_houses_had_suffered_very_greatly_here._The_ Heat-Ray_had_shaved_the_chimney_tops_and_passed._Yet,_save_ ourselves,_there_did_not_seem_to_be_a_living_soul_on_Maybury_ Hill._The_majority_of_the_inhabitants_had_escaped,_I_ suppose,_by_way_of_the_Old_Woking_road--the_road_I_had_taken_ when_I_drove_to_Leatherhead--or_they_had_hidden. = We_went_down_the_lane,_by_the_body_of_the_man_in_black,_ sodden_now_from_the_overnight_hail,_and_broke_into_the_woods_ at_the_foot_of_the_hill._We_pushed_through_these_towards_the_ railway_without_meeting_a_soul._The_woods_across_the_line_ were_but_the_scarred_and_blackened_ruins_of_woods;_for_the_ most_part_the_trees_had_fallen,_but_a_certain_proportion_ still_stood,_dismal_grey_stems,_with_dark_brown_foliage_ instead_of_green. = On_our_side_the_fire_had_done_no_more_than_scorch_the_nearer_ trees;_it_had_failed_to_secure_its_footing._In_one_place_the_ woodmen_had_been_at_work_on_Saturday;_trees,_felled_and_ freshly_trimmed,_lay_in_a_clearing,_with_heaps_of_sawdust_by_ the_sawing-machine_and_its_engine._Hard_by_was_a_temporary_ hut,_deserted._There_was_not_a_breath_of_wind_this_morning,_ and_everything_was_strangely_still._Even_the_birds_were_ hushed,_and_as_we_hurried_along_I_and_the_artilleryman_ talked_in_whispers_and_looked_now_and_again_over_our_ shoulders._Once_or_twice_we_stopped_to_listen. = After_a_time_we_drew_near_the_road,_and_as_we_did_so_we_ heard_the_clatter_of_hoofs_and_saw_through_the_tree_stems_ three_cavalry_soldiers_riding_slowly_towards_Woking._We_ hailed_them,_and_they_halted_while_we_hurried_towards_them._ It_was_a_lieutenant_and_a_couple_of_privates_of_the_8th_ Hussars,_with_a_stand_like_a_theodolite,_which_the_ artilleryman_told_me_was_a_heliograph. = "You_are_the_first_men_I've_seen_coming_this_way_this_ morning,"_said_the_lieutenant._"What's_brewing?" = His_voice_and_face_were_eager._The_men_behind_him_stared_ curiously._The_artilleryman_jumped_down_the_bank_into_the_ road_and_saluted. = "Gun_destroyed_last_night,_sir._Have_been_hiding._Trying_to_ rejoin_battery,_sir._You'll_come_in_sight_of_the_Martians,_I_ expect,_about_half_a_mile_along_this_road." = "What_the_dickens_are_they_like?"_asked_the_lieutenant. = "Giants_in_armour,_sir._Hundred_feet_high._Three_legs_and_a_ body_like_'luminium,_with_a_mighty_great_head_in_a_hood,_ sir." = "Get_out!"_said_the_lieutenant._"What_confounded_nonsense!" = "You'll_see,_sir._They_carry_a_kind_of_box,_sir,_that_shoots_ fire_and_strikes_you_dead." = "What_d'ye_mean--a_gun?" = "No,_sir,"_and_the_artilleryman_began_a_vivid_account_of_the_ Heat-Ray._Halfway_through,_the_lieutenant_interrupted_him_ and_looked_up_at_me._I_was_still_standing_on_the_bank_by_the_ side_of_the_road. = "It's_perfectly_true,"_I_said. = "Well,"_said_the_lieutenant,_"I_suppose_it's_my_business_to_ see_it_too._Look_here"--to_the_artilleryman--"we're_detailed_ here_clearing_people_out_of_their_houses._You'd_better_go_ along_and_report_yourself_to_Brigadier-General_Marvin,_and_ tell_him_all_you_know._He's_at_Weybridge._Know_the_way?" = "I_do,"_I_said;_and_he_turned_his_horse_southward_again. = "Half_a_mile,_you_say?"_said_he. = "At_most,"_I_answered,_and_pointed_over_the_treetops_ southward._He_thanked_me_and_rode_on,_and_we_saw_them_no_ more. = Farther_along_we_came_upon_a_group_of_three_women_and_two_ children_in_the_road,_busy_clearing_out_a_labourer's_ cottage._They_had_got_hold_of_a_little_hand_truck,_and_were_ piling_it_up_with_unclean-looking_bundles_and_shabby_ furniture._They_were_all_too_assiduously_engaged_to_talk_to_ us_as_we_passed. = By_Byfleet_station_we_emerged_from_the_pine_trees,_and_found_ the_country_calm_and_peaceful_under_the_morning_sunlight._We_ were_far_beyond_the_range_of_the_Heat-Ray_there,_and_had_it_ not_been_for_the_silent_desertion_of_some_of_the_houses,_the_ stirring_movement_of_packing_in_others,_and_the_knot_of_ soldiers_standing_on_the_bridge_over_the_railway_and_staring_ down_the_line_towards_Woking,_the_day_would_have_seemed_very_ like_any_other_Sunday. = Several_farm_waggons_and_carts_were_moving_creakily_along_ the_road_to_Addlestone,_and_suddenly_through_the_gate_of_a_ field_we_saw,_across_a_stretch_of_flat_meadow,_six_ twelve-pounders_standing_neatly_at_equal_distances_pointing_ towards_Woking._The_gunners_stood_by_the_guns_waiting,_and_ the_ammunition_waggons_were_at_a_business-like_distance._The_ men_stood_almost_as_if_under_inspection. = "That's_good!"_said_I._"They_will_get_one_fair_shot,_at_any_ rate." = The_artilleryman_hesitated_at_the_gate. = "I_shall_go_on,"_he_said. = Farther_on_towards_Weybridge,_just_over_the_bridge,_there_ were_a_number_of_men_in_white_fatigue_jackets_throwing_up_a_ long_rampart,_and_more_guns_behind. = "It's_bows_and_arrows_against_the_lightning,_anyhow,"_said_ the_artilleryman._"They_'aven't_seen_that_fire-beam_yet." = The_officers_who_were_not_actively_engaged_stood_and_stared_ over_the_treetops_southwestward,_and_the_men_digging_would_ stop_every_now_and_again_to_stare_in_the_same_direction. = Byfleet_was_in_a_tumult;_people_packing,_and_a_score_of_ hussars,_some_of_them_dismounted,_some_on_horseback,_were_ hunting_them_about._Three_or_four_black_government_waggons,_ with_crosses_in_white_circles,_and_an_old_omnibus,_among_ other_vehicles,_were_being_loaded_in_the_village_street._ There_were_scores_of_people,_most_of_them_sufficiently_ sabbatical_to_have_assumed_their_best_clothes._The_soldiers_ were_having_the_greatest_difficulty_in_making_them_realise_ the_gravity_of_their_position._We_saw_one_shrivelled_old_ fellow_with_a_huge_box_and_a_score_or_more_of_flower_pots_ containing_orchids,_angrily_expostulating_with_the_corporal_ who_would_leave_them_behind._I_stopped_and_gripped_his_arm. = "Do_you_know_what's_over_there?"_I_said,_pointing_at_the_ pine_tops_that_hid_the_Martians. = "Eh?"_said_he,_turning._"I_was_explainin"_these_is_ vallyble." = "Death!"_I_shouted._"Death_is_coming!_Death!"_and_leaving_ him_to_digest_that_if_he_could,_I_hurried_on_after_the_ artilleryman._At_the_corner_I_looked_back._The_soldier_had_ left_him,_and_he_was_still_standing_by_his_box,_with_the_ pots_of_orchids_on_the_lid_of_it,_and_staring_vaguely_over_ the_trees. = No_one_in_Weybridge_could_tell_us_where_the_headquarters_ were_established;_the_whole_place_was_in_such_confusion_as_I_ had_never_seen_in_any_town_before._Carts,_carriages_ everywhere,_the_most_astonishing_miscellany_of_conveyances_ and_horseflesh._The_respectable_inhabitants_of_the_place,_ men_in_golf_and_boating_costumes,_wives_prettily_dressed,_ were_packing,_river-side_loafers_energetically_helping,_ children_excited,_and,_for_the_most_part,_highly_delighted_ at_this_astonishing_variation_of_their_Sunday_experiences._ In_the_midst_of_it_all_the_worthy_vicar_was_very_pluckily_ holding_an_early_celebration,_and_his_bell_was_jangling_out_ above_the_excitement. = I_and_the_artilleryman,_seated_on_the_step_of_the_drinking_ fountain,_made_a_very_passable_meal_upon_what_we_had_brought_ with_us._Patrols_of_soldiers--here_no_longer_hussars,_but_ grenadiers_in_white--were_warning_people_to_move_now_or_to_ take_refuge_in_their_cellars_as_soon_as_the_firing_began._We_ saw_as_we_crossed_the_railway_bridge_that_a_growing_crowd_of_ people_had_assembled_in_and_about_the_railway_station,_and_ the_swarming_platform_was_piled_with_boxes_and_packages._The_ ordinary_traffic_had_been_stopped,_I_believe,_in_order_to_ allow_of_the_passage_of_troops_and_guns_to_Chertsey,_and_I_ have_heard_since_that_a_savage_struggle_occurred_for_places_ in_the_special_trains_that_were_put_on_at_a_later_hour. = We_remained_at_Weybridge_until_midday,_and_at_that_hour_we_ found_ourselves_at_the_place_near_Shepperton_Lock_where_the_ Wey_and_Thames_join._Part_of_the_time_we_spent_helping_two_ old_women_to_pack_a_little_cart._The_Wey_has_a_treble_mouth,_ and_at_this_point_boats_are_to_be_hired,_and_there_was_a_ ferry_across_the_river._On_the_Shepperton_side_was_an_inn_ with_a_lawn,_and_beyond_that_the_tower_of_Shepperton_Church_ --it_has_been_replaced_by_a_spire--rose_above_the_trees. = Here_we_found_an_excited_and_noisy_crowd_of_fugitives._As_ yet_the_flight_had_not_grown_to_a_panic,_but_there_were_ already_far_more_people_than_all_the_boats_going_to_and_fro_ could_enable_to_cross._People_came_panting_along_under_heavy_ burdens;_one_husband_and_wife_were_even_carrying_a_small_ outhouse_door_between_them,_with_some_of_their_household_ goods_piled_thereon._One_man_told_us_he_meant_to_try_to_get_ away_from_Shepperton_station. = There_was_a_lot_of_shouting,_and_one_man_was_even_jesting._ The_idea_people_seemed_to_have_here_was_that_the_Martians_ were_simply_formidable_human_beings,_who_might_attack_and_ sack_the_town,_to_be_certainly_destroyed_in_the_end._Every_ now_and_then_people_would_glance_nervously_across_the_Wey,_ at_the_meadows_towards_Chertsey,_but_everything_over_there_ was_still. = Across_the_Thames,_except_just_where_the_boats_landed,_ everything_was_quiet,_in_vivid_contrast_with_the_Surrey_ side._The_people_who_landed_there_from_the_boats_went_ tramping_off_down_the_lane._The_big_ferryboat_had_just_made_ a_journey._Three_or_four_soldiers_stood_on_the_lawn_of_the_ inn,_staring_and_jesting_at_the_fugitives,_without_offering_ to_help._The_inn_was_closed,_as_it_was_now_within_prohibited_ hours. = "What's_that?"_cried_a_boatman,_and_"Shut_up,_you_fool!"_ said_a_man_near_me_to_a_yelping_dog._Then_the_sound_came_ again,_this_time_from_the_direction_of_Chertsey,_a_muffled_ thud--the_sound_of_a_gun. = The_fighting_was_beginning._Almost_immediately_unseen_ batteries_across_the_river_to_our_right,_unseen_because_of_ the_trees,_took_up_the_chorus,_firing_heavily_one_after_the_ other._A_woman_screamed._Everyone_stood_arrested_by_the_ sudden_stir_of_battle,_near_us_and_yet_invisible_to_us._ Nothing_was_to_be_seen_save_flat_meadows,_cows_feeding_ unconcernedly_for_the_most_part,_and_silvery_pollard_willows_ motionless_in_the_warm_sunlight. = "The_sojers'll_stop_'em,"_said_a_woman_beside_me,_ doubtfully._A_haziness_rose_over_the_treetops. = Then_suddenly_we_saw_a_rush_of_smoke_far_away_up_the_river,_ a_puff_of_smoke_that_jerked_up_into_the_air_and_hung;_and_ forthwith_the_ground_heaved_under_foot_and_a_heavy_explosion_ shook_the_air,_smashing_two_or_three_windows_in_the_houses_ near,_and_leaving_us_astonished. = "Here_they_are!"_shouted_a_man_in_a_blue_jersey._"Yonder!_ D'yer_see_them?_Yonder!" = Quickly,_one_after_the_other,_one,_two,_three,_four_of_the_ armoured_Martians_appeared,_far_away_over_the_little_trees,_ across_the_flat_meadows_that_stretched_towards_Chertsey,_and_ striding_hurriedly_towards_the_river._Little_cowled_figures_ they_seemed_at_first,_going_with_a_rolling_motion_and_as_ fast_as_flying_birds. = Then,_advancing_obliquely_towards_us,_came_a_fifth._Their_ armoured_bodies_glittered_in_the_sun_as_they_swept_swiftly_ forward_upon_the_guns,_growing_rapidly_larger_as_they_drew_ nearer._One_on_the_extreme_left,_the_remotest_that_is,_ flourished_a_huge_case_high_in_the_air,_and_the_ghostly,_ terrible_Heat-Ray_I_had_already_seen_on_Friday_night_smote_ towards_Chertsey,_and_struck_the_town. = At_sight_of_these_strange,_swift,_and_terrible_creatures_the_ crowd_near_the_water's_edge_seemed_to_me_to_be_for_a_moment_ horror-struck._There_was_no_screaming_or_shouting,_but_a_ silence._Then_a_hoarse_murmur_and_a_movement_of_feet--a_ splashing_from_the_water._A_man,_too_frightened_to_drop_the_ portmanteau_he_carried_on_his_shoulder,_swung_round_and_sent_ me_staggering_with_a_blow_from_the_corner_of_his_burden._A_ woman_thrust_at_me_with_her_hand_and_rushed_past_me._I_ turned_with_the_rush_of_the_people,_but_I_was_not_too_ terrified_for_thought._The_terrible_Heat-Ray_was_in_my_mind._ To_get_under_water!_That_was_it! = "Get_under_water!"_I_shouted,_unheeded. = I_faced_about_again,_and_rushed_towards_the_approaching_ Martian,_rushed_right_down_the_gravelly_beach_and_headlong_ into_the_water._Others_did_the_same._A_boatload_of_people_ putting_back_came_leaping_out_as_I_rushed_past._The_stones_ under_my_feet_were_muddy_and_slippery,_and_the_river_was_so_ low_that_I_ran_perhaps_twenty_feet_scarcely_waist-deep._ Then,_as_the_Martian_towered_overhead_scarcely_a_couple_of_ hundred_yards_away,_I_flung_myself_forward_under_the_ surface._The_splashes_of_the_people_in_the_boats_leaping_ into_the_river_sounded_like_thunderclaps_in_my_ears._People_ were_landing_hastily_on_both_sides_of_the_river._But_the_ Martian_machine_took_no_more_notice_for_the_moment_of_the_ people_running_this_way_and_that_than_a_man_would_of_the_ confusion_of_ants_in_a_nest_against_which_his_foot_has_ kicked._When,_half_suffocated,_I_raised_my_head_above_water,_ the_Martian's_hood_pointed_at_the_batteries_that_were_still_ firing_across_the_river,_and_as_it_advanced_it_swung_loose_ what_must_have_been_the_generator_of_the_Heat-Ray. = In_another_moment_it_was_on_the_bank,_and_in_a_stride_wading_ halfway_across._The_knees_of_its_foremost_legs_bent_at_the_ farther_bank,_and_in_another_moment_it_had_raised_itself_to_ its_full_height_again,_close_to_the_village_of_Shepperton._ Forthwith_the_six_guns_which,_unknown_to_anyone_on_the_right_ bank,_had_been_hidden_behind_the_outskirts_of_that_village,_ fired_simultaneously._The_sudden_near_concussion,_the_last_ close_upon_the_first,_made_my_heart_jump._The_monster_was_ already_raising_the_case_generating_the_Heat-Ray_as_the_ first_shell_burst_six_yards_above_the_hood. = I_gave_a_cry_of_astonishment._I_saw_and_thought_nothing_of_ the_other_four_Martian_monsters;_my_attention_was_riveted_ upon_the_nearer_incident._Simultaneously_two_other_shells_ burst_in_the_air_near_the_body_as_the_hood_twisted_round_in_ time_to_receive,_but_not_in_time_to_dodge,_the_fourth_shell. = The_shell_burst_clean_in_the_face_of_the_Thing._The_hood_ bulged,_flashed,_was_whirled_off_in_a_dozen_tattered_ fragments_of_red_flesh_and_glittering_metal. = "Hit!"_shouted_I,_with_something_between_a_scream_and_a_ cheer. = I_heard_answering_shouts_from_the_people_in_the_water_about_ me._I_could_have_leaped_out_of_the_water_with_that_momentary_ exultation. = The_decapitated_colossus_reeled_like_a_drunken_giant;_but_it_ did_not_fall_over._It_recovered_its_balance_by_a_miracle,_ and,_no_longer_heeding_its_steps_and_with_the_camera_that_ fired_the_Heat-Ray_now_rigidly_upheld,_it_reeled_swiftly_ upon_Shepperton._The_living_intelligence,_the_Martian_within_ the_hood,_was_slain_and_splashed_to_the_four_winds_of_ heaven,_and_the_Thing_was_now_but_a_mere_intricate_device_of_ metal_whirling_to_destruction._It_drove_along_in_a_straight_ line,_incapable_of_guidance._It_struck_the_tower_of_ Shepperton_Church,_smashing_it_down_as_the_impact_of_a_ battering_ram_might_have_done,_swerved_aside,_blundered_on_ and_collapsed_with_tremendous_force_into_the_river_out_of_my_ sight. = A_violent_explosion_shook_the_air,_and_a_spout_of_water,_ steam,_mud,_and_shattered_metal_shot_far_up_into_the_sky._As_ the_camera_of_the_Heat-Ray_hit_the_water,_the_latter_had_ immediately_flashed_into_steam._In_another_moment_a_huge_ wave,_like_a_muddy_tidal_bore_but_almost_scaldingly_hot,_ came_sweeping_round_the_bend_upstream._I_saw_people_ struggling_shorewards,_and_heard_their_screaming_and_ shouting_faintly_above_the_seething_and_roar_of_the_ Martian's_collapse. = For_a_moment_I_heeded_nothing_of_the_heat,_forgot_the_patent_ need_of_self-preservation._I_splashed_through_the_tumultuous_ water,_pushing_aside_a_man_in_black_to_do_so,_until_I_could_ see_round_the_bend._Half_a_dozen_deserted_boats_pitched_ aimlessly_upon_the_confusion_of_the_waves._The_fallen_ Martian_came_into_sight_downstream,_lying_across_the_river,_ and_for_the_most_part_submerged. = Thick_clouds_of_steam_were_pouring_off_the_wreckage,_and_ through_the_tumultuously_whirling_wisps_I_could_see,_ intermittently_and_vaguely,_the_gigantic_limbs_churning_the_ water_and_flinging_a_splash_and_spray_of_mud_and_froth_into_ the_air._The_tentacles_swayed_and_struck_like_living_arms,_ and,_save_for_the_helpless_purposelessness_of_these_ movements,_it_was_as_if_some_wounded_thing_were_struggling_ for_its_life_amid_the_waves._Enormous_quantities_of_a_ ruddy-brown_fluid_were_spurting_up_in_noisy_jets_out_of_the_ machine. = My_attention_was_diverted_from_this_death_flurry_by_a_ furious_yelling,_like_that_of_the_thing_called_a_siren_in_ our_manufacturing_towns._A_man,_knee-deep_near_the_towing_ path,_shouted_inaudibly_to_me_and_pointed._Looking_back,_I_ saw_the_other_Martians_advancing_with_gigantic_strides_down_ the_riverbank_from_the_direction_of_Chertsey._The_Shepperton_ guns_spoke_this_time_unavailingly. = At_that_I_ducked_at_once_under_water,_and,_holding_my_breath_ until_movement_was_an_agony,_blundered_painfully_ahead_under_ the_surface_as_long_as_I_could._The_water_was_in_a_tumult_ about_me,_and_rapidly_growing_hotter. = When_for_a_moment_I_raised_my_head_to_take_breath_and_throw_ the_hair_and_water_from_my_eyes,_the_steam_was_rising_in_a_ whirling_white_fog_that_at_first_hid_the_Martians_ altogether._The_noise_was_deafening._Then_I_saw_them_dimly,_ colossal_figures_of_grey,_magnified_by_the_mist._They_had_ passed_by_me,_and_two_were_stooping_over_the_frothing,_ tumultuous_ruins_of_their_comrade. = The_third_and_fourth_stood_beside_him_in_the_water,_one_ perhaps_two_hundred_yards_from_me,_the_other_towards_ Laleham._The_generators_of_the_Heat-Rays_waved_high,_and_the_ hissing_beams_smote_down_this_way_and_that. = The_air_was_full_of_sound,_a_deafening_and_confusing_ conflict_of_noises--the_clangorous_din_of_the_Martians,_the_ crash_of_falling_houses,_the_thud_of_trees,_fences,_sheds_ flashing_into_flame,_and_the_crackling_and_roaring_of_fire._ Dense_black_smoke_was_leaping_up_to_mingle_with_the_steam_ from_the_river,_and_as_the_Heat-Ray_went_to_and_fro_over_ Weybridge_its_impact_was_marked_by_flashes_of_incandescent_ white,_that_gave_place_at_once_to_a_smoky_dance_of_lurid_ flames._The_nearer_houses_still_stood_intact,_awaiting_their_ fate,_shadowy,_faint_and_pallid_in_the_steam,_with_the_fire_ behind_them_going_to_and_fro. = For_a_moment_perhaps_I_stood_there,_breast-high_in_the_ almost_boiling_water,_dumbfounded_at_my_position,_hopeless_ of_escape._Through_the_reek_I_could_see_the_people_who_had_ been_with_me_in_the_river_scrambling_out_of_the_water_ through_the_reeds,_like_little_frogs_hurrying_through_grass_ from_the_advance_of_a_man,_or_running_to_and_fro_in_utter_ dismay_on_the_towing_path. = Then_suddenly_the_white_flashes_of_the_Heat-Ray_came_leaping_ towards_me._The_houses_caved_in_as_they_dissolved_at_its_ touch,_and_darted_out_flames;_the_trees_changed_to_fire_with_ a_roar._The_Ray_flickered_up_and_down_the_towing_path,_ licking_off_the_people_who_ran_this_way_and_that,_and_came_ down_to_the_water's_edge_not_fifty_yards_from_where_I_stood._ It_swept_across_the_river_to_Shepperton,_and_the_water_in_ its_track_rose_in_a_boiling_weal_crested_with_steam._I_ turned_shoreward. = In_another_moment_the_huge_wave,_well-nigh_at_the_ boiling-point_had_rushed_upon_me._I_screamed_aloud,_and_ scalded,_half_blinded,_agonised,_I_staggered_through_the_ leaping,_hissing_water_towards_the_shore._Had_my_foot_ stumbled,_it_would_have_been_the_end._I_fell_helplessly,_in_ full_sight_of_the_Martians,_upon_the_broad,_bare_gravelly_ spit_that_runs_down_to_mark_the_angle_of_the_Wey_and_Thames._ I_expected_nothing_but_death. = I_have_a_dim_memory_of_the_foot_of_a_Martian_coming_down_ within_a_score_of_yards_of_my_head,_driving_straight_into_ the_loose_gravel,_whirling_it_this_way_and_that_and_lifting_ again;_of_a_long_suspense,_and_then_of_the_four_carrying_the_ debris_of_their_comrade_between_them,_now_clear_and_then_ presently_faint_through_a_veil_of_smoke,_receding_ interminably,_as_it_seemed_to_me,_across_a_vast_space_of_ river_and_meadow._And_then,_very_slowly,_I_realised_that_by_ a_miracle_I_had_escaped. = # ## # chapter 13 THIRTEEN # unit C chapter_number # unit H chapter_title # unit P text After_getting_this_sudden_lesson_in_the_power_of_terrestrial_ weapons,_the_Martians_retreated_to_their_original_position_ upon_Horsell_Common;_and_in_their_haste,_and_encumbered_with_ the_debris_of_their_smashed_companion,_they_no_doubt_ overlooked_many_such_a_stray_and_negligible_victim_as_ myself._Had_they_left_their_comrade_and_pushed_on_forthwith,_ there_was_nothing_at_that_time_between_them_and_London_but_ batteries_of_twelve-pounder_guns,_and_they_would_certainly_ have_reached_the_capital_in_advance_of_the_tidings_of_their_ approach;_as_sudden,_dreadful,_and_destructive_their_advent_ would_have_been_as_the_earthquake_that_destroyed_Lisbon_a_ century_ago. = But_they_were_in_no_hurry._Cylinder_followed_cylinder_on_its_ interplanetary_flight;_every_twenty-four_hours_brought_them_ reinforcement._And_meanwhile_the_military_and_naval_ authorities,_now_fully_alive_to_the_tremendous_power_of_ their_antagonists,_worked_with_furious_energy._Every_minute_ a_fresh_gun_came_into_position_until,_before_twilight,_every_ copse,_every_row_of_suburban_villas_on_the_hilly_slopes_ about_Kingston_and_Richmond,_masked_an_expectant_black_ muzzle._And_through_the_charred_and_desolated_area--perhaps_ twenty_square_miles_altogether--that_encircled_the_Martian_ encampment_on_Horsell_Common,_through_charred_and_ruined_ villages_among_the_green_trees,_through_the_blackened_and_ smoking_arcades_that_had_been_but_a_day_ago_pine_spinneys,_ crawled_the_devoted_scouts_with_the_heliographs_that_were_ presently_to_warn_the_gunners_of_the_Martian_approach._But_ the_Martians_now_understood_our_command_of_artillery_and_the_ danger_of_human_proximity,_and_not_a_man_ventured_within_a_ mile_of_either_cylinder,_save_at_the_price_of_his_life. = It_would_seem_that_these_giants_spent_the_earlier_part_of_ the_afternoon_in_going_to_and_fro,_transferring_everything_ from_the_second_and_third_cylinders--the_second_in_ Addlestone_Golf_Links_and_the_third_at_Pyrford--to_their_ original_pit_on_Horsell_Common._Over_that,_above_the_ blackened_heather_and_ruined_buildings_that_stretched_far_ and_wide,_stood_one_as_sentinel,_while_the_rest_abandoned_ their_vast_fighting-machines_and_descended_into_the_pit._ They_were_hard_at_work_there_far_into_the_night,_and_the_ towering_pillar_of_dense_green_smoke_that_rose_therefrom_ could_be_seen_from_the_hills_about_Merrow,_and_even,_it_is_ said,_from_Banstead_and_Epsom_Downs. = And_while_the_Martians_behind_me_were_thus_preparing_for_ their_next_sally,_and_in_front_of_me_Humanity_gathered_for_ the_battle,_I_made_my_way_with_infinite_pains_and_labour_ from_the_fire_and_smoke_of_burning_Weybridge_towards_London. = I_saw_an_abandoned_boat,_very_small_and_remote,_drifting_ down-stream;_and_throwing_off_the_most_of_my_sodden_clothes,_ I_went_after_it,_gained_it,_and_so_escaped_out_of_that_ destruction._There_were_no_oars_in_the_boat,_but_I_contrived_ to_paddle,_as_well_as_my_parboiled_hands_would_allow,_down_ the_river_towards_Halliford_and_Walton,_going_very_tediously_ and_continually_looking_behind_me,_as_you_may_well_ understand._I_followed_the_river,_because_I_considered_that_ the_water_gave_me_my_best_chance_of_escape_should_these_ giants_return. = The_hot_water_from_the_Martian's_overthrow_drifted_ downstream_with_me,_so_that_for_the_best_part_of_a_mile_I_ could_see_little_of_either_bank._Once,_however,_I_made_out_a_ string_of_black_figures_hurrying_across_the_meadows_from_the_ direction_of_Weybridge._Halliford,_it_seemed,_was_deserted,_ and_several_of_the_houses_facing_the_river_were_on_fire._It_ was_strange_to_see_the_place_quite_tranquil,_quite_desolate_ under_the_hot_blue_sky,_with_the_smoke_and_little_threads_of_ flame_going_straight_up_into_the_heat_of_the_afternoon._ Never_before_had_I_seen_houses_burning_without_the_ accompaniment_of_an_obstructive_crowd._A_little_farther_on_ the_dry_reeds_up_the_bank_were_smoking_and_glowing,_and_a_ line_of_fire_inland_was_marching_steadily_across_a_late_ field_of_hay. = For_a_long_time_I_drifted,_so_painful_and_weary_was_I_after_ the_violence_I_had_been_through,_and_so_intense_the_heat_ upon_the_water._Then_my_fears_got_the_better_of_me_again,_ and_I_resumed_my_paddling._The_sun_scorched_my_bare_back._At_ last,_as_the_bridge_at_Walton_was_coming_into_sight_round_ the_bend,_my_fever_and_faintness_overcame_my_fears,_and_I_ landed_on_the_Middlesex_bank_and_lay_down,_deadly_sick,_amid_ the_long_grass._I_suppose_the_time_was_then_about_four_or_ five_o'clock._I_got_up_presently,_walked_perhaps_half_a_mile_ without_meeting_a_soul,_and_then_lay_down_again_in_the_ shadow_of_a_hedge._I_seem_to_remember_talking,_wanderingly,_ to_myself_during_that_last_spurt._I_was_also_very_thirsty,_ and_bitterly_regretful_I_had_drunk_no_more_water._It_is_a_ curious_thing_that_I_felt_angry_with_my_wife;_I_cannot_ account_for_it,_but_my_impotent_desire_to_reach_Leatherhead_ worried_me_excessively. = I_do_not_clearly_remember_the_arrival_of_the_curate,_so_that_ probably_I_dozed._I_became_aware_of_him_as_a_seated_figure_ in_soot-smudged_shirt_sleeves,_and_with_his_upturned,_ clean-shaven_face_staring_at_a_faint_flickering_that_danced_ over_the_sky._The_sky_was_what_is_called_a_mackerel_ sky--rows_and_rows_of_faint_down-plumes_of_cloud,_just_ tinted_with_the_midsummer_sunset. = I_sat_up,_and_at_the_rustle_of_my_motion_he_looked_at_me_ quickly. = "Have_you_any_water?"_I_asked_abruptly. = He_shook_his_head. = "You_have_been_asking_for_water_for_the_last_hour,"_he_said. = For_a_moment_we_were_silent,_taking_stock_of_each_other._I_ dare_say_he_found_me_a_strange_enough_figure,_naked,_save_ for_my_water-soaked_trousers_and_socks,_scalded,_and_my_face_ and_shoulders_blackened_by_the_smoke._His_face_was_a_fair_ weakness,_his_chin_retreated,_and_his_hair_lay_in_crisp,_ almost_flaxen_curls_on_his_low_forehead;_his_eyes_were_ rather_large,_pale_blue,_and_blankly_staring._He_spoke_ abruptly,_looking_vacantly_away_from_me. = "What_does_it_mean?"_he_said._"What_do_these_things_mean?" = I_stared_at_him_and_made_no_answer. = He_extended_a_thin_white_hand_and_spoke_in_almost_a_ complaining_tone. = "Why_are_these_things_permitted?_What_sins_have_we_done?_The_ morning_service_was_over,_I_was_walking_through_the_roads_to_ clear_my_brain_for_the_afternoon,_and_then--fire,_ earthquake,_death!_As_if_it_were_Sodom_and_Gomorrah!_All_our_ work_undone,_all_the_work----What_are_these_Martians?" = "What_are_we?"_I_answered,_clearing_my_throat. = He_gripped_his_knees_and_turned_to_look_at_me_again._For_ half_a_minute,_perhaps,_he_stared_silently. = "I_was_walking_through_the_roads_to_clear_my_brain,"_he_ said._"And_suddenly--fire,_earthquake,_death!" = He_relapsed_into_silence,_with_his_chin_now_sunken_almost_to_ his_knees. = Presently_he_began_waving_his_hand. = "All_the_work--all_the_Sunday_schools----What_have_we_ done--what_has_Weybridge_done?_Everything_gone--everything_ destroyed._The_church!_We_rebuilt_it_only_three_years_ago._ Gone!_Swept_out_of_existence!_Why?" = Another_pause,_and_he_broke_out_again_like_one_demented. = "The_smoke_of_her_burning_goeth_up_for_ever_and_ever!"_he_ shouted. = His_eyes_flamed,_and_he_pointed_a_lean_finger_in_the_ direction_of_Weybridge. = By_this_time_I_was_beginning_to_take_his_measure._The_ tremendous_tragedy_in_which_he_had_been_involved--it_was_ evident_he_was_a_fugitive_from_Weybridge--had_driven_him_to_ the_very_verge_of_his_reason. = "Are_we_far_from_Sunbury?"_I_said,_in_a_matter-of-fact_tone. = "What_are_we_to_do?"_he_asked._"Are_these_creatures_ everywhere?_Has_the_earth_been_given_over_to_them?" = "Are_we_far_from_Sunbury?" = "Only_this_morning_I_officiated_at_early_celebration----" = "Things_have_changed,"_I_said,_quietly._"You_must_keep_your_ head._There_is_still_hope." = "Hope!" = "Yes._Plentiful_hope--for_all_this_destruction!" = I_began_to_explain_my_view_of_our_position._He_listened_at_ first,_but_as_I_went_on_the_interest_dawning_in_his_eyes_ gave_place_to_their_former_stare,_and_his_regard_wandered_ from_me. = "This_must_be_the_beginning_of_the_end,"_he_said,_ interrupting_me._"The_end!_The_great_and_terrible_day_of_the_ Lord!_When_men_shall_call_upon_the_mountains_and_the_rocks_ to_fall_upon_them_and_hide_them--hide_them_from_the_face_of_ Him_that_sitteth_upon_the_throne!" = I_began_to_understand_the_position._I_ceased_my_laboured_ reasoning,_struggled_to_my_feet,_and,_standing_over_him,_ laid_my_hand_on_his_shoulder. = "Be_a_man!"_said_I._"You_are_scared_out_of_your_wits!_What_ good_is_religion_if_it_collapses_under_calamity?_Think_of_ what_earthquakes_and_floods,_wars_and_volcanoes,_have_done_ before_to_men!_Did_you_think_God_had_exempted_Weybridge?_He_ is_not_an_insurance_agent." = For_a_time_he_sat_in_blank_silence. = "But_how_can_we_escape?"_he_asked,_suddenly._"They_are_ invulnerable,_they_are_pitiless." = "Neither_the_one_nor,_perhaps,_the_other,"_I_answered._"And_ the_mightier_they_are_the_more_sane_and_wary_should_we_be._ One_of_them_was_killed_yonder_not_three_hours_ago." = "Killed!"_he_said,_staring_about_him._"How_can_God's_ ministers_be_killed?" = "I_saw_it_happen."_I_proceeded_to_tell_him._"We_have_chanced_ to_come_in_for_the_thick_of_it,"_said_I,_"and_that_is_all." = "What_is_that_flicker_in_the_sky?"_he_asked_abruptly. = I_told_him_it_was_the_heliograph_signalling--that_it_was_the_ sign_of_human_help_and_effort_in_the_sky. = "We_are_in_the_midst_of_it,"_I_said,_"quiet_as_it_is._That_ flicker_in_the_sky_tells_of_the_gathering_storm._Yonder,_I_ take_it_are_the_Martians,_and_Londonward,_where_those_hills_ rise_about_Richmond_and_Kingston_and_the_trees_give_cover,_ earthworks_are_being_thrown_up_and_guns_are_being_placed._ Presently_the_Martians_will_be_coming_this_way_again." = And_even_as_I_spoke_he_sprang_to_his_feet_and_stopped_me_by_ a_gesture. = "Listen!"_he_said. = From_beyond_the_low_hills_across_the_water_came_the_dull_ resonance_of_distant_guns_and_a_remote_weird_crying._Then_ everything_was_still._A_cockchafer_came_droning_over_the_ hedge_and_past_us._High_in_the_west_the_crescent_moon_hung_ faint_and_pale_above_the_smoke_of_Weybridge_and_Shepperton_ and_the_hot,_still_splendour_of_the_sunset. = "We_had_better_follow_this_path,"_I_said,_"northward." = # ## # chapter 14 FOURTEEN # unit C chapter_number # unit H chapter_title # unit P text My_younger_brother_was_in_London_when_the_Martians_fell_at_ Woking._He_was_a_medical_student_working_for_an_imminent_ examination,_and_he_heard_nothing_of_the_arrival_until_ Saturday_morning._The_morning_papers_on_Saturday_contained,_ in_addition_to_lengthy_special_articles_on_the_planet_Mars,_ on_life_in_the_planets,_and_so_forth,_a_brief_and_vaguely_ worded_telegram,_all_the_more_striking_for_its_brevity. = The_Martians,_alarmed_by_the_approach_of_a_crowd,_had_killed_ a_number_of_people_with_a_quick-firing_gun,_so_the_story_ ran._The_telegram_concluded_with_the_words:_"Formidable_as_ they_seem_to_be,_the_Martians_have_not_moved_from_the_pit_ into_which_they_have_fallen,_and,_indeed,_seem_incapable_of_ doing_so._Probably_this_is_due_to_the_relative_strength_of_ the_earth's_gravitational_energy."_On_that_last_text_their_ leader-writer_expanded_very_comfortingly. = Of_course_all_the_students_in_the_crammer's_biology_class,_ to_which_my_brother_went_that_day,_were_intensely_ interested,_but_there_were_no_signs_of_any_unusual_ excitement_in_the_streets._The_afternoon_papers_puffed_ scraps_of_news_under_big_headlines._They_had_nothing_to_tell_ beyond_the_movements_of_troops_about_the_common,_and_the_ burning_of_the_pine_woods_between_Woking_and_Weybridge,_ until_eight._Then_the_ST._JAMES'S_GAZETTE,_in_an_ extra-special_edition,_announced_the_bare_fact_of_the_ interruption_of_telegraphic_communication._This_was_thought_ to_be_due_to_the_falling_of_burning_pine_trees_across_the_ line._Nothing_more_of_the_fighting_was_known_that_night,_the_ night_of_my_drive_to_Leatherhead_and_back. = My_brother_felt_no_anxiety_about_us,_as_he_knew_from_the_ description_in_the_papers_that_the_cylinder_was_a_good_two_ miles_from_my_house._He_made_up_his_mind_to_run_down_that_ night_to_me,_in_order,_as_he_says,_to_see_the_Things_before_ they_were_killed._He_despatched_a_telegram,_which_never_ reached_me,_about_four_o'clock,_and_spent_the_evening_at_a_ music_hall. = In_London,_also,_on_Saturday_night_there_was_a_thunderstorm,_ and_my_brother_reached_Waterloo_in_a_cab._On_the_platform_ from_which_the_midnight_train_usually_starts_he_learned,_ after_some_waiting,_that_an_accident_prevented_trains_from_ reaching_Woking_that_night._The_nature_of_the_accident_he_ could_not_ascertain;_indeed,_the_railway_authorities_did_not_ clearly_know_at_that_time._There_was_very_little_excitement_ in_the_station,_as_the_officials,_failing_to_realise_that_ anything_further_than_a_breakdown_between_Byfleet_and_Woking_ junction_had_occurred,_were_running_the_theatre_trains_which_ usually_passed_through_Woking_round_by_Virginia_Water_or_ Guildford._They_were_busy_making_the_necessary_arrangements_ to_alter_the_route_of_the_Southampton_and_Portsmouth_Sunday_ League_excursions._A_nocturnal_newspaper_reporter,_mistaking_ my_brother_for_the_traffic_manager,_to_whom_he_bears_a_ slight_resemblance,_waylaid_and_tried_to_interview_him._Few_ people,_excepting_the_railway_officials,_connected_the_ breakdown_with_the_Martians. = I_have_read,_in_another_account_of_these_events,_that_on_ Sunday_morning_"all_London_was_electrified_by_the_news_from_ Woking."_As_a_matter_of_fact,_there_was_nothing_to_justify_ that_very_extravagant_phrase._Plenty_of_Londoners_did_not_ hear_of_the_Martians_until_the_panic_of_Monday_morning._ Those_who_did_took_some_time_to_realise_all_that_the_hastily_ worded_telegrams_in_the_Sunday_papers_conveyed._The_majority_ of_people_in_London_do_not_read_Sunday_papers. = The_habit_of_personal_security,_moreover,_is_so_deeply_fixed_ in_the_Londoner's_mind,_and_startling_intelligence_so_much_a_ matter_of_course_in_the_papers,_that_they_could_read_without_ any_personal_tremors:_"About_seven_o'clock_last_night_the_ Martians_came_out_of_the_cylinder,_and,_moving_about_under_ an_armour_of_metallic_shields,_have_completely_wrecked_ Woking_station_with_the_adjacent_houses,_and_massacred_an_ entire_battalion_of_the_Cardigan_Regiment._No_details_are_ known._Maxims_have_been_absolutely_useless_against_their_ armour;_the_field_guns_have_been_disabled_by_them._Flying_ hussars_have_been_galloping_into_Chertsey._The_Martians_ appear_to_be_moving_slowly_towards_Chertsey_or_Windsor._ Great_anxiety_prevails_in_West_Surrey,_and_earthworks_are_ being_thrown_up_to_check_the_advance_Londonward."_That_was_ how_the_Sunday_SUN_put_it,_and_a_clever_and_remarkably_ prompt_"handbook"_article_in_the_REFEREE_compared_the_affair_ to_a_menagerie_suddenly_let_loose_in_a_village. = No_one_in_London_knew_positively_of_the_nature_of_the_ armoured_Martians,_and_there_was_still_a_fixed_idea_that_ these_monsters_must_be_sluggish:_"crawling,"_"creeping_ painfully"--such_expressions_occurred_in_almost_all_the_ earlier_reports._None_of_the_telegrams_could_have_been_ written_by_an_eyewitness_of_their_advance._The_Sunday_papers_ printed_separate_editions_as_further_news_came_to_hand,_some_ even_in_default_of_it._But_there_was_practically_nothing_ more_to_tell_people_until_late_in_the_afternoon,_when_the_ authorities_gave_the_press_agencies_the_news_in_their_ possession._It_was_stated_that_the_people_of_Walton_and_ Weybridge,_and_all_the_district_were_pouring_along_the_roads_ Londonward,_and_that_was_all. = My_brother_went_to_church_at_the_Foundling_Hospital_in_the_ morning,_still_in_ignorance_of_what_had_happened_on_the_ previous_night._There_he_heard_allusions_made_to_the_ invasion,_and_a_special_prayer_for_peace._Coming_out,_he_ bought_a_REFEREE._He_became_alarmed_at_the_news_in_this,_and_ went_again_to_Waterloo_station_to_find_out_if_communication_ were_restored._The_omnibuses,_carriages,_cyclists,_and_ innumerable_people_walking_in_their_best_clothes_seemed_ scarcely_affected_by_the_strange_intelligence_that_the_news_ venders_were_disseminating._People_were_interested,_or,_if_ alarmed,_alarmed_only_on_account_of_the_local_residents._At_ the_station_he_heard_for_the_first_time_that_the_Windsor_and_ Chertsey_lines_were_now_interrupted._The_porters_told_him_ that_several_remarkable_telegrams_had_been_received_in_the_ morning_from_Byfleet_and_Chertsey_stations,_but_that_these_ had_abruptly_ceased._My_brother_could_get_very_little_ precise_detail_out_of_them. = "There's_fighting_going_on_about_Weybridge"_was_the_extent_ of_their_information. = The_train_service_was_now_very_much_disorganised._Quite_a_ number_of_people_who_had_been_expecting_friends_from_places_ on_the_South-Western_network_were_standing_about_the_ station._One_grey-headed_old_gentleman_came_and_abused_the_ South-Western_Company_bitterly_to_my_brother._"It_wants_ showing_up,"_he_said. = One_or_two_trains_came_in_from_Richmond,_Putney,_and_ Kingston,_containing_people_who_had_gone_out_for_a_day's_ boating_and_found_the_locks_closed_and_a_feeling_of_panic_in_ the_air._A_man_in_a_blue_and_white_blazer_addressed_my_ brother,_full_of_strange_tidings. = "There's_hosts_of_people_driving_into_Kingston_in_traps_and_ carts_and_things,_with_boxes_of_valuables_and_all_that,"_he_ said._"They_come_from_Molesey_and_Weybridge_and_Walton,_and_ they_say_there's_been_guns_heard_at_Chertsey,_heavy_firing,_ and_that_mounted_soldiers_have_told_them_to_get_off_at_once_ because_the_Martians_are_coming._We_heard_guns_firing_at_ Hampton_Court_station,_but_we_thought_it_was_thunder._What_ the_dickens_does_it_all_mean?_The_Martians_can't_get_out_of_ their_pit,_can_they?" = My_brother_could_not_tell_him. = Afterwards_he_found_that_the_vague_feeling_of_alarm_had_ spread_to_the_clients_of_the_underground_railway,_and_that_ the_Sunday_excursionists_began_to_return_from_all_over_the_ South-Western_"lung"--Barnes,_Wimbledon,_Richmond_Park,_Kew,_ and_so_forth--at_unnaturally_early_hours;_but_not_a_soul_had_ anything_more_than_vague_hearsay_to_tell_of._Everyone_ connected_with_the_terminus_seemed_ill-tempered. = About_five_o'clock_the_gathering_crowd_in_the_station_was_ immensely_excited_by_the_opening_of_the_line_of_ communication,_which_is_almost_invariably_closed,_between_ the_South-Eastern_and_the_South-Western_stations,_and_the_ passage_of_carriage_trucks_bearing_huge_guns_and_carriages_ crammed_with_soldiers._These_were_the_guns_that_were_brought_ up_from_Woolwich_and_Chatham_to_cover_Kingston._There_was_an_ exchange_of_pleasantries:_"You'll_get_eaten!"_"We're_the_ beast-tamers!"_and_so_forth._A_little_while_after_that_a_ squad_of_police_came_into_the_station_and_began_to_clear_the_ public_off_the_platforms,_and_my_brother_went_out_into_the_ street_again. = The_church_bells_were_ringing_for_evensong,_and_a_squad_of_ Salvation_Army_lassies_came_singing_down_Waterloo_Road._On_ the_bridge_a_number_of_loafers_were_watching_a_curious_brown_ scum_that_came_drifting_down_the_stream_in_patches._The_sun_ was_just_setting,_and_the_Clock_Tower_and_the_Houses_of_ Parliament_rose_against_one_of_the_most_peaceful_skies_it_is_ possible_to_imagine,_a_sky_of_gold,_barred_with_long_ transverse_stripes_of_reddish-purple_cloud._There_was_talk_ of_a_floating_body._One_of_the_men_there,_a_reservist_he_ said_he_was,_told_my_brother_he_had_seen_the_heliograph_ flickering_in_the_west. = In_Wellington_Street_my_brother_met_a_couple_of_sturdy_ roughs_who_had_just_been_rushed_out_of_Fleet_Street_with_ still-wet_newspapers_and_staring_placards._"Dreadful_ catastrophe!"_they_bawled_one_to_the_other_down_Wellington_ Street._"Fight_ing_at_Weybridge!_Full_description!_Repulse_ of_the_Martians!_London_in_Danger!"_He_had_to_give_ threepence_for_a_copy_of_that_paper. = Then_it_was,_and_then_only,_that_he_realised_something_of_ the_full_power_and_terror_of_these_monsters._He_learned_that_ they_were_not_merely_a_handful_of_small_sluggish_creatures,_ but_that_they_were_minds_swaying_vast_mechanical_bodies;_and_ that_they_could_move_swiftly_and_smite_with_such_power_that_ even_the_mightiest_guns_could_not_stand_against_them. = They_were_described_as_"vast_spiderlike_machines,_nearly_a_ hundred_feet_high,_capable_of_the_speed_of_an_express_train,_ and_able_to_shoot_out_a_beam_of_intense_heat."_Masked_ batteries,_chiefly_of_field_guns,_had_been_planted_in_the_ country_about_Horsell_Common,_and_especially_between_the_ Woking_district_and_London._Five_of_the_machines_had_been_ seen_moving_towards_the_Thames,_and_one,_by_a_happy_chance,_ had_been_destroyed._In_the_other_cases_the_shells_had_ missed,_and_the_batteries_had_been_at_once_annihilated_by_ the_Heat-Rays._Heavy_losses_of_soldiers_were_mentioned,_but_ the_tone_of_the_despatch_was_optimistic. = The_Martians_had_been_repulsed;_they_were_not_invulnerable._ They_had_retreated_to_their_triangle_of_cylinders_again,_in_ the_circle_about_Woking._Signallers_with_heliographs_were_ pushing_forward_upon_them_from_all_sides._Guns_were_in_rapid_ transit_from_Windsor,_Portsmouth,_Aldershot,_Woolwich--even_ from_the_north;_among_others,_long_wire-guns_of_ninety-five_ tons_from_Woolwich._Altogether_one_hundred_and_sixteen_were_ in_position_or_being_hastily_placed,_chiefly_covering_ London._Never_before_in_England_had_there_been_such_a_vast_ or_rapid_concentration_of_military_material. = Any_further_cylinders_that_fell,_it_was_hoped,_could_be_ destroyed_at_once_by_high_explosives,_which_were_being_ rapidly_manufactured_and_distributed._No_doubt,_ran_the_ report,_the_situation_was_of_the_strangest_and_gravest_ description,_but_the_public_was_exhorted_to_avoid_and_ discourage_panic._No_doubt_the_Martians_were_strange_and_ terrible_in_the_extreme,_but_at_the_outside_there_could_not_ be_more_than_twenty_of_them_against_our_millions. = The_authorities_had_reason_to_suppose,_from_the_size_of_the_ cylinders,_that_at_the_outside_there_could_not_be_more_than_ five_in_each_cylinder--fifteen_altogether._And_one_at_least_ was_disposed_of--perhaps_more._The_public_would_be_fairly_ warned_of_the_approach_of_danger,_and_elaborate_measures_ were_being_taken_for_the_protection_of_the_people_in_the_ threatened_southwestern_suburbs._And_so,_with_reiterated_ assurances_of_the_safety_of_London_and_the_ability_of_the_ authorities_to_cope_with_the_difficulty,_this_ quasi-proclamation_closed. = This_was_printed_in_enormous_type_on_paper_so_fresh_that_it_ was_still_wet,_and_there_had_been_no_time_to_add_a_word_of_ comment._It_was_curious,_my_brother_said,_to_see_how_ ruthlessly_the_usual_contents_of_the_paper_had_been_hacked_ and_taken_out_to_give_this_place. = All_down_Wellington_Street_people_could_be_seen_fluttering_ out_the_pink_sheets_and_reading,_and_the_Strand_was_suddenly_ noisy_with_the_voices_of_an_army_of_hawkers_following_these_ pioneers._Men_came_scrambling_off_buses_to_secure_copies._ Certainly_this_news_excited_people_intensely,_whatever_their_ previous_apathy._The_shutters_of_a_map_shop_in_the_Strand_ were_being_taken_down,_my_brother_said,_and_a_man_in_his_ Sunday_raiment,_lemon-yellow_gloves_even,_was_visible_inside_ the_window_hastily_fastening_maps_of_Surrey_to_the_glass. = Going_on_along_the_Strand_to_Trafalgar_Square,_the_paper_in_ his_hand,_my_brother_saw_some_of_the_fugitives_from_West_ Surrey._There_was_a_man_with_his_wife_and_two_boys_and_some_ articles_of_furniture_in_a_cart_such_as_greengrocers_use._He_ was_driving_from_the_direction_of_Westminster_Bridge;_and_ close_behind_him_came_a_hay_waggon_with_five_or_six_ respectable-looking_people_in_it,_and_some_boxes_and_ bundles._The_faces_of_these_people_were_haggard,_and_their_ entire_appearance_contrasted_conspicuously_with_the_ Sabbath-best_appearance_of_the_people_on_the_omnibuses._ People_in_fashionable_clothing_peeped_at_them_out_of_cabs._ They_stopped_at_the_Square_as_if_undecided_which_way_to_ take,_and_finally_turned_eastward_along_the_Strand._Some_way_ behind_these_came_a_man_in_workday_clothes,_riding_one_of_ those_old-fashioned_tricycles_with_a_small_front_wheel._He_ was_dirty_and_white_in_the_face. = My_brother_turned_down_towards_Victoria,_and_met_a_number_of_ such_people._He_had_a_vague_idea_that_he_might_see_something_ of_me._He_noticed_an_unusual_number_of_police_regulating_the_ traffic._Some_of_the_refugees_were_exchanging_news_with_the_ people_on_the_omnibuses._One_was_professing_to_have_seen_the_ Martians._"Boilers_on_stilts,_I_tell_you,_striding_along_ like_men."_Most_of_them_were_excited_and_animated_by_their_ strange_experience. = Beyond_Victoria_the_public-houses_were_doing_a_lively_trade_ with_these_arrivals._At_all_the_street_corners_groups_of_ people_were_reading_papers,_talking_excitedly,_or_staring_at_ these_unusual_Sunday_visitors._They_seemed_to_increase_as_ night_drew_on,_until_at_last_the_roads,_my_brother_said,_ were_like_Epsom_High_Street_on_a_Derby_Day._My_brother_ addressed_several_of_these_fugitives_and_got_unsatisfactory_ answers_from_most. = None_of_them_could_tell_him_any_news_of_Woking_except_one_ man,_who_assured_him_that_Woking_had_been_entirely_destroyed_ on_the_previous_night. = "I_come_from_Byfleet,"_he_said;_"man_on_a_bicycle_came_ through_the_place_in_the_early_morning,_and_ran_from_door_to_ door_warning_us_to_come_away._Then_came_soldiers._We_went_ out_to_look,_and_there_were_clouds_of_smoke_to_the_ south--nothing_but_smoke,_and_not_a_soul_coming_that_way._ Then_we_heard_the_guns_at_Chertsey,_and_folks_coming_from_ Weybridge._So_I've_locked_up_my_house_and_come_on." = At_the_time_there_was_a_strong_feeling_in_the_streets_that_ the_authorities_were_to_blame_for_their_incapacity_to_ dispose_of_the_invaders_without_all_this_inconvenience. = About_eight_o'clock_a_noise_of_heavy_firing_was_distinctly_ audible_all_over_the_south_of_London._My_brother_could_not_ hear_it_for_the_traffic_in_the_main_thoroughfares,_but_by_ striking_through_the_quiet_back_streets_to_the_river_he_was_ able_to_distinguish_it_quite_plainly. = He_walked_from_Westminster_to_his_apartments_near_Regent's_ Park,_about_two._He_was_now_very_anxious_on_my_account,_and_ disturbed_at_the_evident_magnitude_of_the_trouble._His_mind_ was_inclined_to_run,_even_as_mine_had_run_on_Saturday,_on_ military_details._He_thought_of_all_those_silent,_expectant_ guns,_of_the_suddenly_nomadic_countryside;_he_tried_to_ imagine_"boilers_on_stilts"_a_hundred_feet_high. = There_were_one_or_two_cartloads_of_refugees_passing_along_ Oxford_Street,_and_several_in_the_Marylebone_Road,_but_so_ slowly_was_the_news_spreading_that_Regent_Street_and_ Portland_Place_were_full_of_their_usual_Sunday-night_ promenaders,_albeit_they_talked_in_groups,_and_along_the_ edge_of_Regent's_Park_there_were_as_many_silent_couples_ "walking_out"_together_under_the_scattered_gas_lamps_as_ever_ there_had_been._The_night_was_warm_and_still,_and_a_little_ oppressive;_the_sound_of_guns_continued_intermittently,_and_ after_midnight_there_seemed_to_be_sheet_lightning_in_the_ south. = He_read_and_re-read_the_paper,_fearing_the_worst_had_ happened_to_me._He_was_restless,_and_after_supper_prowled_ out_again_aimlessly._He_returned_and_tried_in_vain_to_divert_ his_attention_to_his_examination_notes._He_went_to_bed_a_ little_after_midnight,_and_was_awakened_from_lurid_dreams_in_ the_small_hours_of_Monday_by_the_sound_of_door_knockers,_ feet_running_in_the_street,_distant_drumming,_and_a_clamour_ of_bells._Red_reflections_danced_on_the_ceiling._For_a_ moment_he_lay_astonished,_wondering_whether_day_had_come_or_ the_world_gone_mad._Then_he_jumped_out_of_bed_and_ran_to_the_ window. = His_room_was_an_attic_and_as_he_thrust_his_head_out,_up_and_ down_the_street_there_were_a_dozen_echoes_to_the_noise_of_ his_window_sash,_and_heads_in_every_kind_of_night_disarray_ appeared._Enquiries_were_being_shouted._"They_are_coming!"_ bawled_a_policeman,_hammering_at_the_door;_"the_Martians_are_ coming!"_and_hurried_to_the_next_door. = The_sound_of_drumming_and_trumpeting_came_from_the_Albany_ Street_Barracks,_and_every_church_within_earshot_was_hard_at_ work_killing_sleep_with_a_vehement_disorderly_tocsin._There_ was_a_noise_of_doors_opening,_and_window_after_window_in_the_ houses_opposite_flashed_from_darkness_into_yellow_ illumination. = Up_the_street_came_galloping_a_closed_carriage,_bursting_ abruptly_into_noise_at_the_corner,_rising_to_a_clattering_ climax_under_the_window,_and_dying_away_slowly_in_the_ distance._Close_on_the_rear_of_this_came_a_couple_of_cabs,_ the_forerunners_of_a_long_procession_of_flying_vehicles,_ going_for_the_most_part_to_Chalk_Farm_station,_where_the_ North-Western_special_trains_were_loading_up,_instead_of_ coming_down_the_gradient_into_Euston. = For_a_long_time_my_brother_stared_out_of_the_window_in_blank_ astonishment,_watching_the_policemen_hammering_at_door_after_ door,_and_delivering_their_incomprehensible_message._Then_ the_door_behind_him_opened,_and_the_man_who_lodged_across_ the_landing_came_in,_dressed_only_in_shirt,_trousers,_and_ slippers,_his_braces_loose_about_his_waist,_his_hair_ disordered_from_his_pillow. = "What_the_devil_is_it?"_he_asked._"A_fire?_What_a_devil_of_a_ row!" = They_both_craned_their_heads_out_of_the_window,_straining_to_ hear_what_the_policemen_were_shouting._People_were_coming_ out_of_the_side_streets,_and_standing_in_groups_at_the_ corners_talking. = "What_the_devil_is_it_all_about?"_said_my_brother's_fellow_ lodger. = My_brother_answered_him_vaguely_and_began_to_dress,_running_ with_each_garment_to_the_window_in_order_to_miss_nothing_of_ the_growing_excitement._And_presently_men_selling_ unnaturally_early_newspapers_came_bawling_into_the_street: = "London_in_danger_of_suffocation!_The_Kingston_and_Richmond_ defences_forced!_Fearful_massacres_in_the_Thames_Valley!" = And_all_about_him--in_the_rooms_below,_in_the_houses_on_each_ side_and_across_the_road,_and_behind_in_the_Park_Terraces_ and_in_the_hundred_other_streets_of_that_part_of_Marylebone,_ and_the_Westbourne_Park_district_and_St._Pancras,_and_ westward_and_northward_in_Kilburn_and_St._John's_Wood_and_ Hampstead,_and_eastward_in_Shoreditch_and_Highbury_and_ Haggerston_and_Hoxton,_and,_indeed,_through_all_the_vastness_ of_London_from_Ealing_to_East_Ham--people_were_rubbing_their_ eyes,_and_opening_windows_to_stare_out_and_ask_aimless_ questions,_dressing_hastily_as_the_first_breath_of_the_ coming_storm_of_Fear_blew_through_the_streets._It_was_the_ dawn_of_the_great_panic._London,_which_had_gone_to_bed_on_ Sunday_night_oblivious_and_inert,_was_awakened,_in_the_small_ hours_of_Monday_morning,_to_a_vivid_sense_of_danger. = Unable_from_his_window_to_learn_what_was_happening,_my_ brother_went_down_and_out_into_the_street,_just_as_the_sky_ between_the_parapets_of_the_houses_grew_pink_with_the_early_ dawn._The_flying_people_on_foot_and_in_vehicles_grew_more_ numerous_every_moment._"Black_Smoke!"_he_heard_people_ crying,_and_again_"Black_Smoke!"_The_contagion_of_such_a_ unanimous_fear_was_inevitable._As_my_brother_hesitated_on_ the_door-step,_he_saw_another_news_vender_approaching,_and_ got_a_paper_forthwith._The_man_was_running_away_with_the_ rest,_and_selling_his_papers_for_a_shilling_each_as_he_ ran--a_grotesque_mingling_of_profit_and_panic. = And_from_this_paper_my_brother_read_that_catastrophic_ despatch_of_the_Commander-in-Chief: = "The_Martians_are_able_to_discharge_enormous_clouds_of_a_ black_and_poisonous_vapour_by_means_of_rockets._They_have_ smothered_our_batteries,_destroyed_Richmond,_Kingston,_and_ Wimbledon,_and_are_advancing_slowly_towards_London,_ destroying_everything_on_the_way._It_is_impossible_to_stop_ them._There_is_no_safety_from_the_Black_Smoke_but_in_instant_ flight." = That_was_all,_but_it_was_enough._The_whole_population_of_the_ great_six-million_city_was_stirring,_slipping,_running;_ presently_it_would_be_pouring_EN_MASSE_northward. = "Black_Smoke!"_the_voices_cried._"Fire!" = The_bells_of_the_neighbouring_church_made_a_jangling_tumult,_ a_cart_carelessly_driven_smashed,_amid_shrieks_and_curses,_ against_the_water_trough_up_the_street._Sickly_yellow_lights_ went_to_and_fro_in_the_houses,_and_some_of_the_passing_cabs_ flaunted_unextinguished_lamps._And_overhead_the_dawn_was_ growing_brighter,_clear_and_steady_and_calm. = He_heard_footsteps_running_to_and_fro_in_the_rooms,_and_up_ and_down_stairs_behind_him._His_landlady_came_to_the_door,_ loosely_wrapped_in_dressing_gown_and_shawl;_her_husband_ followed_ejaculating. = As_my_brother_began_to_realise_the_import_of_all_these_ things,_he_turned_hastily_to_his_own_room,_put_all_his_ available_money--some_ten_pounds_altogether--into_his_ pockets,_and_went_out_again_into_the_streets. = # ## # chapter 15 FIFTEEN # unit C chapter_number # unit H chapter_title # unit P text It_was_while_the_curate_had_sat_and_talked_so_wildly_to_me_ under_the_hedge_in_the_flat_meadows_near_Halliford,_and_ while_my_brother_was_watching_the_fugitives_stream_over_ Westminster_Bridge,_that_the_Martians_had_resumed_the_ offensive._So_far_as_one_can_ascertain_from_the_conflicting_ accounts_that_have_been_put_forth,_the_majority_of_them_ remained_busied_with_preparations_in_the_Horsell_pit_until_ nine_that_night,_hurrying_on_some_operation_that_disengaged_ huge_volumes_of_green_smoke. = But_three_certainly_came_out_about_eight_o'clock_and,_ advancing_slowly_and_cautiously,_made_their_way_through_ Byfleet_and_Pyrford_towards_Ripley_and_Weybridge,_and_so_ came_in_sight_of_the_expectant_batteries_against_the_setting_ sun._These_Martians_did_not_advance_in_a_body,_but_in_a_ line,_each_perhaps_a_mile_and_a_half_from_his_nearest_ fellow._They_communicated_with_one_another_by_means_of_ sirenlike_howls,_running_up_and_down_the_scale_from_one_note_ to_another. = It_was_this_howling_and_firing_of_the_guns_at_Ripley_and_St._ George's_Hill_that_we_had_heard_at_Upper_Halliford._The_ Ripley_gunners,_unseasoned_artillery_volunteers_who_ought_ never_to_have_been_placed_in_such_a_position,_fired_one_ wild,_premature,_ineffectual_volley,_and_bolted_on_horse_and_ foot_through_the_deserted_village,_while_the_Martian,_ without_using_his_Heat-Ray,_walked_serenely_over_their_guns,_ stepped_gingerly_among_them,_passed_in_front_of_them,_and_so_ came_unexpectedly_upon_the_guns_in_Painshill_Park,_which_he_ destroyed. = The_St._George's_Hill_men,_however,_were_better_led_or_of_a_ better_mettle._Hidden_by_a_pine_wood_as_they_were,_they_seem_ to_have_been_quite_unsuspected_by_the_Martian_nearest_to_ them._They_laid_their_guns_as_deliberately_as_if_they_had_ been_on_parade,_and_fired_at_about_a_thousand_yards'_range. = The_shells_flashed_all_round_him,_and_he_was_seen_to_advance_ a_few_paces,_stagger,_and_go_down._Everybody_yelled_ together,_and_the_guns_were_reloaded_in_frantic_haste._The_ overthrown_Martian_set_up_a_prolonged_ululation,_and_ immediately_a_second_glittering_giant,_answering_him,_ appeared_over_the_trees_to_the_south._It_would_seem_that_a_ leg_of_the_tripod_had_been_smashed_by_one_of_the_shells._The_ whole_of_the_second_volley_flew_wide_of_the_Martian_on_the_ ground,_and,_simultaneously,_both_his_companions_brought_ their_Heat-Rays_to_bear_on_the_battery._The_ammunition_blew_ up,_the_pine_trees_all_about_the_guns_flashed_into_fire,_and_ only_one_or_two_of_the_men_who_were_already_running_over_the_ crest_of_the_hill_escaped. = After_this_it_would_seem_that_the_three_took_counsel_ together_and_halted,_and_the_scouts_who_were_watching_them_ report_that_they_remained_absolutely_stationary_for_the_next_ half_hour._The_Martian_who_had_been_overthrown_crawled_ tediously_out_of_his_hood,_a_small_brown_figure,_oddly_ suggestive_from_that_distance_of_a_speck_of_blight,_and_ apparently_engaged_in_the_repair_of_his_support._About_nine_ he_had_finished,_for_his_cowl_was_then_seen_above_the_trees_ again. = It_was_a_few_minutes_past_nine_that_night_when_these_three_ sentinels_were_joined_by_four_other_Martians,_each_carrying_ a_thick_black_tube._A_similar_tube_was_handed_to_each_of_the_ three,_and_the_seven_proceeded_to_distribute_themselves_at_ equal_distances_along_a_curved_line_between_St._George's_ Hill,_Weybridge,_and_the_village_of_Send,_southwest_of_ Ripley. = A_dozen_rockets_sprang_out_of_the_hills_before_them_so_soon_ as_they_began_to_move,_and_warned_the_waiting_batteries_ about_Ditton_and_Esher._At_the_same_time_four_of_their_ fighting_machines,_similarly_armed_with_tubes,_crossed_the_ river,_and_two_of_them,_black_against_the_western_sky,_came_ into_sight_of_myself_and_the_curate_as_we_hurried_wearily_ and_painfully_along_the_road_that_runs_northward_out_of_ Halliford._They_moved,_as_it_seemed_to_us,_upon_a_cloud,_for_ a_milky_mist_covered_the_fields_and_rose_to_a_third_of_their_ height. = At_this_sight_the_curate_cried_faintly_in_his_throat,_and_ began_running;_but_I_knew_it_was_no_good_running_from_a_ Martian,_and_I_turned_aside_and_crawled_through_dewy_nettles_ and_brambles_into_the_broad_ditch_by_the_side_of_the_road._ He_looked_back,_saw_what_I_was_doing,_and_turned_to_join_me. = The_two_halted,_the_nearer_to_us_standing_and_facing_ Sunbury,_the_remoter_being_a_grey_indistinctness_towards_the_ evening_star,_away_towards_Staines. = The_occasional_howling_of_the_Martians_had_ceased;_they_took_ up_their_positions_in_the_huge_crescent_about_their_ cylinders_in_absolute_silence._It_was_a_crescent_with_twelve_ miles_between_its_horns._Never_since_the_devising_of_ gun-powder_was_the_beginning_of_a_battle_so_still._To_us_and_ to_an_observer_about_Ripley_it_would_have_had_precisely_the_ same_effect--the_Martians_seemed_in_solitary_possession_of_ the_darkling_night,_lit_only_as_it_was_by_the_slender_moon,_ the_stars,_the_afterglow_of_the_daylight,_and_the_ruddy_ glare_from_St._George's_Hill_and_the_woods_of_Painshill. = But_facing_that_crescent_everywhere--at_Staines,_Hounslow,_ Ditton,_Esher,_Ockham,_behind_hills_and_woods_south_of_the_ river,_and_across_the_flat_grass_meadows_to_the_north_of_it,_ wherever_a_cluster_of_trees_or_village_houses_gave_ sufficient_cover--the_guns_were_waiting._The_signal_rockets_ burst_and_rained_their_sparks_through_the_night_and_ vanished,_and_the_spirit_of_all_those_watching_batteries_ rose_to_a_tense_expectation._The_Martians_had_but_to_advance_ into_the_line_of_fire,_and_instantly_those_motionless_black_ forms_of_men,_those_guns_glittering_so_darkly_in_the_early_ night,_would_explode_into_a_thunderous_fury_of_battle. = No_doubt_the_thought_that_was_uppermost_in_a_thousand_of_ those_vigilant_minds,_even_as_it_was_uppermost_in_mine,_was_ the_riddle--how_much_they_understood_of_us._Did_they_grasp_ that_we_in_our_millions_were_organized,_disciplined,_working_ together?_Or_did_they_interpret_our_spurts_of_fire,_the_ sudden_stinging_of_our_shells,_our_steady_investment_of_ their_encampment,_as_we_should_the_furious_unanimity_of_ onslaught_in_a_disturbed_hive_of_bees?_Did_they_dream_they_ might_exterminate_us?_(At_that_time_no_one_knew_what_food_ they_needed.)_A_hundred_such_questions_struggled_together_in_ my_mind_as_I_watched_that_vast_sentinel_shape._And_in_the_ back_of_my_mind_was_the_sense_of_all_the_huge_unknown_and_ hidden_forces_Londonward._Had_they_prepared_pitfalls?_Were_ the_powder_mills_at_Hounslow_ready_as_a_snare?_Would_the_ Londoners_have_the_heart_and_courage_to_make_a_greater_ Moscow_of_their_mighty_province_of_houses? = Then,_after_an_interminable_time,_as_it_seemed_to_us,_ crouching_and_peering_through_the_hedge,_came_a_sound_like_ the_distant_concussion_of_a_gun._Another_nearer,_and_then_ another._And_then_the_Martian_beside_us_raised_his_tube_on_ high_and_discharged_it,_gunwise,_with_a_heavy_report_that_ made_the_ground_heave._The_one_towards_Staines_answered_him._ There_was_no_flash,_no_smoke,_simply_that_loaded_detonation. = I_was_so_excited_by_these_heavy_minute-guns_following_one_ another_that_I_so_far_forgot_my_personal_safety_and_my_ scalded_hands_as_to_clamber_up_into_the_hedge_and_stare_ towards_Sunbury._As_I_did_so_a_second_report_followed,_and_a_ big_projectile_hurtled_overhead_towards_Hounslow._I_expected_ at_least_to_see_smoke_or_fire,_or_some_such_evidence_of_its_ work._But_all_I_saw_was_the_deep_blue_sky_above,_with_one_ solitary_star,_and_the_white_mist_spreading_wide_and_low_ beneath._And_there_had_been_no_crash,_no_answering_ explosion._The_silence_was_restored;_the_minute_lengthened_ to_three. = "What_has_happened?"_said_the_curate,_standing_up_beside_me. = "Heaven_knows!"_said_I. = A_bat_flickered_by_and_vanished._A_distant_tumult_of_ shouting_began_and_ceased._I_looked_again_at_the_Martian,_ and_saw_he_was_now_moving_eastward_along_the_riverbank,_with_ a_swift,_rolling_motion, = Every_moment_I_expected_the_fire_of_some_hidden_battery_to_ spring_upon_him;_but_the_evening_calm_was_unbroken._The_ figure_of_the_Martian_grew_smaller_as_he_receded,_and_ presently_the_mist_and_the_gathering_night_had_swallowed_him_ up._By_a_common_impulse_we_clambered_higher._Towards_Sunbury_ was_a_dark_appearance,_as_though_a_conical_hill_had_suddenly_ come_into_being_there,_hiding_our_view_of_the_farther_ country;_and_then,_remoter_across_the_river,_over_Walton,_we_ saw_another_such_summit._These_hill-like_forms_grew_lower_ and_broader_even_as_we_stared. = Moved_by_a_sudden_thought,_I_looked_northward,_and_there_I_ perceived_a_third_of_these_cloudy_black_kopjes_had_risen. = Everything_had_suddenly_become_very_still._Far_away_to_the_ southeast,_marking_the_quiet,_we_heard_the_Martians_hooting_ to_one_another,_and_then_the_air_quivered_again_with_the_ distant_thud_of_their_guns._But_the_earthly_artillery_made_ no_reply. = Now_at_the_time_we_could_not_understand_these_things,_but_ later_I_was_to_learn_the_meaning_of_these_ominous_kopjes_ that_gathered_in_the_twilight._Each_of_the_Martians,_ standing_in_the_great_crescent_I_have_described,_had_ discharged,_by_means_of_the_gunlike_tube_he_carried,_a_huge_ canister_over_whatever_hill,_copse,_cluster_of_houses,_or_ other_possible_cover_for_guns,_chanced_to_be_in_front_of_ him._Some_fired_only_one_of_these,_some_two--as_in_the_case_ of_the_one_we_had_seen;_the_one_at_Ripley_is_said_to_have_ discharged_no_fewer_than_five_at_that_time._These_canisters_ smashed_on_striking_the_ground--they_did_not_explode--and_ incontinently_disengaged_an_enormous_volume_of_heavy,_inky_ vapour,_coiling_and_pouring_upward_in_a_huge_and_ebony_ cumulus_cloud,_a_gaseous_hill_that_sank_and_spread_itself_ slowly_over_the_surrounding_country._And_the_touch_of_that_ vapour,_the_inhaling_of_its_pungent_wisps,_was_death_to_all_ that_breathes. = It_was_heavy,_this_vapour,_heavier_than_the_densest_smoke,_ so_that,_after_the_first_tumultuous_uprush_and_outflow_of_ its_impact,_it_sank_down_through_the_air_and_poured_over_the_ ground_in_a_manner_rather_liquid_than_gaseous,_abandoning_ the_hills,_and_streaming_into_the_valleys_and_ditches_and_ watercourses_even_as_I_have_heard_the_carbonic-acid_gas_that_ pours_from_volcanic_clefts_is_wont_to_do._And_where_it_came_ upon_water_some_chemical_action_occurred,_and_the_surface_ would_be_instantly_covered_with_a_powdery_scum_that_sank_ slowly_and_made_way_for_more._The_scum_was_absolutely_ insoluble,_and_it_is_a_strange_thing,_seeing_the_instant_ effect_of_the_gas,_that_one_could_drink_without_hurt_the_ water_from_which_it_had_been_strained._The_vapour_did_not_ diffuse_as_a_true_gas_would_do._It_hung_together_in_banks,_ flowing_sluggishly_down_the_slope_of_the_land_and_driving_ reluctantly_before_the_wind,_and_very_slowly_it_combined_ with_the_mist_and_moisture_of_the_air,_and_sank_to_the_earth_ in_the_form_of_dust._Save_that_an_unknown_element_giving_a_ group_of_four_lines_in_the_blue_of_the_spectrum_is_ concerned,_we_are_still_entirely_ignorant_of_the_nature_of_ this_substance. = Once_the_tumultuous_upheaval_of_its_dispersion_was_over,_the_ black_smoke_clung_so_closely_to_the_ground,_even_before_its_ precipitation,_that_fifty_feet_up_in_the_air,_on_the_roofs_ and_upper_stories_of_high_houses_and_on_great_trees,_there_ was_a_chance_of_escaping_its_poison_altogether,_as_was_ proved_even_that_night_at_Street_Cobham_and_Ditton. = The_man_who_escaped_at_the_former_place_tells_a_wonderful_ story_of_the_strangeness_of_its_coiling_flow,_and_how_he_ looked_down_from_the_church_spire_and_saw_the_houses_of_the_ village_rising_like_ghosts_out_of_its_inky_nothingness._For_ a_day_and_a_half_he_remained_there,_weary,_starving_and_ sun-scorched,_the_earth_under_the_blue_sky_and_against_the_ prospect_of_the_distant_hills_a_velvet-black_expanse,_with_ red_roofs,_green_trees,_and,_later,_black-veiled_shrubs_and_ gates,_barns,_out-houses,_and_walls,_rising_here_and_there_ into_the_sunlight. = But_that_was_at_Street_Cobham,_where_the_black_vapour_was_ allowed_to_remain_until_it_sank_of_its_own_accord_into_the_ ground._As_a_rule_the_Martians,_when_it_had_served_its_ purpose,_cleared_the_air_of_it_again_by_wading_into_it_and_ directing_a_jet_of_steam_upon_it. = This_they_did_with_the_vapour_banks_near_us,_as_we_saw_in_ the_starlight_from_the_window_of_a_deserted_house_at_Upper_ Halliford,_whither_we_had_returned._From_there_we_could_see_ the_searchlights_on_Richmond_Hill_and_Kingston_Hill_going_to_ and_fro,_and_about_eleven_the_windows_rattled,_and_we_heard_ the_sound_of_the_huge_siege_guns_that_had_been_put_in_ position_there._These_continued_intermittently_for_the_space_ of_a_quarter_of_an_hour,_sending_chance_shots_at_the_ invisible_Martians_at_Hampton_and_Ditton,_and_then_the_pale_ beams_of_the_electric_light_vanished,_and_were_replaced_by_a_ bright_red_glow. = Then_the_fourth_cylinder_fell--a_brilliant_green_meteor--as_ I_learned_afterwards,_in_Bushey_Park._Before_the_guns_on_the_ Richmond_and_Kingston_line_of_hills_began,_there_was_a_ fitful_cannonade_far_away_in_the_southwest,_due,_I_believe,_ to_guns_being_fired_haphazard_before_the_black_vapour_could_ overwhelm_the_gunners. = So,_setting_about_it_as_methodically_as_men_might_smoke_out_ a_wasps'_nest,_the_Martians_spread_this_strange_stifling_ vapour_over_the_Londonward_country._The_horns_of_the_ crescent_slowly_moved_apart,_until_at_last_they_formed_a_ line_from_Hanwell_to_Coombe_and_Malden._All_night_through_ their_destructive_tubes_advanced._Never_once,_after_the_ Martian_at_St._George's_Hill_was_brought_down,_did_they_give_ the_artillery_the_ghost_of_a_chance_against_them._Wherever_ there_was_a_possibility_of_guns_being_laid_for_them_unseen,_ a_fresh_canister_of_the_black_vapour_was_discharged,_and_ where_the_guns_were_openly_displayed_the_Heat-Ray_was_ brought_to_bear. = By_midnight_the_blazing_trees_along_the_slopes_of_Richmond_ Park_and_the_glare_of_Kingston_Hill_threw_their_light_upon_a_ network_of_black_smoke,_blotting_out_the_whole_valley_of_the_ Thames_and_extending_as_far_as_the_eye_could_reach._And_ through_this_two_Martians_slowly_waded,_and_turned_their_ hissing_steam_jets_this_way_and_that. = They_were_sparing_of_the_Heat-Ray_that_night,_either_because_ they_had_but_a_limited_supply_of_material_for_its_production_ or_because_they_did_not_wish_to_destroy_the_country_but_only_ to_crush_and_overawe_the_opposition_they_had_aroused._In_the_ latter_aim_they_certainly_succeeded._Sunday_night_was_the_ end_of_the_organised_opposition_to_their_movements._After_ that_no_body_of_men_would_stand_against_them,_so_hopeless_ was_the_enterprise._Even_the_crews_of_the_torpedo-boats_and_ destroyers_that_had_brought_their_quick-firers_up_the_Thames_ refused_to_stop,_mutinied,_and_went_down_again._The_only_ offensive_operation_men_ventured_upon_after_that_night_was_ the_preparation_of_mines_and_pitfalls,_and_even_in_that_ their_energies_were_frantic_and_spasmodic. = One_has_to_imagine,_as_well_as_one_may,_the_fate_of_those_ batteries_towards_Esher,_waiting_so_tensely_in_the_twilight._ Survivors_there_were_none._One_may_picture_the_orderly_ expectation,_the_officers_alert_and_watchful,_the_gunners_ ready,_the_ammunition_piled_to_hand,_the_limber_gunners_with_ their_horses_and_waggons,_the_groups_of_civilian_spectators_ standing_as_near_as_they_were_permitted,_the_evening_ stillness,_the_ambulances_and_hospital_tents_with_the_burned_ and_wounded_from_Weybridge;_then_the_dull_resonance_of_the_ shots_the_Martians_fired,_and_the_clumsy_projectile_whirling_ over_the_trees_and_houses_and_smashing_amid_the_neighbouring_ fields. = One_may_picture,_too,_the_sudden_shifting_of_the_attention,_ the_swiftly_spreading_coils_and_bellyings_of_that_blackness_ advancing_headlong,_towering_heavenward,_turning_the_ twilight_to_a_palpable_darkness,_a_strange_and_horrible_ antagonist_of_vapour_striding_upon_its_victims,_men_and_ horses_near_it_seen_dimly,_running,_shrieking,_falling_ headlong,_shouts_of_dismay,_the_guns_suddenly_abandoned,_men_ choking_and_writhing_on_the_ground,_and_the_swift_ broadening-out_of_the_opaque_cone_of_smoke._And_then_night_ and_extinction--nothing_but_a_silent_mass_of_impenetrable_ vapour_hiding_its_dead. = Before_dawn_the_black_vapour_was_pouring_through_the_streets_ of_Richmond,_and_the_disintegrating_organism_of_government_ was,_with_a_last_expiring_effort,_rousing_the_population_of_ London_to_the_necessity_of_flight. = # ## # chapter 16 SIXTEEN # unit C chapter_number # unit H chapter_title # unit P text So_you_understand_the_roaring_wave_of_fear_that_swept_ through_the_greatest_city_in_the_world_just_as_Monday_was_ dawning--the_stream_of_flight_rising_swiftly_to_a_torrent,_ lashing_in_a_foaming_tumult_round_the_railway_stations,_ banked_up_into_a_horrible_struggle_about_the_shipping_in_the_ Thames,_and_hurrying_by_every_available_channel_northward_ and_eastward._By_ten_o'clock_the_police_organisation,_and_by_ midday_even_the_railway_organisations,_were_losing_ coherency,_losing_shape_and_efficiency,_guttering,_ softening,_running_at_last_in_that_swift_liquefaction_of_the_ social_body. = All_the_railway_lines_north_of_the_Thames_and_the_ South-Eastern_people_at_Cannon_Street_had_been_warned_by_ midnight_on_Sunday,_and_trains_were_being_filled._People_ were_fighting_savagely_for_standing-room_in_the_carriages_ even_at_two_o'clock._By_three,_people_were_being_trampled_ and_crushed_even_in_Bishopsgate_Street,_a_couple_of_hundred_ yards_or_more_from_Liverpool_Street_station;_revolvers_were_ fired,_people_stabbed,_and_the_policemen_who_had_been_sent_ to_direct_the_traffic,_exhausted_and_infuriated,_were_ breaking_the_heads_of_the_people_they_were_called_out_to_ protect. = And_as_the_day_advanced_and_the_engine_drivers_and_stokers_ refused_to_return_to_London,_the_pressure_of_the_flight_ drove_the_people_in_an_ever-thickening_multitude_away_from_ the_stations_and_along_the_northward-running_roads._By_ midday_a_Martian_had_been_seen_at_Barnes,_and_a_cloud_of_ slowly_sinking_black_vapour_drove_along_the_Thames_and_ across_the_flats_of_Lambeth,_cutting_off_all_escape_over_the_ bridges_in_its_sluggish_advance._Another_bank_drove_over_ Ealing,_and_surrounded_a_little_island_of_survivors_on_ Castle_Hill,_alive,_but_unable_to_escape. = After_a_fruitless_struggle_to_get_aboard_a_North-Western_ train_at_Chalk_Farm--the_engines_of_the_trains_that_had_ loaded_in_the_goods_yard_there_PLOUGHED_through_shrieking_ people,_and_a_dozen_stalwart_men_fought_to_keep_the_crowd_ from_crushing_the_driver_against_his_furnace--my_brother_ emerged_upon_the_Chalk_Farm_road,_dodged_across_through_a_ hurrying_swarm_of_vehicles,_and_had_the_luck_to_be_foremost_ in_the_sack_of_a_cycle_shop._The_front_tire_of_the_machine_ he_got_was_punctured_in_dragging_it_through_the_window,_but_ he_got_up_and_off,_notwithstanding,_with_no_further_injury_ than_a_cut_wrist._The_steep_foot_of_Haverstock_Hill_was_ impassable_owing_to_several_overturned_horses,_and_my_ brother_struck_into_Belsize_Road. = So_he_got_out_of_the_fury_of_the_panic,_and,_skirting_the_ Edgware_Road,_reached_Edgware_about_seven,_fasting_and_ wearied,_but_well_ahead_of_the_crowd._Along_the_road_people_ were_standing_in_the_roadway,_curious,_wondering._He_was_ passed_by_a_number_of_cyclists,_some_horsemen,_and_two_motor_ cars._A_mile_from_Edgware_the_rim_of_the_wheel_broke,_and_ the_machine_became_unridable._He_left_it_by_the_roadside_and_ trudged_through_the_village._There_were_shops_half_opened_in_ the_main_street_of_the_place,_and_people_crowded_on_the_ pavement_and_in_the_doorways_and_windows,_staring_astonished_ at_this_extraordinary_procession_of_fugitives_that_was_ beginning._He_succeeded_in_getting_some_food_at_an_inn. = For_a_time_he_remained_in_Edgware_not_knowing_what_next_to_ do._The_flying_people_increased_in_number._Many_of_them,_ like_my_brother,_seemed_inclined_to_loiter_in_the_place._ There_was_no_fresh_news_of_the_invaders_from_Mars. = At_that_time_the_road_was_crowded,_but_as_yet_far_from_ congested._Most_of_the_fugitives_at_that_hour_were_mounted_ on_cycles,_but_there_were_soon_motor_cars,_hansom_cabs,_and_ carriages_hurrying_along,_and_the_dust_hung_in_heavy_clouds_ along_the_road_to_St._Albans. = It_was_perhaps_a_vague_idea_of_making_his_way_to_Chelmsford,_ where_some_friends_of_his_lived,_that_at_last_induced_my_ brother_to_strike_into_a_quiet_lane_running_eastward._ Presently_he_came_upon_a_stile,_and,_crossing_it,_followed_a_ footpath_northeastward._He_passed_near_several_farmhouses_ and_some_little_places_whose_names_he_did_not_learn._He_saw_ few_fugitives_until,_in_a_grass_lane_towards_High_Barnet,_he_ happened_upon_two_ladies_who_became_his_fellow_travellers._ He_came_upon_them_just_in_time_to_save_them. = He_heard_their_screams,_and,_hurrying_round_the_corner,_saw_ a_couple_of_men_struggling_to_drag_them_out_of_the_little_ pony-chaise_in_which_they_had_been_driving,_while_a_third_ with_difficulty_held_the_frightened_pony's_head._One_of_the_ ladies,_a_short_woman_dressed_in_white,_was_simply_ screaming;_the_other,_a_dark,_slender_figure,_slashed_at_the_ man_who_gripped_her_arm_with_a_whip_she_held_in_her_ disengaged_hand. = My_brother_immediately_grasped_the_situation,_shouted,_and_ hurried_towards_the_struggle._One_of_the_men_desisted_and_ turned_towards_him,_and_my_brother,_realising_from_his_ antagonist's_face_that_a_fight_was_unavoidable,_and_being_an_ expert_boxer,_went_into_him_forthwith_and_sent_him_down_ against_the_wheel_of_the_chaise. = It_was_no_time_for_pugilistic_chivalry_and_my_brother_laid_ him_quiet_with_a_kick,_and_gripped_the_collar_of_the_man_who_ pulled_at_the_slender_lady's_arm._He_heard_the_clatter_of_ hoofs,_the_whip_stung_across_his_face,_a_third_antagonist_ struck_him_between_the_eyes,_and_the_man_he_held_wrenched_ himself_free_and_made_off_down_the_lane_in_the_direction_ from_which_he_had_come. = Partly_stunned,_he_found_himself_facing_the_man_who_had_held_ the_horse's_head,_and_became_aware_of_the_chaise_receding_ from_him_down_the_lane,_swaying_from_side_to_side,_and_with_ the_women_in_it_looking_back._The_man_before_him,_a_burly_ rough,_tried_to_close,_and_he_stopped_him_with_a_blow_in_the_ face._Then,_realising_that_he_was_deserted,_he_dodged_round_ and_made_off_down_the_lane_after_the_chaise,_with_the_sturdy_ man_close_behind_him,_and_the_fugitive,_who_had_turned_now,_ following_remotely. = Suddenly_he_stumbled_and_fell;_his_immediate_pursuer_went_ headlong,_and_he_rose_to_his_feet_to_find_himself_with_a_ couple_of_antagonists_again._He_would_have_had_little_chance_ against_them_had_not_the_slender_lady_very_pluckily_pulled_ up_and_returned_to_his_help._It_seems_she_had_had_a_revolver_ all_this_time,_but_it_had_been_under_the_seat_when_she_and_ her_companion_were_attacked._She_fired_at_six_yards'_ distance,_narrowly_missing_my_brother._The_less_courageous_ of_the_robbers_made_off,_and_his_companion_followed_him,_ cursing_his_cowardice._They_both_stopped_in_sight_down_the_ lane,_where_the_third_man_lay_insensible. = "Take_this!"_said_the_slender_lady,_and_she_gave_my_brother_ her_revolver. = "Go_back_to_the_chaise,"_said_my_brother,_wiping_the_blood_ from_his_split_lip. = She_turned_without_a_word--they_were_both_panting--and_they_ went_back_to_where_the_lady_in_white_struggled_to_hold_back_ the_frightened_pony. = The_robbers_had_evidently_had_enough_of_it._When_my_brother_ looked_again_they_were_retreating. = "I'll_sit_here,"_said_my_brother,_"if_I_may";_and_he_got_ upon_the_empty_front_seat._The_lady_looked_over_her_ shoulder. = "Give_me_the_reins,"_she_said,_and_laid_the_whip_along_the_ pony's_side._In_another_moment_a_bend_in_the_road_hid_the_ three_men_from_my_brother's_eyes. = So,_quite_unexpectedly,_my_brother_found_himself,_panting,_ with_a_cut_mouth,_a_bruised_jaw,_and_bloodstained_knuckles,_ driving_along_an_unknown_lane_with_these_two_women. = He_learned_they_were_the_wife_and_the_younger_sister_of_a_ surgeon_living_at_Stanmore,_who_had_come_in_the_small_hours_ from_a_dangerous_case_at_Pinner,_and_heard_at_some_railway_ station_on_his_way_of_the_Martian_advance._He_had_hurried_ home,_roused_the_women--their_servant_had_left_them_two_days_ before--packed_some_provisions,_put_his_revolver_under_the_ seat--luckily_for_my_brother--and_told_them_to_drive_on_to_ Edgware,_with_the_idea_of_getting_a_train_there._He_stopped_ behind_to_tell_the_neighbours._He_would_overtake_them,_he_ said,_at_about_half_past_four_in_the_morning,_and_now_it_was_ nearly_nine_and_they_had_seen_nothing_of_him._They_could_not_ stop_in_Edgware_because_of_the_growing_traffic_through_the_ place,_and_so_they_had_come_into_this_side_lane. = That_was_the_story_they_told_my_brother_in_fragments_when_ presently_they_stopped_again,_nearer_to_New_Barnet._He_ promised_to_stay_with_them,_at_least_until_they_could_ determine_what_to_do,_or_until_the_missing_man_arrived,_and_ professed_to_be_an_expert_shot_with_the_revolver--a_weapon_ strange_to_him--in_order_to_give_them_confidence. = They_made_a_sort_of_encampment_by_the_wayside,_and_the_pony_ became_happy_in_the_hedge._He_told_them_of_his_own_escape_ out_of_London,_and_all_that_he_knew_of_these_Martians_and_ their_ways._The_sun_crept_higher_in_the_sky,_and_after_a_ time_their_talk_died_out_and_gave_place_to_an_uneasy_state_ of_anticipation._Several_wayfarers_came_along_the_lane,_and_ of_these_my_brother_gathered_such_news_as_he_could._Every_ broken_answer_he_had_deepened_his_impression_of_the_great_ disaster_that_had_come_on_humanity,_deepened_his_persuasion_ of_the_immediate_necessity_for_prosecuting_this_flight._He_ urged_the_matter_upon_them. = "We_have_money,"_said_the_slender_woman,_and_hesitated. = Her_eyes_met_my_brother's,_and_her_hesitation_ended. = "So_have_I,"_said_my_brother. = She_explained_that_they_had_as_much_as_thirty_pounds_in_ gold,_besides_a_five-pound_note,_and_suggested_that_with_ that_they_might_get_upon_a_train_at_St._Albans_or_New_ Barnet._My_brother_thought_that_was_hopeless,_seeing_the_ fury_of_the_Londoners_to_crowd_upon_the_trains,_and_broached_ his_own_idea_of_striking_across_Essex_towards_Harwich_and_ thence_escaping_from_the_country_altogether. = Mrs._Elphinstone--that_was_the_name_of_the_woman_in_ white--would_listen_to_no_reasoning,_and_kept_calling_upon_ "George";_but_her_sister-in-law_was_astonishingly_quiet_and_ deliberate,_and_at_last_agreed_to_my_brother's_suggestion._ So,_designing_to_cross_the_Great_North_Road,_they_went_on_ towards_Barnet,_my_brother_leading_the_pony_to_save_it_as_ much_as_possible._As_the_sun_crept_up_the_sky_the_day_became_ excessively_hot,_and_under_foot_a_thick,_whitish_sand_grew_ burning_and_blinding,_so_that_they_travelled_only_very_ slowly._The_hedges_were_grey_with_dust._And_as_they_advanced_ towards_Barnet_a_tumultuous_murmuring_grew_stronger. = They_began_to_meet_more_people._For_the_most_part_these_were_ staring_before_them,_murmuring_indistinct_questions,_jaded,_ haggard,_unclean._One_man_in_evening_dress_passed_them_on_ foot,_his_eyes_on_the_ground._They_heard_his_voice,_and,_ looking_back_at_him,_saw_one_hand_clutched_in_his_hair_and_ the_other_beating_invisible_things._His_paroxysm_of_rage_ over,_he_went_on_his_way_without_once_looking_back. = As_my_brother's_party_went_on_towards_the_crossroads_to_the_ south_of_Barnet_they_saw_a_woman_approaching_the_road_across_ some_fields_on_their_left,_carrying_a_child_and_with_two_ other_children;_and_then_passed_a_man_in_dirty_black,_with_a_ thick_stick_in_one_hand_and_a_small_portmanteau_in_the_ other._Then_round_the_corner_of_the_lane,_from_between_the_ villas_that_guarded_it_at_its_confluence_with_the_high_road,_ came_a_little_cart_drawn_by_a_sweating_black_pony_and_driven_ by_a_sallow_youth_in_a_bowler_hat,_grey_with_dust._There_ were_three_girls,_East_End_factory_girls,_and_a_couple_of_ little_children_crowded_in_the_cart. = "This'll_tike_us_rahnd_Edgware?"_asked_the_driver,_ wild-eyed,_white-faced;_and_when_my_brother_told_him_it_ would_if_he_turned_to_the_left,_he_whipped_up_at_once_ without_the_formality_of_thanks. = My_brother_noticed_a_pale_grey_smoke_or_haze_rising_among_ the_houses_in_front_of_them,_and_veiling_the_white_facade_of_ a_terrace_beyond_the_road_that_appeared_between_the_backs_of_ the_villas._Mrs._Elphinstone_suddenly_cried_out_at_a_number_ of_tongues_of_smoky_red_flame_leaping_up_above_the_houses_in_ front_of_them_against_the_hot,_blue_sky._The_tumultuous_ noise_resolved_itself_now_into_the_disorderly_mingling_of_ many_voices,_the_gride_of_many_wheels,_the_creaking_of_ waggons,_and_the_staccato_of_hoofs._The_lane_came_round_ sharply_not_fifty_yards_from_the_crossroads. = "Good_heavens!"_cried_Mrs._Elphinstone._"What_is_this_you_ are_driving_us_into?" = My_brother_stopped. = For_the_main_road_was_a_boiling_stream_of_people,_a_torrent_ of_human_beings_rushing_northward,_one_pressing_on_another._ A_great_bank_of_dust,_white_and_luminous_in_the_blaze_of_the_ sun,_made_everything_within_twenty_feet_of_the_ground_grey_ and_indistinct_and_was_perpetually_renewed_by_the_hurrying_ feet_of_a_dense_crowd_of_horses_and_of_men_and_women_on_ foot,_and_by_the_wheels_of_vehicles_of_every_description. = "Way!"_my_brother_heard_voices_crying._"Make_way!" = It_was_like_riding_into_the_smoke_of_a_fire_to_approach_the_ meeting_point_of_the_lane_and_road;_the_crowd_roared_like_a_ fire,_and_the_dust_was_hot_and_pungent._And,_indeed,_a_ little_way_up_the_road_a_villa_was_burning_and_sending_ rolling_masses_of_black_smoke_across_the_road_to_add_to_the_ confusion. = Two_men_came_past_them._Then_a_dirty_woman,_carrying_a_heavy_ bundle_and_weeping._A_lost_retriever_dog,_with_hanging_ tongue,_circled_dubiously_round_them,_scared_and_wretched,_ and_fled_at_my_brother's_threat. = So_much_as_they_could_see_of_the_road_Londonward_between_the_ houses_to_the_right_was_a_tumultuous_stream_of_dirty,_ hurrying_people,_pent_in_between_the_villas_on_either_side;_ the_black_heads,_the_crowded_forms,_grew_into_distinctness_ as_they_rushed_towards_the_corner,_hurried_past,_and_merged_ their_individuality_again_in_a_receding_multitude_that_was_ swallowed_up_at_last_in_a_cloud_of_dust. = "Go_on!_Go_on!"_cried_the_voices._"Way!_Way!" = One_man's_hands_pressed_on_the_back_of_another._My_brother_ stood_at_the_pony's_head._Irresistibly_attracted,_he_ advanced_slowly,_pace_by_pace,_down_the_lane. = Edgware_had_been_a_scene_of_confusion,_Chalk_Farm_a_riotous_ tumult,_but_this_was_a_whole_population_in_movement._It_is_ hard_to_imagine_that_host._It_had_no_character_of_its_own._ The_figures_poured_out_past_the_corner,_and_receded_with_ their_backs_to_the_group_in_the_lane._Along_the_margin_came_ those_who_were_on_foot_threatened_by_the_wheels,_stumbling_ in_the_ditches,_blundering_into_one_another. = The_carts_and_carriages_crowded_close_upon_one_another,_ making_little_way_for_those_swifter_and_more_impatient_ vehicles_that_darted_forward_every_now_and_then_when_an_ opportunity_showed_itself_of_doing_so,_sending_the_people_ scattering_against_the_fences_and_gates_of_the_villas. = "Push_on!"_was_the_cry._"Push_on!_They_are_coming!" = In_one_cart_stood_a_blind_man_in_the_uniform_of_the_ Salvation_Army,_gesticulating_with_his_crooked_fingers_and_ bawling,_"Eternity!_Eternity!"_His_voice_was_hoarse_and_very_ loud_so_that_my_brother_could_hear_him_long_after_he_was_ lost_to_sight_in_the_dust._Some_of_the_people_who_crowded_in_ the_carts_whipped_stupidly_at_their_horses_and_quarrelled_ with_other_drivers;_some_sat_motionless,_staring_at_nothing_ with_miserable_eyes;_some_gnawed_their_hands_with_thirst,_or_ lay_prostrate_in_the_bottoms_of_their_conveyances._The_ horses"_bits_were_covered_with_foam,_their_eyes_bloodshot. = There_were_cabs,_carriages,_shop_cars,_waggons,_beyond_ counting;_a_mail_cart,_a_road-cleaner's_cart_marked_"Vestry_ of_St._Pancras,"_a_huge_timber_waggon_crowded_with_roughs._A_ brewer's_dray_rumbled_by_with_its_two_near_wheels_splashed_ with_fresh_blood. = "Clear_the_way!"_cried_the_voices._"Clear_the_way!" = "Eter-nity!_Eter-nity!"_came_echoing_down_the_road. = There_were_sad,_haggard_women_tramping_by,_well_dressed,_ with_children_that_cried_and_stumbled,_their_dainty_clothes_ smothered_in_dust,_their_weary_faces_smeared_with_tears._ With_many_of_these_came_men,_sometimes_helpful,_sometimes_ lowering_and_savage._Fighting_side_by_side_with_them_pushed_ some_weary_street_outcast_in_faded_black_rags,_wide-eyed,_ loud-voiced,_and_foul-mouthed._There_were_sturdy_workmen_ thrusting_their_way_along,_wretched,_unkempt_men,_clothed_ like_clerks_or_shopmen,_struggling_spasmodically;_a_wounded_ soldier_my_brother_noticed,_men_dressed_in_the_clothes_of_ railway_porters,_one_wretched_creature_in_a_nightshirt_with_ a_coat_thrown_over_it. = But_varied_as_its_composition_was,_certain_things_all_that_ host_had_in_common._There_were_fear_and_pain_on_their_faces,_ and_fear_behind_them._A_tumult_up_the_road,_a_quarrel_for_a_ place_in_a_waggon,_sent_the_whole_host_of_them_quickening_ their_pace;_even_a_man_so_scared_and_broken_that_his_knees_ bent_under_him_was_galvanised_for_a_moment_into_renewed_ activity._The_heat_and_dust_had_already_been_at_work_upon_ this_multitude._Their_skins_were_dry,_their_lips_black_and_ cracked._They_were_all_thirsty,_weary,_and_footsore._And_ amid_the_various_cries_one_heard_disputes,_reproaches,_ groans_of_weariness_and_fatigue;_the_voices_of_most_of_them_ were_hoarse_and_weak._Through_it_all_ran_a_refrain: = "Way!_Way!_The_Martians_are_coming!" = Few_stopped_and_came_aside_from_that_flood._The_lane_opened_ slantingly_into_the_main_road_with_a_narrow_opening,_and_had_ a_delusive_appearance_of_coming_from_the_direction_of_ London._Yet_a_kind_of_eddy_of_people_drove_into_its_mouth;_ weaklings_elbowed_out_of_the_stream,_who_for_the_most_part_ rested_but_a_moment_before_plunging_into_it_again._A_little_ way_down_the_lane,_with_two_friends_bending_over_him,_lay_a_ man_with_a_bare_leg,_wrapped_about_with_bloody_rags._He_was_ a_lucky_man_to_have_friends. = A_little_old_man,_with_a_grey_military_moustache_and_a_ filthy_black_frock_coat,_limped_out_and_sat_down_beside_the_ trap,_removed_his_boot--his_sock_was_blood-stained--shook_ out_a_pebble,_and_hobbled_on_again;_and_then_a_little_girl_ of_eight_or_nine,_all_alone,_threw_herself_under_the_hedge_ close_by_my_brother,_weeping. = "I_can't_go_on!_I_can't_go_on!" = My_brother_woke_from_his_torpor_of_astonishment_and_lifted_ her_up,_speaking_gently_to_her,_and_carried_her_to_Miss_ Elphinstone._So_soon_as_my_brother_touched_her_she_became_ quite_still,_as_if_frightened. = "Ellen!"_shrieked_a_woman_in_the_crowd,_with_tears_in_her_ voice--"Ellen!"_And_the_child_suddenly_darted_away_from_my_ brother,_crying_"Mother!" = "They_are_coming,"_said_a_man_on_horseback,_riding_past_ along_the_lane. = "Out_of_the_way,_there!"_bawled_a_coachman,_towering_high;_ and_my_brother_saw_a_closed_carriage_turning_into_the_lane. = The_people_crushed_back_on_one_another_to_avoid_the_horse._ My_brother_pushed_the_pony_and_chaise_back_into_the_hedge,_ and_the_man_drove_by_and_stopped_at_the_turn_of_the_way._It_ was_a_carriage,_with_a_pole_for_a_pair_of_horses,_but_only_ one_was_in_the_traces._My_brother_saw_dimly_through_the_dust_ that_two_men_lifted_out_something_on_a_white_stretcher_and_ put_it_gently_on_the_grass_beneath_the_privet_hedge. = One_of_the_men_came_running_to_my_brother. = "Where_is_there_any_water?"_he_said._"He_is_dying_fast,_and_ very_thirsty._It_is_Lord_Garrick." = "Lord_Garrick!"_said_my_brother;_"the_Chief_Justice?" = "The_water?"_he_said. = "There_may_be_a_tap,"_said_my_brother,_"in_some_of_the_ houses._We_have_no_water._I_dare_not_leave_my_people." = The_man_pushed_against_the_crowd_towards_the_gate_of_the_ corner_house. = "Go_on!"_said_the_people,_thrusting_at_him._"They_are_ coming!_Go_on!" = Then_my_brother's_attention_was_distracted_by_a_bearded,_ eagle-faced_man_lugging_a_small_handbag,_which_split_even_as_ my_brother's_eyes_rested_on_it_and_disgorged_a_mass_of_ sovereigns_that_seemed_to_break_up_into_separate_coins_as_it_ struck_the_ground._They_rolled_hither_and_thither_among_the_ struggling_feet_of_men_and_horses._The_man_stopped_and_ looked_stupidly_at_the_heap,_and_the_shaft_of_a_cab_struck_ his_shoulder_and_sent_him_reeling._He_gave_a_shriek_and_ dodged_back,_and_a_cartwheel_shaved_him_narrowly. = "Way!"_cried_the_men_all_about_him._"Make_way!" = So_soon_as_the_cab_had_passed,_he_flung_himself,_with_both_ hands_open,_upon_the_heap_of_coins,_and_began_thrusting_ handfuls_in_his_pocket._A_horse_rose_close_upon_him,_and_in_ another_moment,_half_rising,_he_had_been_borne_down_under_ the_horse's_hoofs. = "Stop!"_screamed_my_brother,_and_pushing_a_woman_out_of_his_ way,_tried_to_clutch_the_bit_of_the_horse. = Before_he_could_get_to_it,_he_heard_a_scream_under_the_ wheels,_and_saw_through_the_dust_the_rim_passing_over_the_ poor_wretch's_back._The_driver_of_the_cart_slashed_his_whip_ at_my_brother,_who_ran_round_behind_the_cart._The_ multitudinous_shouting_confused_his_ears._The_man_was_ writhing_in_the_dust_among_his_scattered_money,_unable_to_ rise,_for_the_wheel_had_broken_his_back,_and_his_lower_limbs_ lay_limp_and_dead._My_brother_stood_up_and_yelled_at_the_ next_driver,_and_a_man_on_a_black_horse_came_to_his_ assistance. = "Get_him_out_of_the_road,"_said_he;_and,_clutching_the_man's_ collar_with_his_free_hand,_my_brother_lugged_him_sideways._ But_he_still_clutched_after_his_money,_and_regarded_my_ brother_fiercely,_hammering_at_his_arm_with_a_handful_of_ gold._"Go_on!_Go_on!"_shouted_angry_voices_behind. = "Way!_Way!" = There_was_a_smash_as_the_pole_of_a_carriage_crashed_into_the_ cart_that_the_man_on_horseback_stopped._My_brother_looked_ up,_and_the_man_with_the_gold_twisted_his_head_round_and_bit_ the_wrist_that_held_his_collar._There_was_a_concussion,_and_ the_black_horse_came_staggering_sideways,_and_the_carthorse_ pushed_beside_it._A_hoof_missed_my_brother's_foot_by_a_ hair's_breadth._He_released_his_grip_on_the_fallen_man_and_ jumped_back._He_saw_anger_change_to_terror_on_the_face_of_ the_poor_wretch_on_the_ground,_and_in_a_moment_he_was_hidden_ and_my_brother_was_borne_backward_and_carried_past_the_ entrance_of_the_lane,_and_had_to_fight_hard_in_the_torrent_ to_recover_it. = He_saw_Miss_Elphinstone_covering_her_eyes,_and_a_little_ child,_with_all_a_child's_want_of_sympathetic_imagination,_ staring_with_dilated_eyes_at_a_dusty_something_that_lay_ black_and_still,_ground_and_crushed_under_the_rolling_ wheels._"Let_us_go_back!"_he_shouted,_and_began_turning_the_ pony_round._"We_cannot_cross_this--hell,"_he_said_and_they_ went_back_a_hundred_yards_the_way_they_had_come,_until_the_ fighting_crowd_was_hidden._As_they_passed_the_bend_in_the_ lane_my_brother_saw_the_face_of_the_dying_man_in_the_ditch_ under_the_privet,_deadly_white_and_drawn,_and_shining_with_ perspiration._The_two_women_sat_silent,_crouching_in_their_ seat_and_shivering. = Then_beyond_the_bend_my_brother_stopped_again._Miss_ Elphinstone_was_white_and_pale,_and_her_sister-in-law_sat_ weeping,_too_wretched_even_to_call_upon_"George."_My_brother_ was_horrified_and_perplexed._So_soon_as_they_had_retreated_ he_realised_how_urgent_and_unavoidable_it_was_to_attempt_ this_crossing._He_turned_to_Miss_Elphinstone,_suddenly_ resolute. = "We_must_go_that_way,"_he_said,_and_led_the_pony_round_ again. = For_the_second_time_that_day_this_girl_proved_her_quality._ To_force_their_way_into_the_torrent_of_people,_my_brother_ plunged_into_the_traffic_and_held_back_a_cab_horse,_while_ she_drove_the_pony_across_its_head._A_waggon_locked_wheels_ for_a_moment_and_ripped_a_long_splinter_from_the_chaise._In_ another_moment_they_were_caught_and_swept_forward_by_the_ stream._My_brother,_with_the_cabman's_whip_marks_red_across_ his_face_and_hands,_scrambled_into_the_chaise_and_took_the_ reins_from_her. = "Point_the_revolver_at_the_man_behind,"_he_said,_giving_it_ to_her,_"if_he_presses_us_too_hard._No!--point_it_at_his_ horse." = Then_he_began_to_look_out_for_a_chance_of_edging_to_the_ right_across_the_road._But_once_in_the_stream_he_seemed_to_ lose_volition,_to_become_a_part_of_that_dusty_rout._They_ swept_through_Chipping_Barnet_with_the_torrent;_they_were_ nearly_a_mile_beyond_the_centre_of_the_town_before_they_had_ fought_across_to_the_opposite_side_of_the_way._It_was_din_ and_confusion_indescribable;_but_in_and_beyond_the_town_the_ road_forks_repeatedly,_and_this_to_some_extent_relieved_the_ stress. = They_struck_eastward_through_Hadley,_and_there_on_either_ side_of_the_road,_and_at_another_place_farther_on_they_came_ upon_a_great_multitude_of_people_drinking_at_the_stream,_ some_fighting_to_come_at_the_water._And_farther_on,_from_a_ lull_near_East_Barnet,_they_saw_two_trains_running_slowly_ one_after_the_other_without_signal_or_order--trains_swarming_ with_people,_with_men_even_among_the_coals_behind_the_ engines--going_northward_along_the_Great_Northern_Railway._ My_brother_supposes_they_must_have_filled_outside_London,_ for_at_that_time_the_furious_terror_of_the_people_had_ rendered_the_central_termini_impossible. = Near_this_place_they_halted_for_the_rest_of_the_afternoon,_ for_the_violence_of_the_day_had_already_utterly_exhausted_ all_three_of_them._They_began_to_suffer_the_beginnings_of_ hunger;_the_night_was_cold,_and_none_of_them_dared_to_sleep._ And_in_the_evening_many_people_came_hurrying_along_the_road_ nearby_their_stopping_place,_fleeing_from_unknown_dangers_ before_them,_and_going_in_the_direction_from_which_my_ brother_had_come. = # ## # chapter 17 SEVENTEEN # unit C chapter_number # unit H chapter_title # unit P text Had_the_Martians_aimed_only_at_destruction,_they_might_on_ Monday_have_annihilated_the_entire_population_of_London,_as_ it_spread_itself_slowly_through_the_home_counties._Not_only_ along_the_road_through_Barnet,_but_also_through_Edgware_and_ Waltham_Abbey,_and_along_the_roads_eastward_to_Southend_and_ Shoeburyness,_and_south_of_the_Thames_to_Deal_and_ Broadstairs,_poured_the_same_frantic_rout._If_one_could_have_ hung_that_June_morning_in_a_balloon_in_the_blazing_blue_ above_London_every_northward_and_eastward_road_running_out_ of_the_tangled_maze_of_streets_would_have_seemed_stippled_ black_with_the_streaming_fugitives,_each_dot_a_human_agony_ of_terror_and_physical_distress._I_have_set_forth_at_length_ in_the_last_chapter_my_brother's_account_of_the_road_through_ Chipping_Barnet,_in_order_that_my_readers_may_realise_how_ that_swarming_of_black_dots_appeared_to_one_of_those_ concerned._Never_before_in_the_history_of_the_world_had_such_ a_mass_of_human_beings_moved_and_suffered_together._The_ legendary_hosts_of_Goths_and_Huns,_the_hugest_armies_Asia_ has_ever_seen,_would_have_been_but_a_drop_in_that_current._ And_this_was_no_disciplined_march;_it_was_a_stampede--a_ stampede_gigantic_and_terrible--without_order_and_without_a_ goal,_six_million_people_unarmed_and_unprovisioned,_driving_ headlong._It_was_the_beginning_of_the_rout_of_civilisation,_ of_the_massacre_of_mankind. = Directly_below_him_the_balloonist_would_have_seen_the_ network_of_streets_far_and_wide,_houses,_churches,_squares,_ crescents,_gardens--already_derelict--spread_out_like_a_huge_ map,_and_in_the_southward_BLOTTED._Over_Ealing,_Richmond,_ Wimbledon,_it_would_have_seemed_as_if_some_monstrous_pen_had_ flung_ink_upon_the_chart._Steadily,_incessantly,_each_black_ splash_grew_and_spread,_shooting_out_ramifications_this_way_ and_that,_now_banking_itself_against_rising_ground,_now_ pouring_swiftly_over_a_crest_into_a_new-found_valley,_ exactly_as_a_gout_of_ink_would_spread_itself_upon_blotting_ paper. = And_beyond,_over_the_blue_hills_that_rise_southward_of_the_ river,_the_glittering_Martians_went_to_and_fro,_calmly_and_ methodically_spreading_their_poison_cloud_over_this_patch_of_ country_and_then_over_that,_laying_it_again_with_their_steam_ jets_when_it_had_served_its_purpose,_and_taking_possession_ of_the_conquered_country._They_do_not_seem_to_have_aimed_at_ extermination_so_much_as_at_complete_demoralisation_and_the_ destruction_of_any_opposition._They_exploded_any_stores_of_ powder_they_came_upon,_cut_every_telegraph,_and_wrecked_the_ railways_here_and_there._They_were_hamstringing_mankind._ They_seemed_in_no_hurry_to_extend_the_field_of_their_ operations,_and_did_not_come_beyond_the_central_part_of_ London_all_that_day._It_is_possible_that_a_very_considerable_ number_of_people_in_London_stuck_to_their_houses_through_ Monday_morning._Certain_it_is_that_many_died_at_home_ suffocated_by_the_Black_Smoke. = Until_about_midday_the_Pool_of_London_was_an_astonishing_ scene._Steamboats_and_shipping_of_all_sorts_lay_there,_ tempted_by_the_enormous_sums_of_money_offered_by_fugitives,_ and_it_is_said_that_many_who_swam_out_to_these_vessels_were_ thrust_off_with_boathooks_and_drowned._About_one_o'clock_in_ the_afternoon_the_thinning_remnant_of_a_cloud_of_the_black_ vapour_appeared_between_the_arches_of_Blackfriars_Bridge._At_ that_the_Pool_became_a_scene_of_mad_confusion,_fighting,_and_ collision,_and_for_some_time_a_multitude_of_boats_and_barges_ jammed_in_the_northern_arch_of_the_Tower_Bridge,_and_the_ sailors_and_lightermen_had_to_fight_savagely_against_the_ people_who_swarmed_upon_them_from_the_riverfront._People_ were_actually_clambering_down_the_piers_of_the_bridge_from_ above. = When,_an_hour_later,_a_Martian_appeared_beyond_the_Clock_ Tower_and_waded_down_the_river,_nothing_but_wreckage_floated_ above_Limehouse. = Of_the_falling_of_the_fifth_cylinder_I_have_presently_to_ tell._The_sixth_star_fell_at_Wimbledon._My_brother,_keeping_ watch_beside_the_women_in_the_chaise_in_a_meadow,_saw_the_ green_flash_of_it_far_beyond_the_hills._On_Tuesday_the_ little_party,_still_set_upon_getting_across_the_sea,_made_ its_way_through_the_swarming_country_towards_Colchester._The_ news_that_the_Martians_were_now_in_possession_of_the_whole_ of_London_was_confirmed._They_had_been_seen_at_Highgate,_and_ even,_it_was_said,_at_Neasden._But_they_did_not_come_into_my_ brother's_view_until_the_morrow. = That_day_the_scattered_multitudes_began_to_realise_the_ urgent_need_of_provisions._As_they_grew_hungry_the_rights_of_ property_ceased_to_be_regarded._Farmers_were_out_to_defend_ their_cattle-sheds,_granaries,_and_ripening_root_crops_with_ arms_in_their_hands._A_number_of_people_now,_like_my_ brother,_had_their_faces_eastward,_and_there_were_some_ desperate_souls_even_going_back_towards_London_to_get_food._ These_were_chiefly_people_from_the_northern_suburbs,_whose_ knowledge_of_the_Black_Smoke_came_by_hearsay._He_heard_that_ about_half_the_members_of_the_government_had_gathered_at_ Birmingham,_and_that_enormous_quantities_of_high_explosives_ were_being_prepared_to_be_used_in_automatic_mines_across_the_ Midland_counties. = He_was_also_told_that_the_Midland_Railway_Company_had_ replaced_the_desertions_of_the_first_day's_panic,_had_ resumed_traffic,_and_was_running_northward_trains_from_St._ Albans_to_relieve_the_congestion_of_the_home_counties._There_ was_also_a_placard_in_Chipping_Ongar_announcing_that_large_ stores_of_flour_were_available_in_the_northern_towns_and_ that_within_twenty-four_hours_bread_would_be_distributed_ among_the_starving_people_in_the_neighbourhood._But_this_ intelligence_did_not_deter_him_from_the_plan_of_escape_he_ had_formed,_and_the_three_pressed_eastward_all_day,_and_ heard_no_more_of_the_bread_distribution_than_this_promise._ Nor,_as_a_matter_of_fact,_did_anyone_else_hear_more_of_it._ That_night_fell_the_seventh_star,_falling_upon_Primrose_ Hill._It_fell_while_Miss_Elphinstone_was_watching,_for_she_ took_that_duty_alternately_with_my_brother._She_saw_it. = On_Wednesday_the_three_fugitives--they_had_passed_the_night_ in_a_field_of_unripe_wheat--reached_Chelmsford,_and_there_a_ body_of_the_inhabitants,_calling_itself_the_Committee_of_ Public_Supply,_seized_the_pony_as_provisions,_and_would_give_ nothing_in_exchange_for_it_but_the_promise_of_a_share_in_it_ the_next_day._Here_there_were_rumours_of_Martians_at_Epping,_ and_news_of_the_destruction_of_Waltham_Abbey_Powder_Mills_in_ a_vain_attempt_to_blow_up_one_of_the_invaders. = People_were_watching_for_Martians_here_from_the_church_ towers._My_brother,_very_luckily_for_him_as_it_chanced,_ preferred_to_push_on_at_once_to_the_coast_rather_than_wait_ for_food,_although_all_three_of_them_were_very_hungry._By_ midday_they_passed_through_Tillingham,_which,_strangely_ enough,_seemed_to_be_quite_silent_and_deserted,_save_for_a_ few_furtive_plunderers_hunting_for_food._Near_Tillingham_ they_suddenly_came_in_sight_of_the_sea,_and_the_most_amazing_ crowd_of_shipping_of_all_sorts_that_it_is_possible_to_ imagine. = For_after_the_sailors_could_no_longer_come_up_the_Thames,_ they_came_on_to_the_Essex_coast,_to_Harwich_and_Walton_and_ Clacton,_and_afterwards_to_Foulness_and_Shoebury,_to_bring_ off_the_people._They_lay_in_a_huge_sickle-shaped_curve_that_ vanished_into_mist_at_last_towards_the_Naze._Close_inshore_ was_a_multitude_of_fishing_smacks--English,_Scotch,_French,_ Dutch,_and_Swedish;_steam_launches_from_the_Thames,_yachts,_ electric_boats;_and_beyond_were_ships_of_large_burden,_a_ multitude_of_filthy_colliers,_trim_merchantmen,_cattle_ ships,_passenger_boats,_petroleum_tanks,_ocean_tramps,_an_ old_white_transport_even,_neat_white_and_grey_liners_from_ Southampton_and_Hamburg;_and_along_the_blue_coast_across_the_ Blackwater_my_brother_could_make_out_dimly_a_dense_swarm_of_ boats_chaffering_with_the_people_on_the_beach,_a_swarm_which_ also_extended_up_the_Blackwater_almost_to_Maldon. = About_a_couple_of_miles_out_lay_an_ironclad,_very_low_in_the_ water,_almost,_to_my_brother's_perception,_like_a_ water-logged_ship._This_was_the_ram_THUNDER_CHILD._It_was_ the_only_warship_in_sight,_but_far_away_to_the_right_over_ the_smooth_surface_of_the_sea--for_that_day_there_was_a_dead_ calm--lay_a_serpent_of_black_smoke_to_mark_the_next_ iron-clads_of_the_Channel_Fleet,_which_hovered_in_an_ extended_line,_steam_up_and_ready_for_action,_across_the_ Thames_estuary_during_the_course_of_the_Martian_conquest,_ vigilant_and_yet_powerless_to_prevent_it. = At_the_sight_of_the_sea,_Mrs._Elphinstone,_in_spite_of_the_ assurances_of_her_sister-in-law,_gave_way_to_panic._She_had_ never_been_out_of_England_before,_she_would_rather_die_than_ trust_herself_friendless_in_a_foreign_country,_and_so_forth._ She_seemed,_poor_woman,_to_imagine_that_the_French_and_the_ Martians_might_prove_very_similar._She_had_been_growing_ increasingly_hysterical,_fearful,_and_depressed_during_the_ two_days'_journeyings._Her_great_idea_was_to_return_to_ Stanmore._Things_had_been_always_well_and_safe_at_Stanmore._ They_would_find_George_at_Stanmore. = It_was_with_the_greatest_difficulty_they_could_get_her_down_ to_the_beach,_where_presently_my_brother_succeeded_in_ attracting_the_attention_of_some_men_on_a_paddle_steamer_ from_the_Thames._They_sent_a_boat_and_drove_a_bargain_for_ thirty-six_pounds_for_the_three._The_steamer_was_going,_ these_men_said,_to_Ostend. = It_was_about_two_o'clock_when_my_brother,_having_paid_their_ fares_at_the_gangway,_found_himself_safely_aboard_the_ steamboat_with_his_charges._There_was_food_aboard,_albeit_at_ exorbitant_prices,_and_the_three_of_them_contrived_to_eat_a_ meal_on_one_of_the_seats_forward. = There_were_already_a_couple_of_score_of_passengers_aboard,_ some_of_whom_had_expended_their_last_money_in_securing_a_ passage,_but_the_captain_lay_off_the_Blackwater_until_five_ in_the_afternoon,_picking_up_passengers_until_the_seated_ decks_were_even_dangerously_crowded._He_would_probably_have_ remained_longer_had_it_not_been_for_the_sound_of_guns_that_ began_about_that_hour_in_the_south._As_if_in_answer,_the_ ironclad_seaward_fired_a_small_gun_and_hoisted_a_string_of_ flags._A_jet_of_smoke_sprang_out_of_her_funnels. = Some_of_the_passengers_were_of_opinion_that_this_firing_came_ from_Shoeburyness,_until_it_was_noticed_that_it_was_growing_ louder._At_the_same_time,_far_away_in_the_southeast_the_ masts_and_upperworks_of_three_ironclads_rose_one_after_the_ other_out_of_the_sea,_beneath_clouds_of_black_smoke._But_my_ brother's_attention_speedily_reverted_to_the_distant_firing_ in_the_south._He_fancied_he_saw_a_column_of_smoke_rising_out_ of_the_distant_grey_haze. = The_little_steamer_was_already_flapping_her_way_eastward_of_ the_big_crescent_of_shipping,_and_the_low_Essex_coast_was_ growing_blue_and_hazy,_when_a_Martian_appeared,_small_and_ faint_in_the_remote_distance,_advancing_along_the_muddy_ coast_from_the_direction_of_Foulness._At_that_the_captain_on_ the_bridge_swore_at_the_top_of_his_voice_with_fear_and_anger_ at_his_own_delay,_and_the_paddles_seemed_infected_with_his_ terror._Every_soul_aboard_stood_at_the_bulwarks_or_on_the_ seats_of_the_steamer_and_stared_at_that_distant_shape,_ higher_than_the_trees_or_church_towers_inland,_and_advancing_ with_a_leisurely_parody_of_a_human_stride. = It_was_the_first_Martian_my_brother_had_seen,_and_he_stood,_ more_amazed_than_terrified,_watching_this_Titan_advancing_ deliberately_towards_the_shipping,_wading_farther_and_ farther_into_the_water_as_the_coast_fell_away._Then,_far_ away_beyond_the_Crouch,_came_another,_striding_over_some_ stunted_trees,_and_then_yet_another,_still_farther_off,_ wading_deeply_through_a_shiny_mudflat_that_seemed_to_hang_ halfway_up_between_sea_and_sky._They_were_all_stalking_ seaward,_as_if_to_intercept_the_escape_of_the_multitudinous_ vessels_that_were_crowded_between_Foulness_and_the_Naze._In_ spite_of_the_throbbing_exertions_of_the_engines_of_the_ little_paddle-boat,_and_the_pouring_foam_that_her_wheels_ flung_behind_her,_she_receded_with_terrifying_slowness_from_ this_ominous_advance. = Glancing_northwestward,_my_brother_saw_the_large_crescent_of_ shipping_already_writhing_with_the_approaching_terror;_one_ ship_passing_behind_another,_another_coming_round_from_ broadside_to_end_on,_steamships_whistling_and_giving_off_ volumes_of_steam,_sails_being_let_out,_launches_rushing_ hither_and_thither._He_was_so_fascinated_by_this_and_by_the_ creeping_danger_away_to_the_left_that_he_had_no_eyes_for_ anything_seaward._And_then_a_swift_movement_of_the_steamboat_ (she_had_suddenly_come_round_to_avoid_being_run_down)_flung_ him_headlong_from_the_seat_upon_which_he_was_standing._There_ was_a_shouting_all_about_him,_a_trampling_of_feet,_and_a_ cheer_that_seemed_to_be_answered_faintly._The_steamboat_ lurched_and_rolled_him_over_upon_his_hands. = He_sprang_to_his_feet_and_saw_to_starboard,_and_not_a_ hundred_yards_from_their_heeling,_pitching_boat,_a_vast_iron_ bulk_like_the_blade_of_a_plough_tearing_through_the_water,_ tossing_it_on_either_side_in_huge_waves_of_foam_that_leaped_ towards_the_steamer,_flinging_her_paddles_helplessly_in_the_ air,_and_then_sucking_her_deck_down_almost_to_the_waterline. = A_douche_of_spray_blinded_my_brother_for_a_moment._When_his_ eyes_were_clear_again_he_saw_the_monster_had_passed_and_was_ rushing_landward._Big_iron_upperworks_rose_out_of_this_ headlong_structure,_and_from_that_twin_funnels_projected_and_ spat_a_smoking_blast_shot_with_fire._It_was_the_torpedo_ram,_ THUNDER_CHILD,_steaming_headlong,_coming_to_the_rescue_of_ the_threatened_shipping. = Keeping_his_footing_on_the_heaving_deck_by_clutching_the_ bulwarks,_my_brother_looked_past_this_charging_leviathan_at_ the_Martians_again,_and_he_saw_the_three_of_them_now_close_ together,_and_standing_so_far_out_to_sea_that_their_tripod_ supports_were_almost_entirely_submerged._Thus_sunken,_and_ seen_in_remote_perspective,_they_appeared_far_less_ formidable_than_the_huge_iron_bulk_in_whose_wake_the_steamer_ was_pitching_so_helplessly._It_would_seem_they_were_ regarding_this_new_antagonist_with_astonishment._To_their_ intelligence,_it_may_be,_the_giant_was_even_such_another_as_ themselves._The_THUNDER_CHILD_fired_no_gun,_but_simply_drove_ full_speed_towards_them._It_was_probably_her_not_firing_that_ enabled_her_to_get_so_near_the_enemy_as_she_did._They_did_ not_know_what_to_make_of_her._One_shell,_and_they_would_have_ sent_her_to_the_bottom_forthwith_with_the_Heat-Ray. = She_was_steaming_at_such_a_pace_that_in_a_minute_she_seemed_ halfway_between_the_steamboat_and_the_Martians--a_ diminishing_black_bulk_against_the_receding_horizontal_ expanse_of_the_Essex_coast. = Suddenly_the_foremost_Martian_lowered_his_tube_and_ discharged_a_canister_of_the_black_gas_at_the_ironclad._It_ hit_her_larboard_side_and_glanced_off_in_an_inky_jet_that_ rolled_away_to_seaward,_an_unfolding_torrent_of_Black_Smoke,_ from_which_the_ironclad_drove_clear._To_the_watchers_from_ the_steamer,_low_in_the_water_and_with_the_sun_in_their_ eyes,_it_seemed_as_though_she_were_already_among_the_ Martians. = They_saw_the_gaunt_figures_separating_and_rising_out_of_the_ water_as_they_retreated_shoreward,_and_one_of_them_raised_ the_camera-like_generator_of_the_Heat-Ray._He_held_it_ pointing_obliquely_downward,_and_a_bank_of_steam_sprang_from_ the_water_at_its_touch._It_must_have_driven_through_the_iron_ of_the_ship's_side_like_a_white-hot_iron_rod_through_paper. = A_flicker_of_flame_went_up_through_the_rising_steam,_and_ then_the_Martian_reeled_and_staggered._In_another_moment_he_ was_cut_down,_and_a_great_body_of_water_and_steam_shot_high_ in_the_air._The_guns_of_the_THUNDER_CHILD_sounded_through_ the_reek,_going_off_one_after_the_other,_and_one_shot_ splashed_the_water_high_close_by_the_steamer,_ricocheted_ towards_the_other_flying_ships_to_the_north,_and_smashed_a_ smack_to_matchwood. = But_no_one_heeded_that_very_much._At_the_sight_of_the_ Martian's_collapse_the_captain_on_the_bridge_yelled_ inarticulately,_and_all_the_crowding_passengers_on_the_ steamer's_stern_shouted_together._And_then_they_yelled_ again._For,_surging_out_beyond_the_white_tumult,_drove_ something_long_and_black,_the_flames_streaming_from_its_ middle_parts,_its_ventilators_and_funnels_spouting_fire. = She_was_alive_still;_the_steering_gear,_it_seems,_was_intact_ and_her_engines_working._She_headed_straight_for_a_second_ Martian,_and_was_within_a_hundred_yards_of_him_when_the_ Heat-Ray_came_to_bear._Then_with_a_violent_thud,_a_blinding_ flash,_her_decks,_her_funnels,_leaped_upward._The_Martian_ staggered_with_the_violence_of_her_explosion,_and_in_another_ moment_the_flaming_wreckage,_still_driving_forward_with_the_ impetus_of_its_pace,_had_struck_him_and_crumpled_him_up_like_ a_thing_of_cardboard._My_brother_shouted_involuntarily._A_ boiling_tumult_of_steam_hid_everything_again. = "Two!,"_yelled_the_captain. = Everyone_was_shouting._The_whole_steamer_from_end_to_end_ rang_with_frantic_cheering_that_was_taken_up_first_by_one_ and_then_by_all_in_the_crowding_multitude_of_ships_and_boats_ that_was_driving_out_to_sea. = The_steam_hung_upon_the_water_for_many_minutes,_hiding_the_ third_Martian_and_the_coast_altogether._And_all_this_time_ the_boat_was_paddling_steadily_out_to_sea_and_away_from_the_ fight;_and_when_at_last_the_confusion_cleared,_the_drifting_ bank_of_black_vapour_intervened,_and_nothing_of_the_THUNDER_ CHILD_could_be_made_out,_nor_could_the_third_Martian_be_ seen._But_the_ironclads_to_seaward_were_now_quite_close_and_ standing_in_towards_shore_past_the_steamboat. = The_little_vessel_continued_to_beat_its_way_seaward,_and_the_ ironclads_receded_slowly_towards_the_coast,_which_was_hidden_ still_by_a_marbled_bank_of_vapour,_part_steam,_part_black_ gas,_eddying_and_combining_in_the_strangest_way._The_fleet_ of_refugees_was_scattering_to_the_northeast;_several_smacks_ were_sailing_between_the_ironclads_and_the_steamboat._After_ a_time,_and_before_they_reached_the_sinking_cloud_bank,_the_ warships_turned_northward,_and_then_abruptly_went_about_and_ passed_into_the_thickening_haze_of_evening_southward._The_ coast_grew_faint,_and_at_last_indistinguishable_amid_the_low_ banks_of_clouds_that_were_gathering_about_the_sinking_sun. = Then_suddenly_out_of_the_golden_haze_of_the_sunset_came_the_ vibration_of_guns,_and_a_form_of_black_shadows_moving._ Everyone_struggled_to_the_rail_of_the_steamer_and_peered_ into_the_blinding_furnace_of_the_west,_but_nothing_was_to_be_ distinguished_clearly._A_mass_of_smoke_rose_slanting_and_ barred_the_face_of_the_sun._The_steamboat_throbbed_on_its_ way_through_an_interminable_suspense. = The_sun_sank_into_grey_clouds,_the_sky_flushed_and_darkened,_ the_evening_star_trembled_into_sight._It_was_deep_twilight_ when_the_captain_cried_out_and_pointed._My_brother_strained_ his_eyes._Something_rushed_up_into_the_sky_out_of_the_ greyness--rushed_slantingly_upward_and_very_swiftly_into_the_ luminous_clearness_above_the_clouds_in_the_western_sky;_ something_flat_and_broad,_and_very_large,_that_swept_round_ in_a_vast_curve,_grew_smaller,_sank_slowly,_and_vanished_ again_into_the_grey_mystery_of_the_night._And_as_it_flew_it_ rained_down_darkness_upon_the_land. = # part c BOOK_TWO # ## # chapter 0 Part_title # unit B vol_number # unit H vol_title # ## # chapter 1 ONE # unit C chapter_number # unit H chapter_title # unit P text In_the_first_book_I_have_wandered_so_much_from_my_own_ adventures_to_tell_of_the_experiences_of_my_brother_that_all_ through_the_last_two_chapters_I_and_the_curate_have_been_ lurking_in_the_empty_house_at_Halliford_whither_we_fled_to_ escape_the_Black_Smoke._There_I_will_resume._We_stopped_ there_all_Sunday_night_and_all_the_next_day--the_day_of_the_ panic--in_a_little_island_of_daylight,_cut_off_by_the_Black_ Smoke_from_the_rest_of_the_world._We_could_do_nothing_but_ wait_in_aching_inactivity_during_those_two_weary_days. = My_mind_was_occupied_by_anxiety_for_my_wife._I_figured_her_ at_Leatherhead,_terrified,_in_danger,_mourning_me_already_as_ a_dead_man._I_paced_the_rooms_and_cried_aloud_when_I_thought_ of_how_I_was_cut_off_from_her,_of_all_that_might_happen_to_ her_in_my_absence._My_cousin_I_knew_was_brave_enough_for_any_ emergency,_but_he_was_not_the_sort_of_man_to_realise_danger_ quickly,_to_rise_promptly._What_was_needed_now_was_not_ bravery,_but_circumspection._My_only_consolation_was_to_ believe_that_the_Martians_were_moving_Londonward_and_away_ from_her._Such_vague_anxieties_keep_the_mind_sensitive_and_ painful._I_grew_very_weary_and_irritable_with_the_curate's_ perpetual_ejaculations;_I_tired_of_the_sight_of_his_selfish_ despair._After_some_ineffectual_remonstrance_I_kept_away_ from_him,_staying_in_a_room--evidently_a_children's_ schoolroom--containing_globes,_forms,_and_copybooks._When_he_ followed_me_thither,_I_went_to_a_box_room_at_the_top_of_the_ house_and,_in_order_to_be_alone_with_my_aching_miseries,_ locked_myself_in. = We_were_hopelessly_hemmed_in_by_the_Black_Smoke_all_that_day_ and_the_morning_of_the_next._There_were_signs_of_people_in_ the_next_house_on_Sunday_evening--a_face_at_a_window_and_ moving_lights,_and_later_the_slamming_of_a_door._But_I_do_ not_know_who_these_people_were,_nor_what_became_of_them._We_ saw_nothing_of_them_next_day._The_Black_Smoke_drifted_slowly_ riverward_all_through_Monday_morning,_creeping_nearer_and_ nearer_to_us,_driving_at_last_along_the_roadway_outside_the_ house_that_hid_us. = A_Martian_came_across_the_fields_about_midday,_laying_the_ stuff_with_a_jet_of_superheated_steam_that_hissed_against_ the_walls,_smashed_all_the_windows_it_touched,_and_scalded_ the_curate's_hand_as_he_fled_out_of_the_front_room._When_at_ last_we_crept_across_the_sodden_rooms_and_looked_out_again,_ the_country_northward_was_as_though_a_black_snowstorm_had_ passed_over_it._Looking_towards_the_river,_we_were_ astonished_to_see_an_unaccountable_redness_mingling_with_the_ black_of_the_scorched_meadows. = For_a_time_we_did_not_see_how_this_change_affected_our_ position,_save_that_we_were_relieved_of_our_fear_of_the_ Black_Smoke._But_later_I_perceived_that_we_were_no_longer_ hemmed_in,_that_now_we_might_get_away._So_soon_as_I_realised_ that_the_way_of_escape_was_open,_my_dream_of_action_ returned._But_the_curate_was_lethargic,_unreasonable. = "We_are_safe_here,"_he_repeated;_"safe_here." = I_resolved_to_leave_him--would_that_I_had!_Wiser_now_for_the_ artilleryman's_teaching,_I_sought_out_food_and_drink._I_had_ found_oil_and_rags_for_my_burns,_and_I_also_took_a_hat_and_a_ flannel_shirt_that_I_found_in_one_of_the_bedrooms._When_it_ was_clear_to_him_that_I_meant_to_go_alone--had_reconciled_ myself_to_going_alone--he_suddenly_roused_himself_to_come._ And_all_being_quiet_throughout_the_afternoon,_we_started_ about_five_o'clock,_as_I_should_judge,_along_the_blackened_ road_to_Sunbury. = In_Sunbury,_and_at_intervals_along_the_road,_were_dead_ bodies_lying_in_contorted_attitudes,_horses_as_well_as_men,_ overturned_carts_and_luggage,_all_covered_thickly_with_black_ dust._That_pall_of_cindery_powder_made_me_think_of_what_I_ had_read_of_the_destruction_of_Pompeii._We_got_to_Hampton_ Court_without_misadventure,_our_minds_full_of_strange_and_ unfamiliar_appearances,_and_at_Hampton_Court_our_eyes_were_ relieved_to_find_a_patch_of_green_that_had_escaped_the_ suffocating_drift._We_went_through_Bushey_Park,_with_its_ deer_going_to_and_fro_under_the_chestnuts,_and_some_men_and_ women_hurrying_in_the_distance_towards_Hampton,_and_so_we_ came_to_Twickenham._These_were_the_first_people_we_saw. = Away_across_the_road_the_woods_beyond_Ham_and_Petersham_were_ still_afire._Twickenham_was_uninjured_by_either_Heat-Ray_or_ Black_Smoke,_and_there_were_more_people_about_here,_though_ none_could_give_us_news._For_the_most_part_they_were_like_ ourselves,_taking_advantage_of_a_lull_to_shift_their_ quarters._I_have_an_impression_that_many_of_the_houses_here_ were_still_occupied_by_scared_inhabitants,_too_frightened_ even_for_flight._Here_too_the_evidence_of_a_hasty_rout_was_ abundant_along_the_road._I_remember_most_vividly_three_ smashed_bicycles_in_a_heap,_pounded_into_the_road_by_the_ wheels_of_subsequent_carts._We_crossed_Richmond_Bridge_about_ half_past_eight._We_hurried_across_the_exposed_bridge,_of_ course,_but_I_noticed_floating_down_the_stream_a_number_of_ red_masses,_some_many_feet_across._I_did_not_know_what_these_ were--there_was_no_time_for_scrutiny--and_I_put_a_more_ horrible_interpretation_on_them_than_they_deserved._Here_ again_on_the_Surrey_side_were_black_dust_that_had_once_been_ smoke,_and_dead_bodies--a_heap_near_the_approach_to_the_ station;_but_we_had_no_glimpse_of_the_Martians_until_we_were_ some_way_towards_Barnes. = We_saw_in_the_blackened_distance_a_group_of_three_people_ running_down_a_side_street_towards_the_river,_but_otherwise_ it_seemed_deserted._Up_the_hill_Richmond_town_was_burning_ briskly;_outside_the_town_of_Richmond_there_was_no_trace_of_ the_Black_Smoke. = Then_suddenly,_as_we_approached_Kew,_came_a_number_of_people_ running,_and_the_upperworks_of_a_Martian_fighting-machine_ loomed_in_sight_over_the_housetops,_not_a_hundred_yards_away_ from_us._We_stood_aghast_at_our_danger,_and_had_the_Martian_ looked_down_we_must_immediately_have_perished._We_were_so_ terrified_that_we_dared_not_go_on,_but_turned_aside_and_hid_ in_a_shed_in_a_garden._There_the_curate_crouched,_weeping_ silently,_and_refusing_to_stir_again. = But_my_fixed_idea_of_reaching_Leatherhead_would_not_let_me_ rest,_and_in_the_twilight_I_ventured_out_again._I_went_ through_a_shrubbery,_and_along_a_passage_beside_a_big_house_ standing_in_its_own_grounds,_and_so_emerged_upon_the_road_ towards_Kew._The_curate_I_left_in_the_shed,_but_he_came_ hurrying_after_me. = That_second_start_was_the_most_foolhardy_thing_I_ever_did._ For_it_was_manifest_the_Martians_were_about_us._No_sooner_ had_the_curate_overtaken_me_than_we_saw_either_the_ fighting-machine_we_had_seen_before_or_another,_far_away_ across_the_meadows_in_the_direction_of_Kew_Lodge._Four_or_ five_little_black_figures_hurried_before_it_across_the_ green-grey_of_the_field,_and_in_a_moment_it_was_evident_this_ Martian_pursued_them._In_three_strides_he_was_among_them,_ and_they_ran_radiating_from_his_feet_in_all_directions._He_ used_no_Heat-Ray_to_destroy_them,_but_picked_them_up_one_by_ one._Apparently_he_tossed_them_into_the_great_metallic_ carrier_which_projected_behind_him,_much_as_a_workman's_ basket_hangs_over_his_shoulder. = It_was_the_first_time_I_realised_that_the_Martians_might_ have_any_other_purpose_than_destruction_with_defeated_ humanity._We_stood_for_a_moment_petrified,_then_turned_and_ fled_through_a_gate_behind_us_into_a_walled_garden,_fell_ into,_rather_than_found,_a_fortunate_ditch,_and_lay_there,_ scarce_daring_to_whisper_to_each_other_until_the_stars_were_ out. = I_suppose_it_was_nearly_eleven_o'clock_before_we_gathered_ courage_to_start_again,_no_longer_venturing_into_the_road,_ but_sneaking_along_hedgerows_and_through_plantations,_and_ watching_keenly_through_the_darkness,_he_on_the_right_and_I_ on_the_left,_for_the_Martians,_who_seemed_to_be_all_about_ us._In_one_place_we_blundered_upon_a_scorched_and_blackened_ area,_now_cooling_and_ashen,_and_a_number_of_scattered_dead_ bodies_of_men,_burned_horribly_about_the_heads_and_trunks_ but_with_their_legs_and_boots_mostly_intact;_and_of_dead_ horses,_fifty_feet,_perhaps,_behind_a_line_of_four_ripped_ guns_and_smashed_gun_carriages. = Sheen,_it_seemed,_had_escaped_destruction,_but_the_place_was_ silent_and_deserted._Here_we_happened_on_no_dead,_though_the_ night_was_too_dark_for_us_to_see_into_the_side_roads_of_the_ place._In_Sheen_my_companion_suddenly_complained_of_ faintness_and_thirst,_and_we_decided_to_try_one_of_the_ houses. = The_first_house_we_entered,_after_a_little_difficulty_with_ the_window,_was_a_small_semi-detached_villa,_and_I_found_ nothing_eatable_left_in_the_place_but_some_mouldy_cheese._ There_was,_however,_water_to_drink;_and_I_took_a_hatchet,_ which_promised_to_be_useful_in_our_next_house-breaking. = We_then_crossed_to_a_place_where_the_road_turns_towards_ Mortlake._Here_there_stood_a_white_house_within_a_walled_ garden,_and_in_the_pantry_of_this_domicile_we_found_a_store_ of_food--two_loaves_of_bread_in_a_pan,_an_uncooked_steak,_ and_the_half_of_a_ham._I_give_this_catalogue_so_precisely_ because,_as_it_happened,_we_were_destined_to_subsist_upon_ this_store_for_the_next_fortnight._Bottled_beer_stood_under_ a_shelf,_and_there_were_two_bags_of_haricot_beans_and_some_ limp_lettuces._This_pantry_opened_into_a_kind_of_wash-up_ kitchen,_and_in_this_was_firewood;_there_was_also_a_ cupboard,_in_which_we_found_nearly_a_dozen_of_burgundy,_ tinned_soups_and_salmon,_and_two_tins_of_biscuits. = We_sat_in_the_adjacent_kitchen_in_the_dark--for_we_dared_not_ strike_a_light--and_ate_bread_and_ham,_and_drank_beer_out_of_ the_same_bottle._The_curate,_who_was_still_timorous_and_ restless,_was_now,_oddly_enough,_for_pushing_on,_and_I_was_ urging_him_to_keep_up_his_strength_by_eating_when_the_thing_ happened_that_was_to_imprison_us. = "It_can't_be_midnight_yet,"_I_said,_and_then_came_a_blinding_ glare_of_vivid_green_light._Everything_in_the_kitchen_leaped_ out,_clearly_visible_in_green_and_black,_and_vanished_again._ And_then_followed_such_a_concussion_as_I_have_never_heard_ before_or_since._So_close_on_the_heels_of_this_as_to_seem_ instantaneous_came_a_thud_behind_me,_a_clash_of_glass,_a_ crash_and_rattle_of_falling_masonry_all_about_us,_and_the_ plaster_of_the_ceiling_came_down_upon_us,_smashing_into_a_ multitude_of_fragments_upon_our_heads._I_was_knocked_ headlong_across_the_floor_against_the_oven_handle_and_ stunned._I_was_insensible_for_a_long_time,_the_curate_told_ me,_and_when_I_came_to_we_were_in_darkness_again,_and_he,_ with_a_face_wet,_as_I_found_afterwards,_with_blood_from_a_ cut_forehead,_was_dabbing_water_over_me. = For_some_time_I_could_not_recollect_what_had_happened._Then_ things_came_to_me_slowly._A_bruise_on_my_temple_asserted_ itself. = "Are_you_better?"_asked_the_curate_in_a_whisper. = At_last_I_answered_him._I_sat_up. = "Don't_move,"_he_said._"The_floor_is_covered_with_smashed_ crockery_from_the_dresser._You_can't_possibly_move_without_ making_a_noise,_and_I_fancy_THEY_are_outside." = We_both_sat_quite_silent,_so_that_we_could_scarcely_hear_ each_other_breathing._Everything_seemed_deadly_still,_but_ once_something_near_us,_some_plaster_or_broken_brickwork,_ slid_down_with_a_rumbling_sound._Outside_and_very_near_was_ an_intermittent,_metallic_rattle. = "That!"_said_the_curate,_when_presently_it_happened_again. = "Yes,"_I_said._"But_what_is_it?" = "A_Martian!"_said_the_curate. = I_listened_again. = "It_was_not_like_the_Heat-Ray,"_I_said,_and_for_a_time_I_was_ inclined_to_think_one_of_the_great_fighting-machines_had_ stumbled_against_the_house,_as_I_had_seen_one_stumble_ against_the_tower_of_Shepperton_Church. = Our_situation_was_so_strange_and_incomprehensible_that_for_ three_or_four_hours,_until_the_dawn_came,_we_scarcely_moved._ And_then_the_light_filtered_in,_not_through_the_window,_ which_remained_black,_but_through_a_triangular_aperture_ between_a_beam_and_a_heap_of_broken_bricks_in_the_wall_ behind_us._The_interior_of_the_kitchen_we_now_saw_greyly_for_ the_first_time. = The_window_had_been_burst_in_by_a_mass_of_garden_mould,_ which_flowed_over_the_table_upon_which_we_had_been_sitting_ and_lay_about_our_feet._Outside,_the_soil_was_banked_high_ against_the_house._At_the_top_of_the_window_frame_we_could_ see_an_uprooted_drainpipe._The_floor_was_littered_with_ smashed_hardware;_the_end_of_the_kitchen_towards_the_house_ was_broken_into,_and_since_the_daylight_shone_in_there,_it_ was_evident_the_greater_part_of_the_house_had_collapsed._ Contrasting_vividly_with_this_ruin_was_the_neat_dresser,_ stained_in_the_fashion,_pale_green,_and_with_a_number_of_ copper_and_tin_vessels_below_it,_the_wallpaper_imitating_ blue_and_white_tiles,_and_a_couple_of_coloured_supplements_ fluttering_from_the_walls_above_the_kitchen_range. = As_the_dawn_grew_clearer,_we_saw_through_the_gap_in_the_wall_ the_body_of_a_Martian,_standing_sentinel,_I_suppose,_over_ the_still_glowing_cylinder._At_the_sight_of_that_we_crawled_ as_circumspectly_as_possible_out_of_the_twilight_of_the_ kitchen_into_the_darkness_of_the_scullery. = Abruptly_the_right_interpretation_dawned_upon_my_mind. = "The_fifth_cylinder,"_I_whispered,_"the_fifth_shot_from_ Mars,_has_struck_this_house_and_buried_us_under_the_ruins!" = For_a_time_the_curate_was_silent,_and_then_he_whispered: = "God_have_mercy_upon_us!" = I_heard_him_presently_whimpering_to_himself. = Save_for_that_sound_we_lay_quite_still_in_the_scullery;_I_ for_my_part_scarce_dared_breathe,_and_sat_with_my_eyes_fixed_ on_the_faint_light_of_the_kitchen_door._I_could_just_see_the_ curate's_face,_a_dim,_oval_shape,_and_his_collar_and_cuffs._ Outside_there_began_a_metallic_hammering,_then_a_violent_ hooting,_and_then_again,_after_a_quiet_interval,_a_hissing_ like_the_hissing_of_an_engine._These_noises,_for_the_most_ part_problematical,_continued_intermittently,_and_seemed_if_ anything_to_increase_in_number_as_time_wore_on._Presently_a_ measured_thudding_and_a_vibration_that_made_everything_about_ us_quiver_and_the_vessels_in_the_pantry_ring_and_shift,_ began_and_continued._Once_the_light_was_eclipsed,_and_the_ ghostly_kitchen_doorway_became_absolutely_dark._For_many_ hours_we_must_have_crouched_there,_silent_and_shivering,_ until_our_tired_attention_failed._._._. = At_last_I_found_myself_awake_and_very_hungry._I_am_inclined_ to_believe_we_must_have_spent_the_greater_portion_of_a_day_ before_that_awakening._My_hunger_was_at_a_stride_so_ insistent_that_it_moved_me_to_action._I_told_the_curate_I_ was_going_to_seek_food,_and_felt_my_way_towards_the_pantry._ He_made_me_no_answer,_but_so_soon_as_I_began_eating_the_ faint_noise_I_made_stirred_him_up_and_I_heard_him_crawling_ after_me. = # ## # chapter 2 TWO # unit C chapter_number # unit P text After_eating_we_crept_back_to_the_scullery,_and_there_I_must_ have_dozed_again,_for_when_presently_I_looked_round_I_was_ alone._The_thudding_vibration_continued_with_wearisome_ persistence._I_whispered_for_the_curate_several_times,_and_ at_last_felt_my_way_to_the_door_of_the_kitchen._It_was_still_ daylight,_and_I_perceived_him_across_the_room,_lying_against_ the_triangular_hole_that_looked_out_upon_the_Martians._His_ shoulders_were_hunched,_so_that_his_head_was_hidden_from_me. = I_could_hear_a_number_of_noises_almost_like_those_in_an_ engine_shed;_and_the_place_rocked_with_that_beating_thud._ Through_the_aperture_in_the_wall_I_could_see_the_top_of_a_ tree_touched_with_gold_and_the_warm_blue_of_a_tranquil_ evening_sky._For_a_minute_or_so_I_remained_watching_the_ curate,_and_then_I_advanced,_crouching_and_stepping_with_ extreme_care_amid_the_broken_crockery_that_littered_the_ floor. = I_touched_the_curate's_leg,_and_he_started_so_violently_that_ a_mass_of_plaster_went_sliding_down_outside_and_fell_with_a_ loud_impact._I_gripped_his_arm,_fearing_he_might_cry_out,_ and_for_a_long_time_we_crouched_motionless._Then_I_turned_to_ see_how_much_of_our_rampart_remained._The_detachment_of_the_ plaster_had_left_a_vertical_slit_open_in_the_debris,_and_by_ raising_myself_cautiously_across_a_beam_I_was_able_to_see_ out_of_this_gap_into_what_had_been_overnight_a_quiet_ suburban_roadway._Vast,_indeed,_was_the_change_that_we_ beheld. = The_fifth_cylinder_must_have_fallen_right_into_the_midst_of_ the_house_we_had_first_visited._The_building_had_vanished,_ completely_smashed,_pulverised,_and_dispersed_by_the_blow._ The_cylinder_lay_now_far_beneath_the_original_ foundations--deep_in_a_hole,_already_vastly_larger_than_the_ pit_I_had_looked_into_at_Woking._The_earth_all_round_it_had_ splashed_under_that_tremendous_impact--"splashed"_is_the_ only_word--and_lay_in_heaped_piles_that_hid_the_masses_of_ the_adjacent_houses._It_had_behaved_exactly_like_mud_under_ the_violent_blow_of_a_hammer._Our_house_had_collapsed_ backward;_the_front_portion,_even_on_the_ground_floor,_had_ been_destroyed_completely;_by_a_chance_the_kitchen_and_ scullery_had_escaped,_and_stood_buried_now_under_soil_and_ ruins,_closed_in_by_tons_of_earth_on_every_side_save_towards_ the_cylinder._Over_that_aspect_we_hung_now_on_the_very_edge_ of_the_great_circular_pit_the_Martians_were_engaged_in_ making._The_heavy_beating_sound_was_evidently_just_behind_ us,_and_ever_and_again_a_bright_green_vapour_drove_up_like_a_ veil_across_our_peephole. = The_cylinder_was_already_opened_in_the_centre_of_the_pit,_ and_on_the_farther_edge_of_the_pit,_amid_the_smashed_and_ gravel-heaped_shrubbery,_one_of_the_great_fighting-machines,_ deserted_by_its_occupant,_stood_stiff_and_tall_against_the_ evening_sky._At_first_I_scarcely_noticed_the_pit_and_the_ cylinder,_although_it_has_been_convenient_to_describe_them_ first,_on_account_of_the_extraordinary_glittering_mechanism_ I_saw_busy_in_the_excavation,_and_on_account_of_the_strange_ creatures_that_were_crawling_slowly_and_painfully_across_the_ heaped_mould_near_it. = The_mechanism_it_certainly_was_that_held_my_attention_first._ It_was_one_of_those_complicated_fabrics_that_have_since_been_ called_handling-machines,_and_the_study_of_which_has_already_ given_such_an_enormous_impetus_to_terrestrial_invention._As_ it_dawned_upon_me_first,_it_presented_a_sort_of_metallic_ spider_with_five_jointed,_agile_legs,_and_with_an_ extraordinary_number_of_jointed_levers,_bars,_and_reaching_ and_clutching_tentacles_about_its_body._Most_of_its_arms_ were_retracted,_but_with_three_long_tentacles_it_was_fishing_ out_a_number_of_rods,_plates,_and_bars_which_lined_the_ covering_and_apparently_strengthened_the_walls_of_the_ cylinder._These,_as_it_extracted_them,_were_lifted_out_and_ deposited_upon_a_level_surface_of_earth_behind_it. = Its_motion_was_so_swift,_complex,_and_perfect_that_at_first_ I_did_not_see_it_as_a_machine,_in_spite_of_its_metallic_ glitter._The_fighting-machines_were_co-ordinated_and_ animated_to_an_extraordinary_pitch,_but_nothing_to_compare_ with_this._People_who_have_never_seen_these_structures,_and_ have_only_the_ill-imagined_efforts_of_artists_or_the_ imperfect_descriptions_of_such_eye-witnesses_as_myself_to_go_ upon,_scarcely_realise_that_living_quality. = I_recall_particularly_the_illustration_of_one_of_the_first_ pamphlets_to_give_a_consecutive_account_of_the_war._The_ artist_had_evidently_made_a_hasty_study_of_one_of_the_ fighting-machines,_and_there_his_knowledge_ended._He_ presented_them_as_tilted,_stiff_tripods,_without_either_ flexibility_or_subtlety,_and_with_an_altogether_misleading_ monotony_of_effect._The_pamphlet_containing_these_renderings_ had_a_considerable_vogue,_and_I_mention_them_here_simply_to_ warn_the_reader_against_the_impression_they_may_have_ created._They_were_no_more_like_the_Martians_I_saw_in_action_ than_a_Dutch_doll_is_like_a_human_being._To_my_mind,_the_ pamphlet_would_have_been_much_better_without_them. = At_first,_I_say,_the_handling-machine_did_not_impress_me_as_ a_machine,_but_as_a_crablike_creature_with_a_glittering_ integument,_the_controlling_Martian_whose_delicate_tentacles_ actuated_its_movements_seeming_to_be_simply_the_equivalent_ of_the_crab's_cerebral_portion._But_then_I_perceived_the_ resemblance_of_its_grey-brown,_shiny,_leathery_integument_to_ that_of_the_other_sprawling_bodies_beyond,_and_the_true_ nature_of_this_dexterous_workman_dawned_upon_me._With_that_ realisation_my_interest_shifted_to_those_other_creatures,_ the_real_Martians._Already_I_had_had_a_transient_impression_ of_these,_and_the_first_nausea_no_longer_obscured_my_ observation._Moreover,_I_was_concealed_and_motionless,_and_ under_no_urgency_of_action. = They_were,_I_now_saw,_the_most_unearthly_creatures_it_is_ possible_to_conceive._They_were_huge_round_bodies--or,_ rather,_heads--about_four_feet_in_diameter,_each_body_having_ in_front_of_it_a_face._This_face_had_no_nostrils--indeed,_ the_Martians_do_not_seem_to_have_had_any_sense_of_smell,_but_ it_had_a_pair_of_very_large_dark-coloured_eyes,_and_just_ beneath_this_a_kind_of_fleshy_beak._In_the_back_of_this_head_ or_body--I_scarcely_know_how_to_speak_of_it--was_the_single_ tight_tympanic_surface,_since_known_to_be_anatomically_an_ ear,_though_it_must_have_been_almost_useless_in_our_dense_ air._In_a_group_round_the_mouth_were_sixteen_slender,_almost_ whiplike_tentacles,_arranged_in_two_bunches_of_eight_each._ These_bunches_have_since_been_named_rather_aptly,_by_that_ distinguished_anatomist,_Professor_Howes,_the_HANDS._Even_as_ I_saw_these_Martians_for_the_first_time_they_seemed_to_be_ endeavouring_to_raise_themselves_on_these_hands,_but_of_ course,_with_the_increased_weight_of_terrestrial_conditions,_ this_was_impossible._There_is_reason_to_suppose_that_on_Mars_ they_may_have_progressed_upon_them_with_some_facility. = The_internal_anatomy,_I_may_remark_here,_as_dissection_has_ since_shown,_was_almost_equally_simple._The_greater_part_of_ the_structure_was_the_brain,_sending_enormous_nerves_to_the_ eyes,_ear,_and_tactile_tentacles._Besides_this_were_the_ bulky_lungs,_into_which_the_mouth_opened,_and_the_heart_and_ its_vessels._The_pulmonary_distress_caused_by_the_denser_ atmosphere_and_greater_gravitational_attraction_was_only_too_ evident_in_the_convulsive_movements_of_the_outer_skin. = And_this_was_the_sum_of_the_Martian_organs._Strange_as_it_ may_seem_to_a_human_being,_all_the_complex_apparatus_of_ digestion,_which_makes_up_the_bulk_of_our_bodies,_did_not_ exist_in_the_Martians._They_were_heads--merely_heads._ Entrails_they_had_none._They_did_not_eat,_much_less_digest._ Instead,_they_took_the_fresh,_living_blood_of_other_ creatures,_and_INJECTED_it_into_their_own_veins._I_have_ myself_seen_this_being_done,_as_I_shall_mention_in_its_ place._But,_squeamish_as_I_may_seem,_I_cannot_bring_myself_ to_describe_what_I_could_not_endure_even_to_continue_ watching._Let_it_suffice_to_say,_blood_obtained_from_a_still_ living_animal,_in_most_cases_from_a_human_being,_was_run_ directly_by_means_of_a_little_pipette_into_the_recipient_ canal._._._. = The_bare_idea_of_this_is_no_doubt_horribly_repulsive_to_us,_ but_at_the_same_time_I_think_that_we_should_remember_how_ repulsive_our_carnivorous_habits_would_seem_to_an_ intelligent_rabbit. = The_physiological_advantages_of_the_practice_of_injection_ are_undeniable,_if_one_thinks_of_the_tremendous_waste_of_ human_time_and_energy_occasioned_by_eating_and_the_digestive_ process._Our_bodies_are_half_made_up_of_glands_and_tubes_and_ organs,_occupied_in_turning_heterogeneous_food_into_blood._ The_digestive_processes_and_their_reaction_upon_the_nervous_ system_sap_our_strength_and_colour_our_minds._Men_go_happy_ or_miserable_as_they_have_healthy_or_unhealthy_livers,_or_ sound_gastric_glands._But_the_Martians_were_lifted_above_all_ these_organic_fluctuations_of_mood_and_emotion. = Their_undeniable_preference_for_men_as_their_source_of_ nourishment_is_partly_explained_by_the_nature_of_the_remains_ of_the_victims_they_had_brought_with_them_as_provisions_from_ Mars._These_creatures,_to_judge_from_the_shrivelled_remains_ that_have_fallen_into_human_hands,_were_bipeds_with_flimsy,_ silicious_skeletons_(almost_like_those_of_the_silicious_ sponges)_and_feeble_musculature,_standing_about_six_feet_ high_and_having_round,_erect_heads,_and_large_eyes_in_flinty_ sockets._Two_or_three_of_these_seem_to_have_been_brought_in_ each_cylinder,_and_all_were_killed_before_earth_was_reached._ It_was_just_as_well_for_them,_for_the_mere_attempt_to_stand_ upright_upon_our_planet_would_have_broken_every_bone_in_ their_bodies. = And_while_I_am_engaged_in_this_description,_I_may_add_in_ this_place_certain_further_details_which,_although_they_were_ not_all_evident_to_us_at_the_time,_will_enable_the_reader_ who_is_unacquainted_with_them_to_form_a_clearer_picture_of_ these_offensive_creatures. = In_three_other_points_their_physiology_differed_strangely_ from_ours._Their_organisms_did_not_sleep,_any_more_than_the_ heart_of_man_sleeps._Since_they_had_no_extensive_muscular_ mechanism_to_recuperate,_that_periodical_extinction_was_ unknown_to_them._They_had_little_or_no_sense_of_fatigue,_it_ would_seem._On_earth_they_could_never_have_moved_without_ effort,_yet_even_to_the_last_they_kept_in_action._In_ twenty-four_hours_they_did_twenty-four_hours_of_work,_as_ even_on_earth_is_perhaps_the_case_with_the_ants. = In_the_next_place,_wonderful_as_it_seems_in_a_sexual_world,_ the_Martians_were_absolutely_without_sex,_and_therefore_ without_any_of_the_tumultuous_emotions_that_arise_from_that_ difference_among_men._A_young_Martian,_there_can_now_be_no_ dispute,_was_really_born_upon_earth_during_the_war,_and_it_ was_found_attached_to_its_parent,_partially_BUDDED_off,_just_ as_young_lilybulbs_bud_off,_or_like_the_young_animals_in_the_ fresh-water_polyp. = In_man,_in_all_the_higher_terrestrial_animals,_such_a_method_ of_increase_has_disappeared;_but_even_on_this_earth_it_was_ certainly_the_primitive_method._Among_the_lower_animals,_up_ even_to_those_first_cousins_of_the_vertebrated_animals,_the_ Tunicates,_the_two_processes_occur_side_by_side,_but_finally_ the_sexual_method_superseded_its_competitor_altogether._On_ Mars,_however,_just_the_reverse_has_apparently_been_the_ case. = It_is_worthy_of_remark_that_a_certain_speculative_writer_of_ quasi-scientific_repute,_writing_long_before_the_Martian_ invasion,_did_forecast_for_man_a_final_structure_not_unlike_ the_actual_Martian_condition._His_prophecy,_I_remember,_ appeared_in_November_or_December,_1893,_in_a_long-defunct_ publication,_the_PALL_MALL_BUDGET,_and_I_recall_a_caricature_ of_it_in_a_pre-Martian_periodical_called_PUNCH._He_pointed_ out--writing_in_a_foolish,_facetious_tone--that_the_ perfection_of_mechanical_appliances_must_ultimately_ supersede_limbs;_the_perfection_of_chemical_devices,_ digestion;_that_such_organs_as_hair,_external_nose,_teeth,_ ears,_and_chin_were_no_longer_essential_parts_of_the_human_ being,_and_that_the_tendency_of_natural_selection_would_lie_ in_the_direction_of_their_steady_diminution_through_the_ coming_ages._The_brain_alone_remained_a_cardinal_necessity._ Only_one_other_part_of_the_body_had_a_strong_case_for_ survival,_and_that_was_the_hand,_"teacher_and_agent_of_the_ brain."_While_the_rest_of_the_body_dwindled,_the_hands_would_ grow_larger. = There_is_many_a_true_word_written_in_jest,_and_here_in_the_ Martians_we_have_beyond_dispute_the_actual_accomplishment_of_ such_a_suppression_of_the_animal_side_of_the_organism_by_the_ intelligence._To_me_it_is_quite_credible_that_the_Martians_ may_be_descended_from_beings_not_unlike_ourselves,_by_a_ gradual_development_of_brain_and_hands_(the_latter_giving_ rise_to_the_two_bunches_of_delicate_tentacles_at_last)_at_ the_expense_of_the_rest_of_the_body._Without_the_body_the_ brain_would,_of_course,_become_a_mere_selfish_intelligence,_ without_any_of_the_emotional_substratum_of_the_human_being. = The_last_salient_point_in_which_the_systems_of_these_ creatures_differed_from_ours_was_in_what_one_might_have_ thought_a_very_trivial_particular._Micro-organisms,_which_ cause_so_much_disease_and_pain_on_earth,_have_either_never_ appeared_upon_Mars_or_Martian_sanitary_science_eliminated_ them_ages_ago._A_hundred_diseases,_all_the_fevers_and_ contagions_of_human_life,_consumption,_cancers,_tumours_and_ such_morbidities,_never_enter_the_scheme_of_their_life._And_ speaking_of_the_differences_between_the_life_on_Mars_and_ terrestrial_life,_I_may_allude_here_to_the_curious_ suggestions_of_the_red_weed. = Apparently_the_vegetable_kingdom_in_Mars,_instead_of_having_ green_for_a_dominant_colour,_is_of_a_vivid_blood-red_tint._ At_any_rate,_the_seeds_which_the_Martians_(intentionally_or_ accidentally)_brought_with_them_gave_rise_in_all_cases_to_ red-coloured_growths._Only_that_known_popularly_as_the_red_ weed,_however,_gained_any_footing_in_competition_with_ terrestrial_forms._The_red_creeper_was_quite_a_transitory_ growth,_and_few_people_have_seen_it_growing._For_a_time,_ however,_the_red_weed_grew_with_astonishing_vigour_and_ luxuriance._It_spread_up_the_sides_of_the_pit_by_the_third_ or_fourth_day_of_our_imprisonment,_and_its_cactus-like_ branches_formed_a_carmine_fringe_to_the_edges_of_our_ triangular_window._And_afterwards_I_found_it_broadcast_ throughout_the_country,_and_especially_wherever_there_was_a_ stream_of_water. = The_Martians_had_what_appears_to_have_been_an_auditory_ organ,_a_single_round_drum_at_the_back_of_the_head-body,_and_ eyes_with_a_visual_range_not_very_different_from_ours_except_ that,_according_to_Philips,_blue_and_violet_were_as_black_to_ them._It_is_commonly_supposed_that_they_communicated_by_ sounds_and_tentacular_gesticulations;_this_is_asserted,_for_ instance,_in_the_able_but_hastily_compiled_pamphlet_(written_ evidently_by_someone_not_an_eye-witness_of_Martian_actions)_ to_which_I_have_already_alluded,_and_which,_so_far,_has_been_ the_chief_source_of_information_concerning_them._Now_no_ surviving_human_being_saw_so_much_of_the_Martians_in_action_ as_I_did._I_take_no_credit_to_myself_for_an_accident,_but_ the_fact_is_so._And_I_assert_that_I_watched_them_closely_ time_after_time,_and_that_I_have_seen_four,_five,_and_(once)_ six_of_them_sluggishly_performing_the_most_elaborately_ complicated_operations_together_without_either_sound_or_ gesture._Their_peculiar_hooting_invariably_preceded_feeding;_ it_had_no_modulation,_and_was,_I_believe,_in_no_sense_a_ signal,_but_merely_the_expiration_of_air_preparatory_to_the_ suctional_operation._I_have_a_certain_claim_to_at_least_an_ elementary_knowledge_of_psychology,_and_in_this_matter_I_am_ convinced--as_firmly_as_I_am_convinced_of_anything--that_the_ Martians_interchanged_thoughts_without_any_physical_ intermediation._And_I_have_been_convinced_of_this_in_spite_ of_strong_preconceptions._Before_the_Martian_invasion,_as_an_ occasional_reader_here_or_there_may_remember,_I_had_written_ with_some_little_vehemence_against_the_telepathic_theory. = The_Martians_wore_no_clothing._Their_conceptions_of_ornament_ and_decorum_were_necessarily_different_from_ours;_and_not_ only_were_they_evidently_much_less_sensible_of_changes_of_ temperature_than_we_are,_but_changes_of_pressure_do_not_seem_ to_have_affected_their_health_at_all_seriously._Yet_though_ they_wore_no_clothing,_it_was_in_the_other_artificial_ additions_to_their_bodily_resources_that_their_great_ superiority_over_man_lay._We_men,_with_our_bicycles_and_ road-skates,_our_Lilienthal_soaring-machines,_our_guns_and_ sticks_and_so_forth,_are_just_in_the_beginning_of_the_ evolution_that_the_Martians_have_worked_out._They_have_ become_practically_mere_brains,_wearing_different_bodies_ according_to_their_needs_just_as_men_wear_suits_of_clothes_ and_take_a_bicycle_in_a_hurry_or_an_umbrella_in_the_wet._And_ of_their_appliances,_perhaps_nothing_is_more_wonderful_to_a_ man_than_the_curious_fact_that_what_is_the_dominant_feature_ of_almost_all_human_devices_in_mechanism_is_absent--the_ WHEEL_is_absent;_among_all_the_things_they_brought_to_earth_ there_is_no_trace_or_suggestion_of_their_use_of_wheels._One_ would_have_at_least_expected_it_in_locomotion._And_in_this_ connection_it_is_curious_to_remark_that_even_on_this_earth_ Nature_has_never_hit_upon_the_wheel,_or_has_preferred_other_ expedients_to_its_development._And_not_only_did_the_Martians_ either_not_know_of_(which_is_incredible),_or_abstain_from,_ the_wheel,_but_in_their_apparatus_singularly_little_use_is_ made_of_the_fixed_pivot_or_relatively_fixed_pivot,_with_ circular_motions_thereabout_confined_to_one_plane._Almost_ all_the_joints_of_the_machinery_present_a_complicated_system_ of_sliding_parts_moving_over_small_but_beautifully_curved_ friction_bearings._And_while_upon_this_matter_of_detail,_it_ is_remarkable_that_the_long_leverages_of_their_machines_are_ in_most_cases_actuated_by_a_sort_of_sham_musculature_of_the_ disks_in_an_elastic_sheath;_these_disks_become_polarised_and_ drawn_closely_and_powerfully_together_when_traversed_by_a_ current_of_electricity._In_this_way_the_curious_parallelism_ to_animal_motions,_which_was_so_striking_and_disturbing_to_ the_human_beholder,_was_attained._Such_quasi-muscles_ abounded_in_the_crablike_handling-machine_which,_on_my_first_ peeping_out_of_the_slit,_I_watched_unpacking_the_cylinder._ It_seemed_infinitely_more_alive_than_the_actual_Martians_ lying_beyond_it_in_the_sunset_light,_panting,_stirring_ ineffectual_tentacles,_and_moving_feebly_after_their_vast_ journey_across_space. = While_I_was_still_watching_their_sluggish_motions_in_the_ sunlight,_and_noting_each_strange_detail_of_their_form,_the_ curate_reminded_me_of_his_presence_by_pulling_violently_at_ my_arm._I_turned_to_a_scowling_face,_and_silent,_eloquent_ lips._He_wanted_the_slit,_which_permitted_only_one_of_us_to_ peep_through;_and_so_I_had_to_forego_watching_them_for_a_ time_while_he_enjoyed_that_privilege. = When_I_looked_again,_the_busy_handling-machine_had_already_ put_together_several_of_the_pieces_of_apparatus_it_had_taken_ out_of_the_cylinder_into_a_shape_having_an_unmistakable_ likeness_to_its_own;_and_down_on_the_left_a_busy_little_ digging_mechanism_had_come_into_view,_emitting_jets_of_green_ vapour_and_working_its_way_round_the_pit,_excavating_and_ embanking_in_a_methodical_and_discriminating_manner._This_it_ was_which_had_caused_the_regular_beating_noise,_and_the_ rhythmic_shocks_that_had_kept_our_ruinous_refuge_quivering._ It_piped_and_whistled_as_it_worked._So_far_as_I_could_see,_ the_thing_was_without_a_directing_Martian_at_all. = # ## # chapter 3 THREE # unit C chapter_number # unit H chapter_title # unit P text The_arrival_of_a_second_fighting-machine_drove_us_from_our_ peephole_into_the_scullery,_for_we_feared_that_from_his_ elevation_the_Martian_might_see_down_upon_us_behind_our_ barrier._At_a_later_date_we_began_to_feel_less_in_danger_of_ their_eyes,_for_to_an_eye_in_the_dazzle_of_the_sunlight_ outside_our_refuge_must_have_been_blank_blackness,_but_at_ first_the_slightest_suggestion_of_approach_drove_us_into_the_ scullery_in_heart-throbbing_retreat._Yet_terrible_as_was_the_ danger_we_incurred,_the_attraction_of_peeping_was_for_both_ of_us_irresistible._And_I_recall_now_with_a_sort_of_wonder_ that,_in_spite_of_the_infinite_danger_in_which_we_were_ between_starvation_and_a_still_more_terrible_death,_we_could_ yet_struggle_bitterly_for_that_horrible_privilege_of_sight._ We_would_race_across_the_kitchen_in_a_grotesque_way_between_ eagerness_and_the_dread_of_making_a_noise,_and_strike_each_ other,_and_thrust_add_kick,_within_a_few_inches_of_exposure. = The_fact_is_that_we_had_absolutely_incompatible_dispositions_ and_habits_of_thought_and_action,_and_our_danger_and_ isolation_only_accentuated_the_incompatibility._At_Halliford_ I_had_already_come_to_hate_the_curate's_trick_of_helpless_ exclamation,_his_stupid_rigidity_of_mind._His_endless_ muttering_monologue_vitiated_every_effort_I_made_to_think_ out_a_line_of_action,_and_drove_me_at_times,_thus_pent_up_ and_intensified,_almost_to_the_verge_of_craziness._He_was_as_ lacking_in_restraint_as_a_silly_woman._He_would_weep_for_ hours_together,_and_I_verily_believe_that_to_the_very_end_ this_spoiled_child_of_life_thought_his_weak_tears_in_some_ way_efficacious._And_I_would_sit_in_the_darkness_unable_to_ keep_my_mind_off_him_by_reason_of_his_importunities._He_ate_ more_than_I_did,_and_it_was_in_vain_I_pointed_out_that_our_ only_chance_of_life_was_to_stop_in_the_house_until_the_ Martians_had_done_with_their_pit,_that_in_that_long_patience_ a_time_might_presently_come_when_we_should_need_food._He_ate_ and_drank_impulsively_in_heavy_meals_at_long_intervals._He_ slept_little. = As_the_days_wore_on,_his_utter_carelessness_of_any_ consideration_so_intensified_our_distress_and_danger_that_I_ had,_much_as_I_loathed_doing_it,_to_resort_to_threats,_and_ at_last_to_blows._That_brought_him_to_reason_for_a_time._But_ he_was_one_of_those_weak_creatures,_void_of_pride,_timorous,_ anaemic,_hateful_souls,_full_of_shifty_cunning,_who_face_ neither_God_nor_man,_who_face_not_even_themselves. = It_is_disagreeable_for_me_to_recall_and_write_these_things,_ but_I_set_them_down_that_my_story_may_lack_nothing._Those_ who_have_escaped_the_dark_and_terrible_aspects_of_life_will_ find_my_brutality,_my_flash_of_rage_in_our_final_tragedy,_ easy_enough_to_blame;_for_they_know_what_is_wrong_as_well_as_ any,_but_not_what_is_possible_to_tortured_men._But_those_who_ have_been_under_the_shadow,_who_have_gone_down_at_last_to_ elemental_things,_will_have_a_wider_charity. = And_while_within_we_fought_out_our_dark,_dim_contest_of_ whispers,_snatched_food_and_drink,_and_gripping_hands_and_ blows,_without,_in_the_pitiless_sunlight_of_that_terrible_ June,_was_the_strange_wonder,_the_unfamiliar_routine_of_the_ Martians_in_the_pit._Let_me_return_to_those_first_new_ experiences_of_mine._After_a_long_time_I_ventured_back_to_ the_peephole,_to_find_that_the_new-comers_had_been_ reinforced_by_the_occupants_of_no_fewer_than_three_of_the_ fighting-machines._These_last_had_brought_with_them_certain_ fresh_appliances_that_stood_in_an_orderly_manner_about_the_ cylinder._The_second_handling-machine_was_now_completed,_and_ was_busied_in_serving_one_of_the_novel_contrivances_the_big_ machine_had_brought._This_was_a_body_resembling_a_milk_can_ in_its_general_form,_above_which_oscillated_a_pear-shaped_ receptacle,_and_from_which_a_stream_of_white_powder_flowed_ into_a_circular_basin_below. = The_oscillatory_motion_was_imparted_to_this_by_one_tentacle_ of_the_handling-machine._With_two_spatulate_hands_the_ handling-machine_was_digging_out_and_flinging_masses_of_clay_ into_the_pear-shaped_receptacle_above,_while_with_another_ arm_it_periodically_opened_a_door_and_removed_rusty_and_ blackened_clinkers_from_the_middle_part_of_the_machine._ Another_steely_tentacle_directed_the_powder_from_the_basin_ along_a_ribbed_channel_towards_some_receiver_that_was_hidden_ from_me_by_the_mound_of_bluish_dust._From_this_unseen_ receiver_a_little_thread_of_green_smoke_rose_vertically_into_ the_quiet_air._As_I_looked,_the_handling-machine,_with_a_ faint_and_musical_clinking,_extended,_telescopic_fashion,_a_ tentacle_that_had_been_a_moment_before_a_mere_blunt_ projection,_until_its_end_was_hidden_behind_the_mound_of_ clay._In_another_second_it_had_lifted_a_bar_of_white_ aluminium_into_sight,_untarnished_as_yet,_and_shining_ dazzlingly,_and_deposited_it_in_a_growing_stack_of_bars_that_ stood_at_the_side_of_the_pit._Between_sunset_and_starlight_ this_dexterous_machine_must_have_made_more_than_a_hundred_ such_bars_out_of_the_crude_clay,_and_the_mound_of_bluish_ dust_rose_steadily_until_it_topped_the_side_of_the_pit. = The_contrast_between_the_swift_and_complex_movements_of_ these_contrivances_and_the_inert_panting_clumsiness_of_their_ masters_was_acute,_and_for_days_I_had_to_tell_myself_ repeatedly_that_these_latter_were_indeed_the_living_of_the_ two_things. = The_curate_had_possession_of_the_slit_when_the_first_men_ were_brought_to_the_pit._I_was_sitting_below,_huddled_up,_ listening_with_all_my_ears._He_made_a_sudden_movement_ backward,_and_I,_fearful_that_we_were_observed,_crouched_in_ a_spasm_of_terror._He_came_sliding_down_the_rubbish_and_ crept_beside_me_in_the_darkness,_inarticulate,_ gesticulating,_and_for_a_moment_I_shared_his_panic._His_ gesture_suggested_a_resignation_of_the_slit,_and_after_a_ little_while_my_curiosity_gave_me_courage,_and_I_rose_up,_ stepped_across_him,_and_clambered_up_to_it._At_first_I_could_ see_no_reason_for_his_frantic_behaviour._The_twilight_had_ now_come,_the_stars_were_little_and_faint,_but_the_pit_was_ illuminated_by_the_flickering_green_fire_that_came_from_the_ aluminium-making._The_whole_picture_was_a_flickering_scheme_ of_green_gleams_and_shifting_rusty_black_shadows,_strangely_ trying_to_the_eyes._Over_and_through_it_all_went_the_bats,_ heeding_it_not_at_all._The_sprawling_Martians_were_no_longer_ to_be_seen,_the_mound_of_blue-green_powder_had_risen_to_ cover_them_from_sight,_and_a_fighting-machine,_with_its_legs_ contracted,_crumpled,_and_abbreviated,_stood_across_the_ corner_of_the_pit._And_then,_amid_the_clangour_of_the_ machinery,_came_a_drifting_suspicion_of_human_voices,_that_I_ entertained_at_first_only_to_dismiss. = I_crouched,_watching_this_fighting-machine_closely,_ satisfying_myself_now_for_the_first_time_that_the_hood_did_ indeed_contain_a_Martian._As_the_green_flames_lifted_I_could_ see_the_oily_gleam_of_his_integument_and_the_brightness_of_ his_eyes._And_suddenly_I_heard_a_yell,_and_saw_a_long_ tentacle_reaching_over_the_shoulder_of_the_machine_to_the_ little_cage_that_hunched_upon_its_back._Then_ something--something_struggling_violently--was_lifted_high_ against_the_sky,_a_black,_vague_enigma_against_the_ starlight;_and_as_this_black_object_came_down_again,_I_saw_ by_the_green_brightness_that_it_was_a_man._For_an_instant_he_ was_clearly_visible._He_was_a_stout,_ruddy,_middle-aged_man,_ well_dressed;_three_days_before,_he_must_have_been_walking_ the_world,_a_man_of_considerable_consequence._I_could_see_ his_staring_eyes_and_gleams_of_light_on_his_studs_and_watch_ chain._He_vanished_behind_the_mound,_and_for_a_moment_there_ was_silence._And_then_began_a_shrieking_and_a_sustained_and_ cheerful_hooting_from_the_Martians. = I_slid_down_the_rubbish,_struggled_to_my_feet,_clapped_my_ hands_over_my_ears,_and_bolted_into_the_scullery._The_ curate,_who_had_been_crouching_silently_with_his_arms_over_ his_head,_looked_up_as_I_passed,_cried_out_quite_loudly_at_ my_desertion_of_him,_and_came_running_after_me. = That_night,_as_we_lurked_in_the_scullery,_balanced_between_ our_horror_and_the_terrible_fascination_this_peeping_had,_ although_I_felt_an_urgent_need_of_action_I_tried_in_vain_to_ conceive_some_plan_of_escape;_but_afterwards,_during_the_ second_day,_I_was_able_to_consider_our_position_with_great_ clearness._The_curate,_I_found,_was_quite_incapable_of_ discussion;_this_new_and_culminating_atrocity_had_robbed_him_ of_all_vestiges_of_reason_or_forethought._Practically_he_had_ already_sunk_to_the_level_of_an_animal._But_as_the_saying_ goes,_I_gripped_myself_with_both_hands._It_grew_upon_my_ mind,_once_I_could_face_the_facts,_that_terrible_as_our_ position_was,_there_was_as_yet_no_justification_for_absolute_ despair._Our_chief_chance_lay_in_the_possibility_of_the_ Martians_making_the_pit_nothing_more_than_a_temporary_ encampment._Or_even_if_they_kept_it_permanently,_they_might_ not_consider_it_necessary_to_guard_it,_and_a_chance_of_ escape_might_be_afforded_us._I_also_weighed_very_carefully_ the_possibility_of_our_digging_a_way_out_in_a_direction_away_ from_the_pit,_but_the_chances_of_our_emerging_within_sight_ of_some_sentinel_fighting-machine_seemed_at_first_too_great._ And_I_should_have_had_to_do_all_the_digging_myself._The_ curate_would_certainly_have_failed_me. = It_was_on_the_third_day,_if_my_memory_serves_me_right,_that_ I_saw_the_lad_killed._It_was_the_only_occasion_on_which_I_ actually_saw_the_Martians_feed._After_that_experience_I_ avoided_the_hole_in_the_wall_for_the_better_part_of_a_day._I_ went_into_the_scullery,_removed_the_door,_and_spent_some_ hours_digging_with_my_hatchet_as_silently_as_possible;_but_ when_I_had_made_a_hole_about_a_couple_of_feet_deep_the_loose_ earth_collapsed_noisily,_and_I_did_not_dare_continue._I_lost_ heart,_and_lay_down_on_the_scullery_floor_for_a_long_time,_ having_no_spirit_even_to_move._And_after_that_I_abandoned_ altogether_the_idea_of_escaping_by_excavation. = It_says_much_for_the_impression_the_Martians_had_made_upon_ me_that_at_first_I_entertained_little_or_no_hope_of_our_ escape_being_brought_about_by_their_overthrow_through_any_ human_effort._But_on_the_fourth_or_fifth_night_I_heard_a_ sound_like_heavy_guns. = It_was_very_late_in_the_night,_and_the_moon_was_shining_ brightly._The_Martians_had_taken_away_the_ excavating-machine,_and,_save_for_a_fighting-machine_that_ stood_in_the_remoter_bank_of_the_pit_and_a_handling-machine_ that_was_buried_out_of_my_sight_in_a_corner_of_the_pit_ immediately_beneath_my_peephole,_the_place_was_deserted_by_ them._Except_for_the_pale_glow_from_the_handling-machine_and_ the_bars_and_patches_of_white_moonlight_the_pit_was_in_ darkness,_and,_except_for_the_clinking_of_the_ handling-machine,_quite_still._That_night_was_a_beautiful_ serenity;_save_for_one_planet,_the_moon_seemed_to_have_the_ sky_to_herself._I_heard_a_dog_howling,_and_that_familiar_ sound_it_was_that_made_me_listen._Then_I_heard_quite_ distinctly_a_booming_exactly_like_the_sound_of_great_guns._ Six_distinct_reports_I_counted,_and_after_a_long_interval_ six_again._And_that_was_all. = # ## # chapter 4 FOUR # unit C chapter_number # unit H chapter_title # unit P text It_was_on_the_sixth_day_of_our_imprisonment_that_I_peeped_ for_the_last_time,_and_presently_found_myself_alone._Instead_ of_keeping_close_to_me_and_trying_to_oust_me_from_the_slit,_ the_curate_had_gone_back_into_the_scullery._I_was_struck_by_ a_sudden_thought._I_went_back_quickly_and_quietly_into_the_ scullery._In_the_darkness_I_heard_the_curate_drinking._I_ snatched_in_the_darkness,_and_my_fingers_caught_a_bottle_of_ burgundy. = For_a_few_minutes_there_was_a_tussle._The_bottle_struck_the_ floor_and_broke,_and_I_desisted_and_rose._We_stood_panting_ and_threatening_each_other._In_the_end_I_planted_myself_ between_him_and_the_food,_and_told_him_of_my_determination_ to_begin_a_discipline._I_divided_the_food_in_the_pantry,_ into_rations_to_last_us_ten_days._I_would_not_let_him_eat_ any_more_that_day._In_the_afternoon_he_made_a_feeble_effort_ to_get_at_the_food._I_had_been_dozing,_but_in_an_instant_I_ was_awake._All_day_and_all_night_we_sat_face_to_face,_I_ weary_but_resolute,_and_he_weeping_and_complaining_of_his_ immediate_hunger._It_was,_I_know,_a_night_and_a_day,_but_to_ me_it_seemed--it_seems_now--an_interminable_length_of_time. = And_so_our_widened_incompatibility_ended_at_last_in_open_ conflict._For_two_vast_days_we_struggled_in_undertones_and_ wrestling_contests._There_were_times_when_I_beat_and_kicked_ him_madly,_times_when_I_cajoled_and_persuaded_him,_and_once_ I_tried_to_bribe_him_with_the_last_bottle_of_burgundy,_for_ there_was_a_rain-water_pump_from_which_I_could_get_water._ But_neither_force_nor_kindness_availed;_he_was_indeed_beyond_ reason._He_would_neither_desist_from_his_attacks_on_the_food_ nor_from_his_noisy_babbling_to_himself._The_rudimentary_ precautions_to_keep_our_imprisonment_endurable_he_would_not_ observe._Slowly_I_began_to_realise_the_complete_overthrow_of_ his_intelligence,_to_perceive_that_my_sole_companion_in_this_ close_and_sickly_darkness_was_a_man_insane. = From_certain_vague_memories_I_am_inclined_to_think_my_own_ mind_wandered_at_times._I_had_strange_and_hideous_dreams_ whenever_I_slept._It_sounds_paradoxical,_but_I_am_inclined_ to_think_that_the_weakness_and_insanity_of_the_curate_warned_ me,_braced_me,_and_kept_me_a_sane_man. = On_the_eighth_day_he_began_to_talk_aloud_instead_of_ whispering,_and_nothing_I_could_do_would_moderate_his_ speech. = "It_is_just,_O_God!"_he_would_say,_over_and_over_again._"It_ is_just._On_me_and_mine_be_the_punishment_laid._We_have_ sinned,_we_have_fallen_short._There_was_poverty,_sorrow;_the_ poor_were_trodden_in_the_dust,_and_I_held_my_peace._I_ preached_acceptable_folly--my_God,_what_folly!--when_I_ should_have_stood_up,_though_I_died_for_it,_and_called_upon_ them_to_repent-repent!_._._._Oppressors_of_the_poor_and_ needy_._._._!_The_wine_press_of_God!" = Then_he_would_suddenly_revert_to_the_matter_of_the_food_I_ withheld_from_him,_praying,_begging,_weeping,_at_last_ threatening._He_began_to_raise_his_voice--I_prayed_him_not_ to._He_perceived_a_hold_on_me--he_threatened_he_would_shout_ and_bring_the_Martians_upon_us._For_a_time_that_scared_me;_ but_any_concession_would_have_shortened_our_chance_of_escape_ beyond_estimating._I_defied_him,_although_I_felt_no_ assurance_that_he_might_not_do_this_thing._But_that_day,_at_ any_rate,_he_did_not._He_talked_with_his_voice_rising_ slowly,_through_the_greater_part_of_the_eighth_and_ninth_ days--threats,_entreaties,_mingled_with_a_torrent_of_ half-sane_and_always_frothy_repentance_for_his_vacant_sham_ of_God's_service,_such_as_made_me_pity_him._Then_he_slept_ awhile,_and_began_again_with_renewed_strength,_so_loudly_ that_I_must_needs_make_him_desist. = "Be_still!"_I_implored. = He_rose_to_his_knees,_for_he_had_been_sitting_in_the_ darkness_near_the_copper. = "I_have_been_still_too_long,"_he_said,_in_a_tone_that_must_ have_reached_the_pit,_"and_now_I_must_bear_my_witness._Woe_ unto_this_unfaithful_city!_Woe!_Woe!_Woe!_Woe!_Woe!_To_the_ inhabitants_of_the_earth_by_reason_of_the_other_voices_of_ the_trumpet----" = "Shut_up!"_I_said,_rising_to_my_feet,_and_in_a_terror_lest_ the_Martians_should_hear_us._"For_God's_sake----" = "Nay,"_shouted_the_curate,_at_the_top_of_his_voice,_standing_ likewise_and_extending_his_arms._"Speak!_The_word_of_the_ Lord_is_upon_me!" = In_three_strides_he_was_at_the_door_leading_into_the_ kitchen. = "I_must_bear_my_witness!_I_go!_It_has_already_been_too_long_ delayed." = I_put_out_my_hand_and_felt_the_meat_chopper_hanging_to_the_ wall._In_a_flash_I_was_after_him._I_was_fierce_with_fear._ Before_he_was_halfway_across_the_kitchen_I_had_overtaken_ him._With_one_last_touch_of_humanity_I_turned_the_blade_back_ and_struck_him_with_the_butt._He_went_headlong_forward_and_ lay_stretched_on_the_ground._I_stumbled_over_him_and_stood_ panting._He_lay_still. = Suddenly_I_heard_a_noise_without,_the_run_and_smash_of_ slipping_plaster,_and_the_triangular_aperture_in_the_wall_ was_darkened._I_looked_up_and_saw_the_lower_surface_of_a_ handling-machine_coming_slowly_across_the_hole._One_of_its_ gripping_limbs_curled_amid_the_debris;_another_limb_ appeared,_feeling_its_way_over_the_fallen_beams._I_stood_ petrified,_staring._Then_I_saw_through_a_sort_of_glass_plate_ near_the_edge_of_the_body_the_face,_as_we_may_call_it,_and_ the_large_dark_eyes_of_a_Martian,_peering,_and_then_a_long_ metallic_snake_of_tentacle_came_feeling_slowly_through_the_ hole. = I_turned_by_an_effort,_stumbled_over_the_curate,_and_stopped_ at_the_scullery_door._The_tentacle_was_now_some_way,_two_ yards_or_more,_in_the_room,_and_twisting_and_turning,_with_ queer_sudden_movements,_this_way_and_that._For_a_while_I_ stood_fascinated_by_that_slow,_fitful_advance._Then,_with_a_ faint,_hoarse_cry,_I_forced_myself_across_the_scullery._I_ trembled_violently;_I_could_scarcely_stand_upright._I_opened_ the_door_of_the_coal_cellar,_and_stood_there_in_the_darkness_ staring_at_the_faintly_lit_doorway_into_the_kitchen,_and_ listening._Had_the_Martian_seen_me?_What_was_it_doing_now? = Something_was_moving_to_and_fro_there,_very_quietly;_every_ now_and_then_it_tapped_against_the_wall,_or_started_on_its_ movements_with_a_faint_metallic_ringing,_like_the_movements_ of_keys_on_a_split-ring._Then_a_heavy_body--I_knew_too_well_ what--was_dragged_across_the_floor_of_the_kitchen_towards_ the_opening._Irresistibly_attracted,_I_crept_to_the_door_and_ peeped_into_the_kitchen._In_the_triangle_of_bright_outer_ sunlight_I_saw_the_Martian,_in_its_Briareus_of_a_ handling-machine,_scrutinizing_the_curate's_head._I_thought_ at_once_that_it_would_infer_my_presence_from_the_mark_of_the_ blow_I_had_given_him. = I_crept_back_to_the_coal_cellar,_shut_the_door,_and_began_to_ cover_myself_up_as_much_as_I_could,_and_as_noiselessly_as_ possible_in_the_darkness,_among_the_firewood_and_coal_ therein._Every_now_and_then_I_paused,_rigid,_to_hear_if_the_ Martian_had_thrust_its_tentacles_through_the_opening_again. = Then_the_faint_metallic_jingle_returned._I_traced_it_slowly_ feeling_over_the_kitchen._Presently_I_heard_it_nearer--in_ the_scullery,_as_I_judged._I_thought_that_its_length_might_ be_insufficient_to_reach_me._I_prayed_copiously._It_passed,_ scraping_faintly_across_the_cellar_door._An_age_of_almost_ intolerable_suspense_intervened;_then_I_heard_it_fumbling_at_ the_latch!_It_had_found_the_door!_The_Martians_understood_ doors! = It_worried_at_the_catch_for_a_minute,_perhaps,_and_then_the_ door_opened. = In_the_darkness_I_could_just_see_the_thing--like_an_ elephant's_trunk_more_than_anything_else--waving_towards_me_ and_touching_and_examining_the_wall,_coals,_wood_and_ ceiling._It_was_like_a_black_worm_swaying_its_blind_head_to_ and_fro. = Once,_even,_it_touched_the_heel_of_my_boot._I_was_on_the_ verge_of_screaming;_I_bit_my_hand._For_a_time_the_tentacle_ was_silent._I_could_have_fancied_it_had_been_withdrawn._ Presently,_with_an_abrupt_click,_it_gripped_something--I_ thought_it_had_me!--and_seemed_to_go_out_of_the_cellar_ again._For_a_minute_I_was_not_sure._Apparently_it_had_taken_ a_lump_of_coal_to_examine. = I_seized_the_opportunity_of_slightly_shifting_my_position,_ which_had_become_cramped,_and_then_listened._I_whispered_ passionate_prayers_for_safety. = Then_I_heard_the_slow,_deliberate_sound_creeping_towards_me_ again._Slowly,_slowly_it_drew_near,_scratching_against_the_ walls_and_tapping_the_furniture. = While_I_was_still_doubtful,_it_rapped_smartly_against_the_ cellar_door_and_closed_it._I_heard_it_go_into_the_pantry,_ and_the_biscuit-tins_rattled_and_a_bottle_smashed,_and_then_ came_a_heavy_bump_against_the_cellar_door._Then_silence_that_ passed_into_an_infinity_of_suspense. = Had_it_gone? = At_last_I_decided_that_it_had. = It_came_into_the_scullery_no_more;_but_I_lay_all_the_tenth_ day_in_the_close_darkness,_buried_among_coals_and_firewood,_ not_daring_even_to_crawl_out_for_the_drink_for_which_I_ craved._It_was_the_eleventh_day_before_I_ventured_so_far_ from_my_security. = # ## # chapter 5 FIVE # unit C chapter_number # unit H chapter_title # unit P text My_first_act_before_I_went_into_the_pantry_was_to_fasten_the_ door_between_the_kitchen_and_the_scullery._But_the_pantry_ was_empty;_every_scrap_of_food_had_gone._Apparently,_the_ Martian_had_taken_it_all_on_the_previous_day._At_that_ discovery_I_despaired_for_the_first_time._I_took_no_food,_or_ no_drink_either,_on_the_eleventh_or_the_twelfth_day. = At_first_my_mouth_and_throat_were_parched,_and_my_strength_ ebbed_sensibly._I_sat_about_in_the_darkness_of_the_scullery,_ in_a_state_of_despondent_wretchedness._My_mind_ran_on_ eating._I_thought_I_had_become_deaf,_for_the_noises_of_ movement_I_had_been_accustomed_to_hear_from_the_pit_had_ ceased_absolutely._I_did_not_feel_strong_enough_to_crawl_ noiselessly_to_the_peephole,_or_I_would_have_gone_there. = On_the_twelfth_day_my_throat_was_so_painful_that,_taking_the_ chance_of_alarming_the_Martians,_I_attacked_the_creaking_ rain-water_pump_that_stood_by_the_sink,_and_got_a_couple_of_ glassfuls_of_blackened_and_tainted_rain_water._I_was_greatly_ refreshed_by_this,_and_emboldened_by_the_fact_that_no_ enquiring_tentacle_followed_the_noise_of_my_pumping. = During_these_days,_in_a_rambling,_inconclusive_way,_I_ thought_much_of_the_curate_and_of_the_manner_of_his_death. = On_the_thirteenth_day_I_drank_some_more_water,_and_dozed_and_ thought_disjointedly_of_eating_and_of_vague_impossible_plans_ of_escape._Whenever_I_dozed_I_dreamt_of_horrible_phantasms,_ of_the_death_of_the_curate,_or_of_sumptuous_dinners;_but,_ asleep_or_awake,_I_felt_a_keen_pain_that_urged_me_to_drink_ again_and_again._The_light_that_came_into_the_scullery_was_ no_longer_grey,_but_red._To_my_disordered_imagination_it_ seemed_the_colour_of_blood. = On_the_fourteenth_day_I_went_into_the_kitchen,_and_I_was_ surprised_to_find_that_the_fronds_of_the_red_weed_had_grown_ right_across_the_hole_in_the_wall,_turning_the_half-light_of_ the_place_into_a_crimson-coloured_obscurity. = It_was_early_on_the_fifteenth_day_that_I_heard_a_curious,_ familiar_sequence_of_sounds_in_the_kitchen,_and,_listening,_ identified_it_as_the_snuffing_and_scratching_of_a_dog._Going_ into_the_kitchen,_I_saw_a_dog's_nose_peering_in_through_a_ break_among_the_ruddy_fronds._This_greatly_surprised_me._At_ the_scent_of_me_he_barked_shortly. = I_thought_if_I_could_induce_him_to_come_into_the_place_ quietly_I_should_be_able,_perhaps,_to_kill_and_eat_him;_and_ in_any_case,_it_would_be_advisable_to_kill_him,_lest_his_ actions_attracted_the_attention_of_the_Martians. = I_crept_forward,_saying_"Good_dog!"_very_softly;_but_he_ suddenly_withdrew_his_head_and_disappeared. = I_listened--I_was_not_deaf--but_certainly_the_pit_was_still._ I_heard_a_sound_like_the_flutter_of_a_bird's_wings,_and_a_ hoarse_croaking,_but_that_was_all. = For_a_long_while_I_lay_close_to_the_peephole,_but_not_daring_ to_move_aside_the_red_plants_that_obscured_it._Once_or_twice_ I_heard_a_faint_pitter-patter_like_the_feet_of_the_dog_going_ hither_and_thither_on_the_sand_far_below_me,_and_there_were_ more_birdlike_sounds,_but_that_was_all._At_length,_ encouraged_by_the_silence,_I_looked_out. = Except_in_the_corner,_where_a_multitude_of_crows_hopped_and_ fought_over_the_skeletons_of_the_dead_the_Martians_had_ consumed,_there_was_not_a_living_thing_in_the_pit. = I_stared_about_me,_scarcely_believing_my_eyes._All_the_ machinery_had_gone._Save_for_the_big_mound_of_greyish-blue_ powder_in_one_corner,_certain_bars_of_aluminium_in_another,_ the_black_birds,_and_the_skeletons_of_the_killed,_the_place_ was_merely_an_empty_circular_pit_in_the_sand. = Slowly_I_thrust_myself_out_through_the_red_weed,_and_stood_ upon_the_mound_of_rubble._I_could_see_in_any_direction_save_ behind_me,_to_the_north,_and_neither_Martians_nor_sign_of_ Martians_were_to_be_seen._The_pit_dropped_sheerly_from_my_ feet,_but_a_little_way_along_the_rubbish_afforded_a_ practicable_slope_to_the_summit_of_the_ruins._My_chance_of_ escape_had_come._I_began_to_tremble. = I_hesitated_for_some_time,_and_then,_in_a_gust_of_desperate_ resolution,_and_with_a_heart_that_throbbed_violently,_I_ scrambled_to_the_top_of_the_mound_in_which_I_had_been_buried_ so_long. = I_looked_about_again._To_the_northward,_too,_no_Martian_was_ visible. = When_I_had_last_seen_this_part_of_Sheen_in_the_daylight_it_ had_been_a_straggling_street_of_comfortable_white_and_red_ houses,_interspersed_with_abundant_shady_trees._Now_I_stood_ on_a_mound_of_smashed_brickwork,_clay,_and_gravel,_over_ which_spread_a_multitude_of_red_cactus-shaped_plants,_ knee-high,_without_a_solitary_terrestrial_growth_to_dispute_ their_footing._The_trees_near_me_were_dead_and_brown,_but_ further_a_network_of_red_thread_scaled_the_still_living_ stems. = The_neighbouring_houses_had_all_been_wrecked,_but_none_had_ been_burned;_their_walls_stood,_sometimes_to_the_second_ story,_with_smashed_windows_and_shattered_doors._The_red_ weed_grew_tumultuously_in_their_roofless_rooms._Below_me_was_ the_great_pit,_with_the_crows_struggling_for_its_refuse._A_ number_of_other_birds_hopped_about_among_the_ruins._Far_away_ I_saw_a_gaunt_cat_slink_crouchingly_along_a_wall,_but_traces_ of_men_there_were_none. = The_day_seemed,_by_contrast_with_my_recent_confinement,_ dazzlingly_bright,_the_sky_a_glowing_blue._A_gentle_breeze_ kept_the_red_weed_that_covered_every_scrap_of_unoccupied_ ground_gently_swaying._And_oh!_the_sweetness_of_the_air! = # ## # chapter 6 SIX # unit C chapter_number # unit H chapter_title # unit P text For_some_time_I_stood_tottering_on_the_mound_regardless_of_ my_safety._Within_that_noisome_den_from_which_I_had_emerged_ I_had_thought_with_a_narrow_intensity_only_of_our_immediate_ security._I_had_not_realised_what_had_been_happening_to_the_ world,_had_not_anticipated_this_startling_vision_of_ unfamiliar_things._I_had_expected_to_see_Sheen_in_ruins--I_ found_about_me_the_landscape,_weird_and_lurid,_of_another_ planet. = For_that_moment_I_touched_an_emotion_beyond_the_common_range_ of_men,_yet_one_that_the_poor_brutes_we_dominate_know_only_ too_well._I_felt_as_a_rabbit_might_feel_returning_to_his_ burrow_and_suddenly_confronted_by_the_work_of_a_dozen_busy_ navvies_digging_the_foundations_of_a_house._I_felt_the_first_ inkling_of_a_thing_that_presently_grew_quite_clear_in_my_ mind,_that_oppressed_me_for_many_days,_a_sense_of_ dethronement,_a_persuasion_that_I_was_no_longer_a_master,_ but_an_animal_among_the_animals,_under_the_Martian_heel._ With_us_it_would_be_as_with_them,_to_lurk_and_watch,_to_run_ and_hide;_the_fear_and_empire_of_man_had_passed_away. = But_so_soon_as_this_strangeness_had_been_realised_it_passed,_ and_my_dominant_motive_became_the_hunger_of_my_long_and_ dismal_fast._In_the_direction_away_from_the_pit_I_saw,_ beyond_a_red-covered_wall,_a_patch_of_garden_ground_ unburied._This_gave_me_a_hint,_and_I_went_knee-deep,_and_ sometimes_neck-deep,_in_the_red_weed._The_density_of_the_ weed_gave_me_a_reassuring_sense_of_hiding._The_wall_was_some_ six_feet_high,_and_when_I_attempted_to_clamber_it_I_found_I_ could_not_lift_my_feet_to_the_crest._So_I_went_along_by_the_ side_of_it,_and_came_to_a_corner_and_a_rockwork_that_enabled_ me_to_get_to_the_top,_and_tumble_into_the_garden_I_coveted._ Here_I_found_some_young_onions,_a_couple_of_gladiolus_bulbs,_ and_a_quantity_of_immature_carrots,_all_of_which_I_secured,_ and,_scrambling_over_a_ruined_wall,_went_on_my_way_through_ scarlet_and_crimson_trees_towards_Kew--it_was_like_walking_ through_an_avenue_of_gigantic_blood_drops--possessed_with_ two_ideas:_to_get_more_food,_and_to_limp,_as_soon_and_as_far_ as_my_strength_permitted,_out_of_this_accursed_unearthly_ region_of_the_pit. = Some_way_farther,_in_a_grassy_place,_was_a_group_of_ mushrooms_which_also_I_devoured,_and_then_I_came_upon_a_ brown_sheet_of_flowing_shallow_water,_where_meadows_used_to_ be._These_fragments_of_nourishment_served_only_to_whet_my_ hunger._At_first_I_was_surprised_at_this_flood_in_a_hot,_dry_ summer,_but_afterwards_I_discovered_that_it_was_caused_by_ the_tropical_exuberance_of_the_red_weed._Directly_this_ extraordinary_growth_encountered_water_it_straightway_became_ gigantic_and_of_unparalleled_fecundity._Its_seeds_were_ simply_poured_down_into_the_water_of_the_Wey_and_Thames,_and_ its_swiftly_growing_and_Titanic_water_fronds_speedily_choked_ both_those_rivers. = At_Putney,_as_I_afterwards_saw,_the_bridge_was_almost_lost_ in_a_tangle_of_this_weed,_and_at_Richmond,_too,_the_Thames_ water_poured_in_a_broad_and_shallow_stream_across_the_ meadows_of_Hampton_and_Twickenham._As_the_water_spread_the_ weed_followed_them,_until_the_ruined_villas_of_the_Thames_ valley_were_for_a_time_lost_in_this_red_swamp,_whose_margin_ I_explored,_and_much_of_the_desolation_the_Martians_had_ caused_was_concealed. = In_the_end_the_red_weed_succumbed_almost_as_quickly_as_it_ had_spread._A_cankering_disease,_due,_it_is_believed,_to_the_ action_of_certain_bacteria,_presently_seized_upon_it._Now_by_ the_action_of_natural_selection,_all_terrestrial_plants_have_ acquired_a_resisting_power_against_bacterial_diseases--they_ never_succumb_without_a_severe_struggle,_but_the_red_weed_ rotted_like_a_thing_already_dead._The_fronds_became_ bleached,_and_then_shrivelled_and_brittle._They_broke_off_at_ the_least_touch,_and_the_waters_that_had_stimulated_their_ early_growth_carried_their_last_vestiges_out_to_sea. = My_first_act_on_coming_to_this_water_was,_of_course,_to_ slake_my_thirst._I_drank_a_great_deal_of_it_and,_moved_by_an_ impulse,_gnawed_some_fronds_of_red_weed;_but_they_were_ watery,_and_had_a_sickly,_metallic_taste._I_found_the_water_ was_sufficiently_shallow_for_me_to_wade_securely,_although_ the_red_weed_impeded_my_feet_a_little;_but_the_flood_ evidently_got_deeper_towards_the_river,_and_I_turned_back_to_ Mortlake._I_managed_to_make_out_the_road_by_means_of_ occasional_ruins_of_its_villas_and_fences_and_lamps,_and_so_ presently_I_got_out_of_this_spate_and_made_my_way_to_the_ hill_going_up_towards_Roehampton_and_came_out_on_Putney_ Common. = Here_the_scenery_changed_from_the_strange_and_unfamiliar_to_ the_wreckage_of_the_familiar:_patches_of_ground_exhibited_ the_devastation_of_a_cyclone,_and_in_a_few_score_yards_I_ would_come_upon_perfectly_undisturbed_spaces,_houses_with_ their_blinds_trimly_drawn_and_doors_closed,_as_if_they_had_ been_left_for_a_day_by_the_owners,_or_as_if_their_ inhabitants_slept_within._The_red_weed_was_less_abundant;_ the_tall_trees_along_the_lane_were_free_from_the_red_ creeper._I_hunted_for_food_among_the_trees,_finding_nothing,_ and_I_also_raided_a_couple_of_silent_houses,_but_they_had_ already_been_broken_into_and_ransacked._I_rested_for_the_ remainder_of_the_daylight_in_a_shrubbery,_being,_in_my_ enfeebled_condition,_too_fatigued_to_push_on. = All_this_time_I_saw_no_human_beings,_and_no_signs_of_the_ Martians._I_encountered_a_couple_of_hungry-looking_dogs,_but_ both_hurried_circuitously_away_from_the_advances_I_made_ them._Near_Roehampton_I_had_seen_two_human_skeletons--not_ bodies,_but_skeletons,_picked_clean--and_in_the_wood_by_me_I_ found_the_crushed_and_scattered_bones_of_several_cats_and_ rabbits_and_the_skull_of_a_sheep._But_though_I_gnawed_parts_ of_these_in_my_mouth,_there_was_nothing_to_be_got_from_them. = After_sunset_I_struggled_on_along_the_road_towards_Putney,_ where_I_think_the_Heat-Ray_must_have_been_used_for_some_ reason._And_in_the_garden_beyond_Roehampton_I_got_a_quantity_ of_immature_potatoes,_sufficient_to_stay_my_hunger._From_ this_garden_one_looked_down_upon_Putney_and_the_river._The_ aspect_of_the_place_in_the_dusk_was_singularly_desolate:_ blackened_trees,_blackened,_desolate_ruins,_and_down_the_ hill_the_sheets_of_the_flooded_river,_red-tinged_with_the_ weed._And_over_all--silence._It_filled_me_with_indescribable_ terror_to_think_how_swiftly_that_desolating_change_had_come. = For_a_time_I_believed_that_mankind_had_been_swept_out_of_ existence,_and_that_I_stood_there_alone,_the_last_man_left_ alive._Hard_by_the_top_of_Putney_Hill_I_came_upon_another_ skeleton,_with_the_arms_dislocated_and_removed_several_yards_ from_the_rest_of_the_body._As_I_proceeded_I_became_more_and_ more_convinced_that_the_extermination_of_mankind_was,_save_ for_such_stragglers_as_myself,_already_accomplished_in_this_ part_of_the_world._The_Martians,_I_thought,_had_gone_on_and_ left_the_country_desolated,_seeking_food_elsewhere._Perhaps_ even_now_they_were_destroying_Berlin_or_Paris,_or_it_might_ be_they_had_gone_northward. = # ## # chapter 7 SEVEN # unit C chapter_number # unit H chapter_title # unit P text I_spent_that_night_in_the_inn_that_stands_at_the_top_of_ Putney_Hill,_sleeping_in_a_made_bed_for_the_first_time_since_ my_flight_to_Leatherhead._I_will_not_tell_the_needless_ trouble_I_had_breaking_into_that_house--afterwards_I_found_ the_front_door_was_on_the_latch--nor_how_I_ransacked_every_ room_for_food,_until_just_on_the_verge_of_despair,_in_what_ seemed_to_me_to_be_a_servant's_bedroom,_I_found_a_rat-gnawed_ crust_and_two_tins_of_pineapple._The_place_had_been_already_ searched_and_emptied._In_the_bar_I_afterwards_found_some_ biscuits_and_sandwiches_that_had_been_overlooked._The_latter_ I_could_not_eat,_they_were_too_rotten,_but_the_former_not_ only_stayed_my_hunger,_but_filled_my_pockets._I_lit_no_ lamps,_fearing_some_Martian_might_come_beating_that_part_of_ London_for_food_in_the_night._Before_I_went_to_bed_I_had_an_ interval_of_restlessness,_and_prowled_from_window_to_window,_ peering_out_for_some_sign_of_these_monsters._I_slept_little._ As_I_lay_in_bed_I_found_myself_thinking_consecutively--a_ thing_I_do_not_remember_to_have_done_since_my_last_argument_ with_the_curate._During_all_the_intervening_time_my_mental_ condition_had_been_a_hurrying_succession_of_vague_emotional_ states_or_a_sort_of_stupid_receptivity._But_in_the_night_my_ brain,_reinforced,_I_suppose,_by_the_food_I_had_eaten,_grew_ clear_again,_and_I_thought. = Three_things_struggled_for_possession_of_my_mind:_the_ killing_of_the_curate,_the_whereabouts_of_the_Martians,_and_ the_possible_fate_of_my_wife._The_former_gave_me_no_ sensation_of_horror_or_remorse_to_recall;_I_saw_it_simply_as_ a_thing_done,_a_memory_infinitely_disagreeable_but_quite_ without_the_quality_of_remorse._I_saw_myself_then_as_I_see_ myself_now,_driven_step_by_step_towards_that_hasty_blow,_the_ creature_of_a_sequence_of_accidents_leading_inevitably_to_ that._I_felt_no_condemnation;_yet_the_memory,_static,_ unprogressive,_haunted_me._In_the_silence_of_the_night,_with_ that_sense_of_the_nearness_of_God_that_sometimes_comes_into_ the_stillness_and_the_darkness,_I_stood_my_trial,_my_only_ trial,_for_that_moment_of_wrath_and_fear._I_retraced_every_ step_of_our_conversation_from_the_moment_when_I_had_found_ him_crouching_beside_me,_heedless_of_my_thirst,_and_pointing_ to_the_fire_and_smoke_that_streamed_up_from_the_ruins_of_ Weybridge._We_had_been_incapable_of_co-operation--grim_ chance_had_taken_no_heed_of_that._Had_I_foreseen,_I_should_ have_left_him_at_Halliford._But_I_did_not_foresee;_and_crime_ is_to_foresee_and_do._And_I_set_this_down_as_I_have_set_all_ this_story_down,_as_it_was._There_were_no_witnesses--all_ these_things_I_might_have_concealed._But_I_set_it_down,_and_ the_reader_must_form_his_judgment_as_he_will. = And_when,_by_an_effort,_I_had_set_aside_that_picture_of_a_ prostrate_body,_I_faced_the_problem_of_the_Martians_and_the_ fate_of_my_wife._For_the_former_I_had_no_data;_I_could_ imagine_a_hundred_things,_and_so,_unhappily,_I_could_for_the_ latter._And_suddenly_that_night_became_terrible._I_found_ myself_sitting_up_in_bed,_staring_at_the_dark._I_found_ myself_praying_that_the_Heat-Ray_might_have_suddenly_and_ painlessly_struck_her_out_of_being._Since_the_night_of_my_ return_from_Leatherhead_I_had_not_prayed._I_had_uttered_ prayers,_fetish_prayers,_had_prayed_as_heathens_mutter_ charms_when_I_was_in_extremity;_but_now_I_prayed_indeed,_ pleading_steadfastly_and_sanely,_face_to_face_with_the_ darkness_of_God._Strange_night!_Strangest_in_this,_that_so_ soon_as_dawn_had_come,_I,_who_had_talked_with_God,_crept_out_ of_the_house_like_a_rat_leaving_its_hiding_place--a_creature_ scarcely_larger,_an_inferior_animal,_a_thing_that_for_any_ passing_whim_of_our_masters_might_be_hunted_and_killed._ Perhaps_they_also_prayed_confidently_to_God._Surely,_if_we_ have_learned_nothing_else,_this_war_has_taught_us_pity--pity_ for_those_witless_souls_that_suffer_our_dominion. = The_morning_was_bright_and_fine,_and_the_eastern_sky_glowed_ pink,_and_was_fretted_with_little_golden_clouds._In_the_road_ that_runs_from_the_top_of_Putney_Hill_to_Wimbledon_was_a_ number_of_poor_vestiges_of_the_panic_torrent_that_must_have_ poured_Londonward_on_the_Sunday_night_after_the_fighting_ began._There_was_a_little_two-wheeled_cart_inscribed_with_ the_name_of_Thomas_Lobb,_Greengrocer,_New_Malden,_with_a_ smashed_wheel_and_an_abandoned_tin_trunk;_there_was_a_straw_ hat_trampled_into_the_now_hardened_mud,_and_at_the_top_of_ West_Hill_a_lot_of_blood-stained_glass_about_the_overturned_ water_trough._My_movements_were_languid,_my_plans_of_the_ vaguest._I_had_an_idea_of_going_to_Leatherhead,_though_I_ knew_that_there_I_had_the_poorest_chance_of_finding_my_wife._ Certainly,_unless_death_had_overtaken_them_suddenly,_my_ cousins_and_she_would_have_fled_thence;_but_it_seemed_to_me_ I_might_find_or_learn_there_whither_the_Surrey_people_had_ fled._I_knew_I_wanted_to_find_my_wife,_that_my_heart_ached_ for_her_and_the_world_of_men,_but_I_had_no_clear_idea_how_ the_finding_might_be_done._I_was_also_sharply_aware_now_of_ my_intense_loneliness._From_the_corner_I_went,_under_cover_ of_a_thicket_of_trees_and_bushes,_to_the_edge_of_Wimbledon_ Common,_stretching_wide_and_far. = That_dark_expanse_was_lit_in_patches_by_yellow_gorse_and_ broom;_there_was_no_red_weed_to_be_seen,_and_as_I_prowled,_ hesitating,_on_the_verge_of_the_open,_the_sun_rose,_flooding_ it_all_with_light_and_vitality._I_came_upon_a_busy_swarm_of_ little_frogs_in_a_swampy_place_among_the_trees._I_stopped_to_ look_at_them,_drawing_a_lesson_from_their_stout_resolve_to_ live._And_presently,_turning_suddenly,_with_an_odd_feeling_ of_being_watched,_I_beheld_something_crouching_amid_a_clump_ of_bushes._I_stood_regarding_this._I_made_a_step_towards_it,_ and_it_rose_up_and_became_a_man_armed_with_a_cutlass._I_ approached_him_slowly._He_stood_silent_and_motionless,_ regarding_me. = As_I_drew_nearer_I_perceived_he_was_dressed_in_clothes_as_ dusty_and_filthy_as_my_own;_he_looked,_indeed,_as_though_he_ had_been_dragged_through_a_culvert._Nearer,_I_distinguished_ the_green_slime_of_ditches_mixing_with_the_pale_drab_of_ dried_clay_and_shiny,_coaly_patches._His_black_hair_fell_ over_his_eyes,_and_his_face_was_dark_and_dirty_and_sunken,_ so_that_at_first_I_did_not_recognise_him._There_was_a_red_ cut_across_the_lower_part_of_his_face. = "Stop!"_he_cried,_when_I_was_within_ten_yards_of_him,_and_I_ stopped._His_voice_was_hoarse._"Where_do_you_come_from?"_he_ said. = I_thought,_surveying_him. = "I_come_from_Mortlake,"_I_said._"I_was_buried_near_the_pit_ the_Martians_made_about_their_cylinder._I_have_worked_my_way_ out_and_escaped." = "There_is_no_food_about_here,"_he_said._"This_is_my_country._ All_this_hill_down_to_the_river,_and_back_to_Clapham,_and_up_ to_the_edge_of_the_common._There_is_only_food_for_one._Which_ way_are_you_going?" = I_answered_slowly. = "I_don't_know,"_I_said._"I_have_been_buried_in_the_ruins_of_ a_house_thirteen_or_fourteen_days._I_don't_know_what_has_ happened." = He_looked_at_me_doubtfully,_then_started,_and_looked_with_a_ changed_expression. = "I've_no_wish_to_stop_about_here,"_said_I._"I_think_I_shall_ go_to_Leatherhead,_for_my_wife_was_there." = He_shot_out_a_pointing_finger. = "It_is_you,"_said_he;_"the_man_from_Woking._And_you_weren't_ killed_at_Weybridge?" = I_recognised_him_at_the_same_moment. = "You_are_the_artilleryman_who_came_into_my_garden." = "Good_luck!"_he_said._"We_are_lucky_ones!_Fancy_YOU!"_He_put_ out_a_hand,_and_I_took_it._"I_crawled_up_a_drain,"_he_said._ "But_they_didn't_kill_everyone._And_after_they_went_away_I_ got_off_towards_Walton_across_the_fields._But----It's_not_ sixteen_days_altogether--and_your_hair_is_grey."_He_looked_ over_his_shoulder_suddenly._"Only_a_rook,"_he_said._"One_ gets_to_know_that_birds_have_shadows_these_days._This_is_a_ bit_open._Let_us_crawl_under_those_bushes_and_talk." = "Have_you_seen_any_Martians?"_I_said._"Since_I_crawled_ out----" = "They've_gone_away_across_London,"_he_said._"I_guess_they've_ got_a_bigger_camp_there._Of_a_night,_all_over_there,_ Hampstead_way,_the_sky_is_alive_with_their_lights._It's_like_ a_great_city,_and_in_the_glare_you_can_just_see_them_moving._ By_daylight_you_can't._But_nearer--I_haven't_seen_them--"_ (he_counted_on_his_fingers)_"five_days._Then_I_saw_a_couple_ across_Hammersmith_way_carrying_something_big._And_the_night_ before_last"--he_stopped_and_spoke_impressively--"it_was_ just_a_matter_of_lights,_but_it_was_something_up_in_the_air._ I_believe_they've_built_a_flying-machine,_and_are_learning_ to_fly." = I_stopped,_on_hands_and_knees,_for_we_had_come_to_the_ bushes. = "Fly!" = "Yes,"_he_said,_"fly." = I_went_on_into_a_little_bower,_and_sat_down. = "It_is_all_over_with_humanity,"_I_said._"If_they_can_do_that_ they_will_simply_go_round_the_world." = He_nodded. = "They_will._But----It_will_relieve_things_over_here_a_bit._ And_besides----"_He_looked_at_me._"Aren't_you_satisfied_it_ IS_up_with_humanity?_I_am._We're_down;_we're_beat." = I_stared._Strange_as_it_may_seem,_I_had_not_arrived_at_this_ fact--a_fact_perfectly_obvious_so_soon_as_he_spoke._I_had_ still_held_a_vague_hope;_rather,_I_had_kept_a_lifelong_habit_ of_mind._He_repeated_his_words,_"We're_beat."_They_carried_ absolute_conviction. = "It's_all_over,"_he_said._"They've_lost_ONE--just_ONE._And_ they've_made_their_footing_good_and_crippled_the_greatest_ power_in_the_world._They've_walked_over_us._The_death_of_ that_one_at_Weybridge_was_an_accident._And_these_are_only_ pioneers._They_kept_on_coming._These_green_stars--I've_seen_ none_these_five_or_six_days,_but_I've_no_doubt_they're_ falling_somewhere_every_night._Nothing's_to_be_done._We're_ under!_We're_beat!" = I_made_him_no_answer._I_sat_staring_before_me,_trying_in_ vain_to_devise_some_countervailing_thought. = "This_isn't_a_war,"_said_the_artilleryman._"It_never_was_a_ war,_any_more_than_there's_war_between_man_and_ants." = Suddenly_I_recalled_the_night_in_the_observatory. = "After_the_tenth_shot_they_fired_no_more--at_least,_until_ the_first_cylinder_came." = "How_do_you_know?"_said_the_artilleryman._I_explained._He_ thought._"Something_wrong_with_the_gun,"_he_said._"But_what_ if_there_is?_They'll_get_it_right_again._And_even_if_there's_ a_delay,_how_can_it_alter_the_end?_It's_just_men_and_ants._ There's_the_ants_builds_their_cities,_live_their_lives,_have_ wars,_revolutions,_until_the_men_want_them_out_of_the_way,_ and_then_they_go_out_of_the_way._That's_what_we_are_ now--just_ants._Only----" = "Yes,"_I_said. = "We're_eatable_ants." = We_sat_looking_at_each_other. = "And_what_will_they_do_with_us?"_I_said. = "That's_what_I've_been_thinking,"_he_said;_"that's_what_I've_ been_thinking._After_Weybridge_I_went_south--thinking._I_saw_ what_was_up._Most_of_the_people_were_hard_at_it_squealing_ and_exciting_themselves._But_I'm_not_so_fond_of_squealing._ I've_been_in_sight_of_death_once_or_twice;_I'm_not_an_ ornamental_soldier,_and_at_the_best_and_worst,_death--it's_ just_death._And_it's_the_man_that_keeps_on_thinking_comes_ through._I_saw_everyone_tracking_away_south._Says_I,_"Food_ won't_last_this_way,"_and_I_turned_right_back._I_went_for_ the_Martians_like_a_sparrow_goes_for_man._All_round"--he_ waved_a_hand_to_the_horizon--"they're_starving_in_heaps,_ bolting,_treading_on_each_other._._._." = He_saw_my_face,_and_halted_awkwardly. = "No_doubt_lots_who_had_money_have_gone_away_to_France,"_he_ said._He_seemed_to_hesitate_whether_to_apologise,_met_my_ eyes,_and_went_on:_"There's_food_all_about_here._Canned_ things_in_shops;_wines,_spirits,_mineral_waters;_and_the_ water_mains_and_drains_are_empty._Well,_I_was_telling_you_ what_I_was_thinking._"Here's_intelligent_things,"_I_said,_ "and_it_seems_they_want_us_for_food._First,_they'll_smash_us_ up--ships,_machines,_guns,_cities,_all_the_order_and_ organisation._All_that_will_go._If_we_were_the_size_of_ants_ we_might_pull_through._But_we're_not._It's_all_too_bulky_to_ stop._That's_the_first_certainty."_Eh?" = I_assented. = "It_is;_I've_thought_it_out._Very_well,_then--next;_at_ present_we're_caught_as_we're_wanted._A_Martian_has_only_to_ go_a_few_miles_to_get_a_crowd_on_the_run._And_I_saw_one,_one_ day,_out_by_Wandsworth,_picking_houses_to_pieces_and_routing_ among_the_wreckage._But_they_won't_keep_on_doing_that._So_ soon_as_they've_settled_all_our_guns_and_ships,_and_smashed_ our_railways,_and_done_all_the_things_they_are_doing_over_ there,_they_will_begin_catching_us_systematic,_picking_the_ best_and_storing_us_in_cages_and_things._That's_what_they_ will_start_doing_in_a_bit._Lord!_They_haven't_begun_on_us_ yet._Don't_you_see_that?" = "Not_begun!"_I_exclaimed. = "Not_begun._All_that's_happened_so_far_is_through_our_not_ having_the_sense_to_keep_quiet--worrying_them_with_guns_and_ such_foolery._And_losing_our_heads,_and_rushing_off_in_ crowds_to_where_there_wasn't_any_more_safety_than_where_we_ were._They_don't_want_to_bother_us_yet._They're_making_their_ things--making_all_the_things_they_couldn't_bring_with_them,_ getting_things_ready_for_the_rest_of_their_people._Very_ likely_that's_why_the_cylinders_have_stopped_for_a_bit,_for_ fear_of_hitting_those_who_are_here._And_instead_of_our_ rushing_about_blind,_on_the_howl,_or_getting_dynamite_on_the_ chance_of_busting_them_up,_we've_got_to_fix_ourselves_up_ according_to_the_new_state_of_affairs._That's_how_I_figure_ it_out._It_isn't_quite_according_to_what_a_man_wants_for_his_ species,_but_it's_about_what_the_facts_point_to._And_that's_ the_principle_I_acted_upon._Cities,_nations,_civilisation,_ progress--it's_all_over._That_game's_up._We're_beat." = "But_if_that_is_so,_what_is_there_to_live_for?" = The_artilleryman_looked_at_me_for_a_moment. = "There_won't_be_any_more_blessed_concerts_for_a_million_ years_or_so;_there_won't_be_any_Royal_Academy_of_Arts,_and_ no_nice_little_feeds_at_restaurants._If_it's_amusement_ you're_after,_I_reckon_the_game_is_up._If_you've_got_any_ drawing-room_manners_or_a_dislike_to_eating_peas_with_a_ knife_or_dropping_aitches,_you'd_better_chuck_'em_away._They_ ain't_no_further_use." = "You_mean----" = "I_mean_that_men_like_me_are_going_on_living--for_the_sake_ of_the_breed._I_tell_you,_I'm_grim_set_on_living._And_if_I'm_ not_mistaken,_you'll_show_what_insides_YOU'VE_got,_too,_ before_long._We_aren't_going_to_be_exterminated._And_I_don't_ mean_to_be_caught_either,_and_tamed_and_fattened_and_bred_ like_a_thundering_ox._Ugh!_Fancy_those_brown_creepers!" = "You_don't_mean_to_say----" = "I_do._I'm_going_on,_under_their_feet._I've_got_it_planned;_ I've_thought_it_out._We_men_are_beat._We_don't_know_enough._ We've_got_to_learn_before_we've_got_a_chance._And_we've_got_ to_live_and_keep_independent_while_we_learn._See!_That's_ what_has_to_be_done." = I_stared,_astonished,_and_stirred_profoundly_by_the_man's_ resolution. = "Great_God!,"_cried_I._"But_you_are_a_man_indeed!"_And_ suddenly_I_gripped_his_hand. = "Eh!"_he_said,_with_his_eyes_shining._"I've_thought_it_out,_ eh?" = "Go_on,"_I_said. = "Well,_those_who_mean_to_escape_their_catching_must_get_ ready._I'm_getting_ready._Mind_you,_it_isn't_all_of_us_that_ are_made_for_wild_beasts;_and_that's_what_it's_got_to_be._ That's_why_I_watched_you._I_had_my_doubts._You're_slender._I_ didn't_know_that_it_was_you,_you_see,_or_just_how_you'd_been_ buried._All_these--the_sort_of_people_that_lived_in_these_ houses,_and_all_those_damn_little_clerks_that_used_to_live_ down_that_way--they'd_be_no_good._They_haven't_any_spirit_in_ them--no_proud_dreams_and_no_proud_lusts;_and_a_man_who_ hasn't_one_or_the_other--Lord!_What_is_he_but_funk_and_ precautions?_They_just_used_to_skedaddle_off_to_work--I've_ seen_hundreds_of_'em,_bit_of_breakfast_in_hand,_running_wild_ and_shining_to_catch_their_little_season-ticket_train,_for_ fear_they'd_get_dismissed_if_they_didn't;_working_at_ businesses_they_were_afraid_to_take_the_trouble_to_ understand;_skedaddling_back_for_fear_they_wouldn't_be_in_ time_for_dinner;_keeping_indoors_after_dinner_for_fear_of_ the_back_streets,_and_sleeping_with_the_wives_they_married,_ not_because_they_wanted_them,_but_because_they_had_a_bit_of_ money_that_would_make_for_safety_in_their_one_little_ miserable_skedaddle_through_the_world._Lives_insured_and_a_ bit_invested_for_fear_of_accidents._And_on_Sundays--fear_of_ the_hereafter._As_if_hell_was_built_for_rabbits!_Well,_the_ Martians_will_just_be_a_godsend_to_these._Nice_roomy_cages,_ fattening_food,_careful_breeding,_no_worry._After_a_week_or_ so_chasing_about_the_fields_and_lands_on_empty_stomachs,_ they'll_come_and_be_caught_cheerful._They'll_be_quite_glad_ after_a_bit._They'll_wonder_what_people_did_before_there_ were_Martians_to_take_care_of_them._And_the_bar_loafers,_and_ mashers,_and_singers--I_can_imagine_them._I_can_imagine_ them,"_he_said,_with_a_sort_of_sombre_gratification._ "There'll_be_any_amount_of_sentiment_and_religion_loose_ among_them._There's_hundreds_of_things_I_saw_with_my_eyes_ that_I've_only_begun_to_see_clearly_these_last_few_days._ There's_lots_will_take_things_as_they_are--fat_and_stupid;_ and_lots_will_be_worried_by_a_sort_of_feeling_that_it's_all_ wrong,_and_that_they_ought_to_be_doing_something._Now_ whenever_things_are_so_that_a_lot_of_people_feel_they_ought_ to_be_doing_something,_the_weak,_and_those_who_go_weak_with_ a_lot_of_complicated_thinking,_always_make_for_a_sort_of_ do-nothing_religion,_very_pious_and_superior,_and_submit_to_ persecution_and_the_will_of_the_Lord._Very_likely_you've_ seen_the_same_thing._It's_energy_in_a_gale_of_funk,_and_ turned_clean_inside_out._These_cages_will_be_full_of_psalms_ and_hymns_and_piety._And_those_of_a_less_simple_sort_will_ work_in_a_bit_of--what_is_it?--eroticism." = He_paused. = "Very_likely_these_Martians_will_make_pets_of_some_of_them;_ train_them_to_do_tricks--who_knows?--get_sentimental_over_ the_pet_boy_who_grew_up_and_had_to_be_killed._And_some,_ maybe,_they_will_train_to_hunt_us." = "No,"_I_cried,_"that's_impossible!_No_human_being----" = "What's_the_good_of_going_on_with_such_lies?"_said_the_ artilleryman._"There's_men_who'd_do_it_cheerful._What_ nonsense_to_pretend_there_isn't!" = And_I_succumbed_to_his_conviction. = "If_they_come_after_me,"_he_said;_"Lord,_if_they_come_after_ me!"_and_subsided_into_a_grim_meditation. = I_sat_contemplating_these_things._I_could_find_nothing_to_ bring_against_this_man's_reasoning._In_the_days_before_the_ invasion_no_one_would_have_questioned_my_intellectual_ superiority_to_his--I,_a_professed_and_recognised_writer_on_ philosophical_themes,_and_he,_a_common_soldier;_and_yet_he_ had_already_formulated_a_situation_that_I_had_scarcely_ realised. = "What_are_you_doing?"_I_said_presently._"What_plans_have_you_ made?" = He_hesitated. = "Well,_it's_like_this,"_he_said._"What_have_we_to_do?_We_ have_to_invent_a_sort_of_life_where_men_can_live_and_breed,_ and_be_sufficiently_secure_to_bring_the_children_up._ Yes--wait_a_bit,_and_I'll_make_it_clearer_what_I_think_ought_ to_be_done._The_tame_ones_will_go_like_all_tame_beasts;_in_a_ few_generations_they'll_be_big,_beautiful,_rich-blooded,_ stupid--rubbish!_The_risk_is_that_we_who_keep_wild_will_go_ savage--degenerate_into_a_sort_of_big,_savage_rat._._._._You_ see,_how_I_mean_to_live_is_underground._I've_been_thinking_ about_the_drains._Of_course_those_who_don't_know_drains_ think_horrible_things;_but_under_this_London_are_miles_and_ miles--hundreds_of_miles--and_a_few_days"_rain_and_London_ empty_will_leave_them_sweet_and_clean._The_main_drains_are_ big_enough_and_airy_enough_for_anyone._Then_there's_cellars,_ vaults,_stores,_from_which_bolting_passages_may_be_made_to_ the_drains._And_the_railway_tunnels_and_subways._Eh?_You_ begin_to_see?_And_we_form_a_band--able-bodied,_clean-minded_ men._We're_not_going_to_pick_up_any_rubbish_that_drifts_in._ Weaklings_go_out_again." = "As_you_meant_me_to_go?" = "Well--l_parleyed,_didn't_I?" = "We_won't_quarrel_about_that._Go_on." = "Those_who_stop_obey_orders._Able-bodied,_clean-minded_women_ we_want_also--mothers_and_teachers._No_lackadaisical_ ladies--no_blasted_rolling_eyes._We_can't_have_any_weak_or_ silly._Life_is_real_again,_and_the_useless_and_cumbersome_ and_mischievous_have_to_die._They_ought_to_die._They_ought_ to_be_willing_to_die._It's_a_sort_of_disloyalty,_after_all,_ to_live_and_taint_the_race._And_they_can't_be_happy._ Moreover,_dying's_none_so_dreadful;_it's_the_funking_makes_ it_bad._And_in_all_those_places_we_shall_gather._Our_ district_will_be_London._And_we_may_even_be_able_to_keep_a_ watch,_and_run_about_in_the_open_when_the_Martians_keep_ away._Play_cricket,_perhaps._That's_how_we_shall_save_the_ race._Eh?_It's_a_possible_thing?_But_saving_the_race_is_ nothing_in_itself._As_I_say,_that's_only_being_rats._It's_ saving_our_knowledge_and_adding_to_it_is_the_thing._There_ men_like_you_come_in._There's_books,_there's_models._We_must_ make_great_safe_places_down_deep,_and_get_all_the_books_we_ can;_not_novels_and_poetry_swipes,_but_ideas,_science_books._ That's_where_men_like_you_come_in._We_must_go_to_the_British_ Museum_and_pick_all_those_books_through._Especially_we_must_ keep_up_our_science--learn_more._We_must_watch_these_ Martians._Some_of_us_must_go_as_spies._When_it's_all_ working,_perhaps_I_will._Get_caught,_I_mean._And_the_great_ thing_is,_we_must_leave_the_Martians_alone._We_mustn't_even_ steal._If_we_get_in_their_way,_we_clear_out._We_must_show_ them_we_mean_no_harm._Yes,_I_know._But_they're_intelligent_ things,_and_they_won't_hunt_us_down_if_they_have_all_they_ want,_and_think_we're_just_harmless_vermin." = The_artilleryman_paused_and_laid_a_brown_hand_upon_my_arm. = "After_all,_it_may_not_be_so_much_we_may_have_to_learn_ before--Just_imagine_this:_four_or_five_of_their_fighting_ machines_suddenly_starting_off--Heat-Rays_right_and_left,_ and_not_a_Martian_in_'em._Not_a_Martian_in_'em,_but_men--men_ who_have_learned_the_way_how._It_may_be_in_my_time,_ even--those_men._Fancy_having_one_of_them_lovely_things,_ with_its_Heat-Ray_wide_and_free!_Fancy_having_it_in_control!_ What_would_it_matter_if_you_smashed_to_smithereens_at_the_ end_of_the_run,_after_a_bust_like_that?_I_reckon_the_ Martians'll_open_their_beautiful_eyes!_Can't_you_see_them,_ man?_Can't_you_see_them_hurrying,_hurrying--puffing_and_ blowing_and_hooting_to_their_other_mechanical_affairs?_ Something_out_of_gear_in_every_case._And_swish,_bang,_ rattle,_swish!_Just_as_they_are_fumbling_over_it,_SWISH_ comes_the_Heat-Ray,_and,_behold!_man_has_come_back_to_his_ own." = For_a_while_the_imaginative_daring_of_the_artilleryman,_and_ the_tone_of_assurance_and_courage_he_assumed,_completely_ dominated_my_mind._I_believed_unhesitatingly_both_in_his_ forecast_of_human_destiny_and_in_the_practicability_of_his_ astonishing_scheme,_and_the_reader_who_thinks_me_susceptible_ and_foolish_must_contrast_his_position,_reading_steadily_ with_all_his_thoughts_about_his_subject,_and_mine,_crouching_ fearfully_in_the_bushes_and_listening,_distracted_by_ apprehension._We_talked_in_this_manner_through_the_early_ morning_time,_and_later_crept_out_of_the_bushes,_and,_after_ scanning_the_sky_for_Martians,_hurried_precipitately_to_the_ house_on_Putney_Hill_where_he_had_made_his_lair._It_was_the_ coal_cellar_of_the_place,_and_when_I_saw_the_work_he_had_ spent_a_week_upon--it_was_a_burrow_scarcely_ten_yards_long,_ which_he_designed_to_reach_to_the_main_drain_on_Putney_ Hill--I_had_my_first_inkling_of_the_gulf_between_his_dreams_ and_his_powers._Such_a_hole_I_could_have_dug_in_a_day._But_I_ believed_in_him_sufficiently_to_work_with_him_all_that_ morning_until_past_midday_at_his_digging._We_had_a_garden_ barrow_and_shot_the_earth_we_removed_against_the_kitchen_ range._We_refreshed_ourselves_with_a_tin_of_mock-turtle_soup_ and_wine_from_the_neighbouring_pantry._I_found_a_curious_ relief_from_the_aching_strangeness_of_the_world_in_this_ steady_labour._As_we_worked,_I_turned_his_project_over_in_my_ mind,_and_presently_objections_and_doubts_began_to_arise;_ but_I_worked_there_all_the_morning,_so_glad_was_I_to_find_ myself_with_a_purpose_again._After_working_an_hour_I_began_ to_speculate_on_the_distance_one_had_to_go_before_the_cloaca_ was_reached,_the_chances_we_had_of_missing_it_altogether._My_ immediate_trouble_was_why_we_should_dig_this_long_tunnel,_ when_it_was_possible_to_get_into_the_drain_at_once_down_one_ of_the_manholes,_and_work_back_to_the_house._It_seemed_to_ me,_too,_that_the_house_was_inconveniently_chosen,_and_ required_a_needless_length_of_tunnel._And_just_as_I_was_ beginning_to_face_these_things,_the_artilleryman_stopped_ digging,_and_looked_at_me. = "We're_working_well,"_he_said._He_put_down_his_spade._"Let_ us_knock_off_a_bit"_he_said._"I_think_it's_time_we_ reconnoitred_from_the_roof_of_the_house." = I_was_for_going_on,_and_after_a_little_hesitation_he_resumed_ his_spade;_and_then_suddenly_I_was_struck_by_a_thought._I_ stopped,_and_so_did_he_at_once. = "Why_were_you_walking_about_the_common,"_I_said,_"instead_of_ being_here?" = "Taking_the_air,"_he_said._"I_was_coming_back._It's_safer_by_ night." = "But_the_work?" = "Oh,_one_can't_always_work,"_he_said,_and_in_a_flash_I_saw_ the_man_plain._He_hesitated,_holding_his_spade._"We_ought_to_ reconnoitre_now,"_he_said,_"because_if_any_come_near_they_ may_hear_the_spades_and_drop_upon_us_unawares." = I_was_no_longer_disposed_to_object._We_went_together_to_the_ roof_and_stood_on_a_ladder_peeping_out_of_the_roof_door._No_ Martians_were_to_be_seen,_and_we_ventured_out_on_the_tiles,_ and_slipped_down_under_shelter_of_the_parapet. = From_this_position_a_shrubbery_hid_the_greater_portion_of_ Putney,_but_we_could_see_the_river_below,_a_bubbly_mass_of_ red_weed,_and_the_low_parts_of_Lambeth_flooded_and_red._The_ red_creeper_swarmed_up_the_trees_about_the_old_palace,_and_ their_branches_stretched_gaunt_and_dead,_and_set_with_ shrivelled_leaves,_from_amid_its_clusters._It_was_strange_ how_entirely_dependent_both_these_things_were_upon_flowing_ water_for_their_propagation._About_us_neither_had_gained_a_ footing;_laburnums,_pink_mays,_snowballs,_and_trees_of_ arborvitae,_rose_out_of_laurels_and_hydrangeas,_green_and_ brilliant_into_the_sunlight._Beyond_Kensington_dense_smoke_ was_rising,_and_that_and_a_blue_haze_hid_the_northward_ hills. = The_artilleryman_began_to_tell_me_of_the_sort_of_people_who_ still_remained_in_London. = "One_night_last_week,"_he_said,_"some_fools_got_the_electric_ light_in_order,_and_there_was_all_Regent_Street_and_the_ Circus_ablaze,_crowded_with_painted_and_ragged_drunkards,_ men_and_women,_dancing_and_shouting_till_dawn._A_man_who_was_ there_told_me._And_as_the_day_came_they_became_aware_of_a_ fighting-machine_standing_near_by_the_Langham_and_looking_ down_at_them._Heaven_knows_how_long_he_had_been_there._It_ must_have_given_some_of_them_a_nasty_turn._He_came_down_the_ road_towards_them,_and_picked_up_nearly_a_hundred_too_drunk_ or_frightened_to_run_away." = Grotesque_gleam_of_a_time_no_history_will_ever_fully_ describe! = From_that,_in_answer_to_my_questions,_he_came_round_to_his_ grandiose_plans_again._He_grew_enthusiastic._He_talked_so_ eloquently_of_the_possibility_of_capturing_a_ fighting-machine_that_I_more_than_half_believed_in_him_again._But_now_ that_I_was_beginning_to_understand_something_of_his_quality,_ I_could_divine_the_stress_he_laid_on_doing_nothing_ precipitately._And_I_noted_that_now_there_was_no_question_ that_he_personally_was_to_capture_and_fight_the_great_ machine. = After_a_time_we_went_down_to_the_cellar._Neither_of_us_ seemed_disposed_to_resume_digging,_and_when_he_suggested_a_ meal,_I_was_nothing_loath._He_became_suddenly_very_generous,_ and_when_we_had_eaten_he_went_away_and_returned_with_some_ excellent_cigars._We_lit_these,_and_his_optimism_glowed._He_ was_inclined_to_regard_my_coming_as_a_great_occasion. = "There's_some_champagne_in_the_cellar,"_he_said. = "We_can_dig_better_on_this_Thames-side_burgundy,"_said_I. = "No,"_said_he;_"I_am_host_today._Champagne!_Great_God!_We've_ a_heavy_enough_task_before_us!_Let_us_take_a_rest_and_gather_ strength_while_we_may._Look_at_these_blistered_hands!" = And_pursuant_to_this_idea_of_a_holiday,_he_insisted_upon_ playing_cards_after_we_had_eaten._He_taught_me_euchre,_and_ after_dividing_London_between_us,_I_taking_the_northern_side_ and_he_the_southern,_we_played_for_parish_points._Grotesque_ and_foolish_as_this_will_seem_to_the_sober_reader,_it_is_ absolutely_true,_and_what_is_more_remarkable,_I_found_the_ card_game_and_several_others_we_played_extremely_ interesting. = Strange_mind_of_man!_that,_with_our_species_upon_the_edge_of_ extermination_or_appalling_degradation,_with_no_clear_ prospect_before_us_but_the_chance_of_a_horrible_death,_we_ could_sit_following_the_chance_of_this_painted_pasteboard,_ and_playing_the_"joker"_with_vivid_delight._Afterwards_he_ taught_me_poker,_and_I_beat_him_at_three_tough_chess_games._ When_dark_came_we_decided_to_take_the_risk,_and_lit_a_lamp. = After_an_interminable_string_of_games,_we_supped,_and_the_ artilleryman_finished_the_champagne._We_went_on_smoking_the_ cigars._He_was_no_longer_the_energetic_regenerator_of_his_ species_I_had_encountered_in_the_morning._He_was_still_ optimistic,_but_it_was_a_less_kinetic,_a_more_thoughtful_ optimism._I_remember_he_wound_up_with_my_health,_proposed_in_ a_speech_of_small_variety_and_considerable_intermittence._I_ took_a_cigar,_and_went_upstairs_to_look_at_the_lights_of_ which_he_had_spoken_that_blazed_so_greenly_along_the_ Highgate_hills. = At_first_I_stared_unintelligently_across_the_London_valley._ The_northern_hills_were_shrouded_in_darkness;_the_fires_near_ Kensington_glowed_redly,_and_now_and_then_an_orange-red_ tongue_of_flame_flashed_up_and_vanished_in_the_deep_blue_ night._All_the_rest_of_London_was_black._Then,_nearer,_I_ perceived_a_strange_light,_a_pale,_violet-purple_fluorescent_ glow,_quivering_under_the_night_breeze._For_a_space_I_could_ not_understand_it,_and_then_I_knew_that_it_must_be_the_red_ weed_from_which_this_faint_irradiation_proceeded._With_that_ realisation_my_dormant_sense_of_wonder,_my_sense_of_the_ proportion_of_things,_awoke_again._I_glanced_from_that_to_ Mars,_red_and_clear,_glowing_high_in_the_west,_and_then_ gazed_long_and_earnestly_at_the_darkness_of_Hampstead_and_ Highgate. = I_remained_a_very_long_time_upon_the_roof,_wondering_at_the_ grotesque_changes_of_the_day._I_recalled_my_mental_states_ from_the_midnight_prayer_to_the_foolish_card-playing._I_had_ a_violent_revulsion_of_feeling._I_remember_I_flung_away_the_ cigar_with_a_certain_wasteful_symbolism._My_folly_came_to_me_ with_glaring_exaggeration._I_seemed_a_traitor_to_my_wife_and_ to_my_kind;_I_was_filled_with_remorse._I_resolved_to_leave_ this_strange_undisciplined_dreamer_of_great_things_to_his_ drink_and_gluttony,_and_to_go_on_into_London._There,_it_ seemed_to_me,_I_had_the_best_chance_of_learning_what_the_ Martians_and_my_fellowmen_were_doing._I_was_still_upon_the_ roof_when_the_late_moon_rose. = # ## # chapter 8 EIGHT # unit C chapter_number # unit H chapter_title # unit P text After_I_had_parted_from_the_artilleryman,_I_went_down_the_ hill,_and_by_the_High_Street_across_the_bridge_to_Fulham._ The_red_weed_was_tumultuous_at_that_time,_and_nearly_choked_ the_bridge_roadway;_but_its_fronds_were_already_whitened_in_ patches_by_the_spreading_disease_that_presently_removed_it_ so_swiftly. = At_the_corner_of_the_lane_that_runs_to_Putney_Bridge_station_ I_found_a_man_lying._He_was_as_black_as_a_sweep_with_the_ black_dust,_alive,_but_helplessly_and_speechlessly_drunk._I_ could_get_nothing_from_him_but_curses_and_furious_lunges_at_ my_head._I_think_I_should_have_stayed_by_him_but_for_the_ brutal_expression_of_his_face. = There_was_black_dust_along_the_roadway_from_the_bridge_ onwards,_and_it_grew_thicker_in_Fulham._The_streets_were_ horribly_quiet._I_got_food--sour,_hard,_and_mouldy,_but_ quite_eatable--in_a_baker's_shop_here._Some_way_towards_ Walham_Green_the_streets_became_clear_of_powder,_and_I_ passed_a_white_terrace_of_houses_on_fire;_the_noise_of_the_ burning_was_an_absolute_relief._Going_on_towards_Brompton,_ the_streets_were_quiet_again. = Here_I_came_once_more_upon_the_black_powder_in_the_streets_ and_upon_dead_bodies._I_saw_altogether_about_a_dozen_in_the_ length_of_the_Fulham_Road._They_had_been_dead_many_days,_so_ that_I_hurried_quickly_past_them._The_black_powder_covered_ them_over,_and_softened_their_outlines._One_or_two_had_been_ disturbed_by_dogs. = Where_there_was_no_black_powder,_it_was_curiously_like_a_ Sunday_in_the_City,_with_the_closed_shops,_the_houses_locked_ up_and_the_blinds_drawn,_the_desertion,_and_the_stillness._ In_some_places_plunderers_had_been_at_work,_but_rarely_at_ other_than_the_provision_and_wine_shops._A_jeweller's_window_ had_been_broken_open_in_one_place,_but_apparently_the_thief_ had_been_disturbed,_and_a_number_of_gold_chains_and_a_watch_ lay_scattered_on_the_pavement._I_did_not_trouble_to_touch_ them._Farther_on_was_a_tattered_woman_in_a_heap_on_a_ doorstep;_the_hand_that_hung_over_her_knee_was_gashed_and_ bled_down_her_rusty_brown_dress,_and_a_smashed_magnum_of_ champagne_formed_a_pool_across_the_pavement._She_seemed_ asleep,_but_she_was_dead. = The_farther_I_penetrated_into_London,_the_profounder_grew_ the_stillness._But_it_was_not_so_much_the_stillness_of_ death--it_was_the_stillness_of_suspense,_of_expectation._At_ any_time_the_destruction_that_had_already_singed_the_ northwestern_borders_of_the_metropolis,_and_had_annihilated_ Ealing_and_Kilburn,_might_strike_among_these_houses_and_ leave_them_smoking_ruins._It_was_a_city_condemned_and_ derelict._._._. = In_South_Kensington_the_streets_were_clear_of_dead_and_of_ black_powder._It_was_near_South_Kensington_that_I_first_ heard_the_howling._It_crept_almost_imperceptibly_upon_my_ senses._It_was_a_sobbing_alternation_of_two_notes,_"Ulla,_ ulla,_ulla,_ulla,"_keeping_on_perpetually._When_I_passed_ streets_that_ran_northward_it_grew_in_volume,_and_houses_and_ buildings_seemed_to_deaden_and_cut_it_off_again._It_came_in_ a_full_tide_down_Exhibition_Road._I_stopped,_staring_towards_ Kensington_Gardens,_wondering_at_this_strange,_remote_ wailing._It_was_as_if_that_mighty_desert_of_houses_had_found_ a_voice_for_its_fear_and_solitude. = "Ulla,_ulla,_ulla,_ulla,"_wailed_that_superhuman_ note--great_waves_of_sound_sweeping_down_the_broad,_sunlit_ roadway,_between_the_tall_buildings_on_each_side._I_turned_ northwards,_marvelling,_towards_the_iron_gates_of_Hyde_Park._ I_had_half_a_mind_to_break_into_the_Natural_History_Museum_ and_find_my_way_up_to_the_summits_of_the_towers,_in_order_to_ see_across_the_park._But_I_decided_to_keep_to_the_ground,_ where_quick_hiding_was_possible,_and_so_went_on_up_the_ Exhibition_Road._All_the_large_mansions_on_each_side_of_the_ road_were_empty_and_still,_and_my_footsteps_echoed_against_ the_sides_of_the_houses._At_the_top,_near_the_park_gate,_I_ came_upon_a_strange_sight--a_bus_overturned,_and_the_ skeleton_of_a_horse_picked_clean._I_puzzled_over_this_for_a_ time,_and_then_went_on_to_the_bridge_over_the_Serpentine._ The_voice_grew_stronger_and_stronger,_though_I_could_see_ nothing_above_the_housetops_on_the_north_side_of_the_park,_ save_a_haze_of_smoke_to_the_northwest. = "Ulla,_ulla,_ulla,_ulla,"_cried_the_voice,_coming,_as_it_ seemed_to_me,_from_the_district_about_Regent's_Park._The_ desolating_cry_worked_upon_my_mind._The_mood_that_had_ sustained_me_passed._The_wailing_took_possession_of_me._I_ found_I_was_intensely_weary,_footsore,_and_now_again_hungry_ and_thirsty. = It_was_already_past_noon._Why_was_I_wandering_alone_in_this_ city_of_the_dead?_Why_was_I_alone_when_all_London_was_lying_ in_state,_and_in_its_black_shroud?_I_felt_intolerably_ lonely._My_mind_ran_on_old_friends_that_I_had_forgotten_for_ years._I_thought_of_the_poisons_in_the_chemists"_shops,_of_ the_liquors_the_wine_merchants_stored;_I_recalled_the_two_ sodden_creatures_of_despair,_who_so_far_as_I_knew,_shared_ the_city_with_myself._._._. = I_came_into_Oxford_Street_by_the_Marble_Arch,_and_here_again_ were_black_powder_and_several_bodies,_and_an_evil,_ominous_ smell_from_the_gratings_of_the_cellars_of_some_of_the_ houses._I_grew_very_thirsty_after_the_heat_of_my_long_walk._ With_infinite_trouble_I_managed_to_break_into_a_public-house_ and_get_food_and_drink._I_was_weary_after_eating,_and_went_ into_the_parlour_behind_the_bar,_and_slept_on_a_black_ horse-hair_sofa_I_found_there. = I_awoke_to_find_that_dismal_howling_still_in_my_ears,_"Ulla,_ ulla,_ulla,_ulla."_It_was_now_dusk,_and_after_I_had_routed_ out_some_biscuits_and_a_cheese_in_the_bar--there_was_a_meat_ safe,_but_it_contained_nothing_but_maggots--I_wandered_on_ through_the_silent_residential_squares_to_Baker_Street_ --Portman_Square_is_the_only_one_I_can_name--and_so_came_out_ at_last_upon_Regent's_Park._And_as_I_emerged_from_the_top_of_ Baker_Street,_I_saw_far_away_over_the_trees_in_the_clearness_ of_the_sunset_the_hood_of_the_Martian_giant_from_which_this_ howling_proceeded._I_was_not_terrified._I_came_upon_him_as_ if_it_were_a_matter_of_course._I_watched_him_for_some_time,_ but_he_did_not_move._He_appeared_to_be_standing_and_yelling,_ for_no_reason_that_I_could_discover. = I_tried_to_formulate_a_plan_of_action._That_perpetual_sound_ of_"Ulla,_ulla,_ulla,_ulla,"_confused_my_mind._Perhaps_I_was_ too_tired_to_be_very_fearful._Certainly_I_was_more_curious_ to_know_the_reason_of_this_monotonous_crying_than_afraid._I_ turned_back_away_from_the_park_and_struck_into_Park_Road,_ intending_to_skirt_the_park,_went_along_under_the_shelter_of_ the_terraces,_and_got_a_view_of_this_stationary,_howling_ Martian_from_the_direction_of_St._John's_Wood._A_couple_of_ hundred_yards_out_of_Baker_Street_I_heard_a_yelping_chorus,_ and_saw,_first_a_dog_with_a_piece_of_putrescent_red_meat_in_ his_jaws_coming_headlong_towards_me,_and_then_a_pack_of_ starving_mongrels_in_pursuit_of_him._He_made_a_wide_curve_to_ avoid_me,_as_though_he_feared_I_might_prove_a_fresh_ competitor._As_the_yelping_died_away_down_the_silent_road,_ the_wailing_sound_of_"Ulla,_ulla,_ulla,_ulla,"_reasserted_ itself. = I_came_upon_the_wrecked_handling-machine_halfway_to_St._ John's_Wood_station._At_first_I_thought_a_house_had_fallen_ across_the_road._It_was_only_as_I_clambered_among_the_ruins_ that_I_saw,_with_a_start,_this_mechanical_Samson_lying,_with_ its_tentacles_bent_and_smashed_and_twisted,_among_the_ruins_ it_had_made._The_forepart_was_shattered._It_seemed_as_if_it_ had_driven_blindly_straight_at_the_house,_and_had_been_ overwhelmed_in_its_overthrow._It_seemed_to_me_then_that_this_ might_have_happened_by_a_handling-machine_escaping_from_the_ guidance_of_its_Martian._I_could_not_clamber_among_the_ruins_ to_see_it,_and_the_twilight_was_now_so_far_advanced_that_the_ blood_with_which_its_seat_was_smeared,_and_the_gnawed_ gristle_of_the_Martian_that_the_dogs_had_left,_were_ invisible_to_me. = Wondering_still_more_at_all_that_I_had_seen,_I_pushed_on_ towards_Primrose_Hill._Far_away,_through_a_gap_in_the_trees,_ I_saw_a_second_Martian,_as_motionless_as_the_first,_standing_ in_the_park_towards_the_Zoological_Gardens,_and_silent._A_ little_beyond_the_ruins_about_the_smashed_handling-machine_I_ came_upon_the_red_weed_again,_and_found_the_Regent's_Canal,_ a_spongy_mass_of_dark-red_vegetation. = As_I_crossed_the_bridge,_the_sound_of_"Ulla,_ulla,_ulla,_ ulla,"_ceased._It_was,_as_it_were,_cut_off._The_silence_came_ like_a_thunderclap. = The_dusky_houses_about_me_stood_faint_and_tall_and_dim;_the_ trees_towards_the_park_were_growing_black._All_about_me_the_ red_weed_clambered_among_the_ruins,_writhing_to_get_above_me_ in_the_dimness._Night,_the_mother_of_fear_and_mystery,_was_ coming_upon_me._But_while_that_voice_sounded_the_solitude,_ the_desolation,_had_been_endurable;_by_virtue_of_it_London_ had_still_seemed_alive,_and_the_sense_of_life_about_me_had_ upheld_me._Then_suddenly_a_change,_the_passing_of_ something--I_knew_not_what--and_then_a_stillness_that_could_ be_felt._Nothing_but_this_gaunt_quiet. = London_about_me_gazed_at_me_spectrally._The_windows_in_the_ white_houses_were_like_the_eye_sockets_of_skulls._About_me_ my_imagination_found_a_thousand_noiseless_enemies_moving._ Terror_seized_me,_a_horror_of_my_temerity._In_front_of_me_ the_road_became_pitchy_black_as_though_it_was_tarred,_and_I_ saw_a_contorted_shape_lying_across_the_pathway._I_could_not_ bring_myself_to_go_on._I_turned_down_St._John's_Wood_Road,_ and_ran_headlong_from_this_unendurable_stillness_towards_ Kilburn._I_hid_from_the_night_and_the_silence,_until_long_ after_midnight,_in_a_cabmen's_shelter_in_Harrow_Road._But_ before_the_dawn_my_courage_returned,_and_while_the_stars_ were_still_in_the_sky_I_turned_once_more_towards_Regent's_ Park._I_missed_my_way_among_the_streets,_and_presently_saw_ down_a_long_avenue,_in_the_half-light_of_the_early_dawn,_the_ curve_of_Primrose_Hill._On_the_summit,_towering_up_to_the_ fading_stars,_was_a_third_Martian,_erect_and_motionless_like_ the_others. = An_insane_resolve_possessed_me._I_would_die_and_end_it._And_ I_would_save_myself_even_the_trouble_of_killing_myself._I_ marched_on_recklessly_towards_this_Titan,_and_then,_as_I_ drew_nearer_and_the_light_grew,_I_saw_that_a_multitude_of_ black_birds_was_circling_and_clustering_about_the_hood._At_ that_my_heart_gave_a_bound,_and_I_began_running_along_the_ road. = I_hurried_through_the_red_weed_that_choked_St._Edmund's_ Terrace_(I_waded_breast-high_across_a_torrent_of_water_that_ was_rushing_down_from_the_waterworks_towards_the_Albert_ Road),_and_emerged_upon_the_grass_before_the_rising_of_the_ sun._Great_mounds_had_been_heaped_about_the_crest_of_the_ hill,_making_a_huge_redoubt_of_it--it_was_the_final_and_ largest_place_the_Martians_had_made--and_from_behind_these_ heaps_there_rose_a_thin_smoke_against_the_sky._Against_the_ sky_line_an_eager_dog_ran_and_disappeared._The_thought_that_ had_flashed_into_my_mind_grew_real,_grew_credible._I_felt_no_ fear,_only_a_wild,_trembling_exultation,_as_I_ran_up_the_ hill_towards_the_motionless_monster._Out_of_the_hood_hung_ lank_shreds_of_brown,_at_which_the_hungry_birds_pecked_and_ tore. = In_another_moment_I_had_scrambled_up_the_earthen_rampart_and_ stood_upon_its_crest,_and_the_interior_of_the_redoubt_was_ below_me._A_mighty_space_it_was,_with_gigantic_machines_here_ and_there_within_it,_huge_mounds_of_material_and_strange_ shelter_places._And_scattered_about_it,_some_in_their_ overturned_war-machines,_some_in_the_now_rigid_ handling-machines,_and_a_dozen_of_them_stark_and_silent_and_ laid_in_a_row,_were_the_Martians--DEAD!--slain_by_the_ putrefactive_and_disease_bacteria_against_which_their_ systems_were_unprepared;_slain_as_the_red_weed_was_being_ slain;_slain,_after_all_man's_devices_had_failed,_by_the_ humblest_things_that_God,_in_his_wisdom,_has_put_upon_this_ earth. = For_so_it_had_come_about,_as_indeed_I_and_many_men_might_ have_foreseen_had_not_terror_and_disaster_blinded_our_minds._ These_germs_of_disease_have_taken_toll_of_humanity_since_the_ beginning_of_things--taken_toll_of_our_prehuman_ancestors_ since_life_began_here._But_by_virtue_of_this_natural_ selection_of_our_kind_we_have_developed_resisting_power;_to_ no_germs_do_we_succumb_without_a_struggle,_and_to_ many--those_that_cause_putrefaction_in_dead_matter,_for_ instance--our_living_frames_are_altogether_immune._But_there_ are_no_bacteria_in_Mars,_and_directly_these_invaders_ arrived,_directly_they_drank_and_fed,_our_microscopic_allies_ began_to_work_their_overthrow._Already_when_I_watched_them_ they_were_irrevocably_doomed,_dying_and_rotting_even_as_they_ went_to_and_fro._It_was_inevitable._By_the_toll_of_a_billion_ deaths_man_has_bought_his_birthright_of_the_earth,_and_it_is_ his_against_all_comers;_it_would_still_be_his_were_the_ Martians_ten_times_as_mighty_as_they_are._For_neither_do_men_ live_nor_die_in_vain. = Here_and_there_they_were_scattered,_nearly_fifty_altogether,_ in_that_great_gulf_they_had_made,_overtaken_by_a_death_that_ must_have_seemed_to_them_as_incomprehensible_as_any_death_ could_be._To_me_also_at_that_time_this_death_was_ incomprehensible._All_I_knew_was_that_these_things_that_had_ been_alive_and_so_terrible_to_men_were_dead._For_a_moment_I_ believed_that_the_destruction_of_Sennacherib_had_been_ repeated,_that_God_had_repented,_that_the_Angel_of_Death_had_ slain_them_in_the_night. = I_stood_staring_into_the_pit,_and_my_heart_lightened_ gloriously,_even_as_the_rising_sun_struck_the_world_to_fire_ about_me_with_his_rays._The_pit_was_still_in_darkness;_the_ mighty_engines,_so_great_and_wonderful_in_their_power_and_ complexity,_so_unearthly_in_their_tortuous_forms,_rose_weird_ and_vague_and_strange_out_of_the_shadows_towards_the_light._ A_multitude_of_dogs,_I_could_hear,_fought_over_the_bodies_ that_lay_darkly_in_the_depth_of_the_pit,_far_below_me._ Across_the_pit_on_its_farther_lip,_flat_and_vast_and_ strange,_lay_the_great_flying-machine_with_which_they_had_ been_experimenting_upon_our_denser_atmosphere_when_decay_and_ death_arrested_them._Death_had_come_not_a_day_too_soon._At_ the_sound_of_a_cawing_overhead_I_looked_up_at_the_huge_ fighting-machine_that_would_fight_no_more_for_ever,_at_the_ tattered_red_shreds_of_flesh_that_dripped_down_upon_the_ overturned_seats_on_the_summit_of_Primrose_Hill. = I_turned_and_looked_down_the_slope_of_the_hill_to_where,_ enhaloed_now_in_birds,_stood_those_other_two_Martians_that_I_ had_seen_overnight,_just_as_death_had_overtaken_them._The_ one_had_died,_even_as_it_had_been_crying_to_its_companions;_ perhaps_it_was_the_last_to_die,_and_its_voice_had_gone_on_ perpetually_until_the_force_of_its_machinery_was_exhausted._ They_glittered_now,_harmless_tripod_towers_of_shining_metal,_ in_the_brightness_of_the_rising_sun. = All_about_the_pit,_and_saved_as_by_a_miracle_from_ everlasting_destruction,_stretched_the_great_Mother_of_ Cities._Those_who_have_only_seen_London_veiled_in_her_sombre_ robes_of_smoke_can_scarcely_imagine_the_naked_clearness_and_ beauty_of_the_silent_wilderness_of_houses. = Eastward,_over_the_blackened_ruins_of_the_Albert_Terrace_and_ the_splintered_spire_of_the_church,_the_sun_blazed_dazzling_ in_a_clear_sky,_and_here_and_there_some_facet_in_the_great_ wilderness_of_roofs_caught_the_light_and_glared_with_a_white_ intensity. = Northward_were_Kilburn_and_Hampsted,_blue_and_crowded_with_ houses;_westward_the_great_city_was_dimmed;_and_southward,_ beyond_the_Martians,_the_green_waves_of_Regent's_Park,_the_ Langham_Hotel,_the_dome_of_the_Albert_Hall,_the_Imperial_ Institute,_and_the_giant_mansions_of_the_Brompton_Road_came_ out_clear_and_little_in_the_sunrise,_the_jagged_ruins_of_ Westminster_rising_hazily_beyond._Far_away_and_blue_were_the_ Surrey_hills,_and_the_towers_of_the_Crystal_Palace_glittered_ like_two_silver_rods._The_dome_of_St._Paul's_was_dark_ against_the_sunrise,_and_injured,_I_saw_for_the_first_time,_ by_a_huge_gaping_cavity_on_its_western_side. = And_as_I_looked_at_this_wide_expanse_of_houses_and_factories_ and_churches,_silent_and_abandoned;_as_I_thought_of_the_ multitudinous_hopes_and_efforts,_the_innumerable_hosts_of_ lives_that_had_gone_to_build_this_human_reef,_and_of_the_ swift_and_ruthless_destruction_that_had_hung_over_it_all;_ when_I_realised_that_the_shadow_had_been_rolled_back,_and_ that_men_might_still_live_in_the_streets,_and_this_dear_vast_ dead_city_of_mine_be_once_more_alive_and_powerful,_I_felt_a_ wave_of_emotion_that_was_near_akin_to_tears. = The_torment_was_over._Even_that_day_the_healing_would_begin._ The_survivors_of_the_people_scattered_over_the_ country--leaderless,_lawless,_foodless,_like_sheep_without_a_ shepherd--the_thousands_who_had_fled_by_sea,_would_begin_to_ return;_the_pulse_of_life,_growing_stronger_and_stronger,_ would_beat_again_in_the_empty_streets_and_pour_across_the_ vacant_squares._Whatever_destruction_was_done,_the_hand_of_ the_destroyer_was_stayed._All_the_gaunt_wrecks,_the_ blackened_skeletons_of_houses_that_stared_so_dismally_at_the_ sunlit_grass_of_the_hill,_would_presently_be_echoing_with_ the_hammers_of_the_restorers_and_ringing_with_the_tapping_of_ their_trowels._At_the_thought_I_extended_my_hands_towards_ the_sky_and_began_thanking_God._In_a_year,_thought_I--in_a_ year._._. = With_overwhelming_force_came_the_thought_of_myself,_of_my_ wife,_and_the_old_life_of_hope_and_tender_helpfulness_that_ had_ceased_for_ever. = # ## # chapter 9 NINE # unit C chapter_number # unit H chapter_title # unit P text And_now_comes_the_strangest_thing_in_my_story._Yet,_perhaps,_ it_is_not_altogether_strange._I_remember,_clearly_and_coldly_ and_vividly,_all_that_I_did_that_day_until_the_time_that_I_ stood_weeping_and_praising_God_upon_the_summit_of_Primrose_ Hill._And_then_I_forget. = Of_the_next_three_days_I_know_nothing._I_have_learned_since_ that,_so_far_from_my_being_the_first_discoverer_of_the_ Martian_overthrow,_several_such_wanderers_as_myself_had_ already_discovered_this_on_the_previous_night._One_man--the_ first--had_gone_to_St._Martin's-le-Grand,_and,_while_I_ sheltered_in_the_cabmen's_hut,_had_contrived_to_telegraph_to_ Paris._Thence_the_joyful_news_had_flashed_all_over_the_ world;_a_thousand_cities,_chilled_by_ghastly_apprehensions,_ suddenly_flashed_into_frantic_illuminations;_they_knew_of_it_ in_Dublin,_Edinburgh,_Manchester,_Birmingham,_at_the_time_ when_I_stood_upon_the_verge_of_the_pit._Already_men,_weeping_ with_joy,_as_I_have_heard,_shouting_and_staying_their_work_ to_shake_hands_and_shout,_were_making_up_trains,_even_as_ near_as_Crewe,_to_descend_upon_London._The_church_bells_that_ had_ceased_a_fortnight_since_suddenly_caught_the_news,_until_ all_England_was_bell-ringing._Men_on_cycles,_lean-faced,_ unkempt,_scorched_along_every_country_lane_shouting_of_ unhoped_deliverance,_shouting_to_gaunt,_staring_figures_of_ despair._And_for_the_food!_Across_the_Channel,_across_the_ Irish_Sea,_across_the_Atlantic,_corn,_bread,_and_meat_were_ tearing_to_our_relief._All_the_shipping_in_the_world_seemed_ going_Londonward_in_those_days._But_of_all_this_I_have_no_ memory._I_drifted--a_demented_man._I_found_myself_in_a_house_ of_kindly_people,_who_had_found_me_on_the_third_day_ wandering,_weeping,_and_raving_through_the_streets_of_St._ John's_Wood._They_have_told_me_since_that_I_was_singing_some_ insane_doggerel_about_"The_Last_Man_Left_Alive!_Hurrah!_The_ Last_Man_Left_Alive!"_Troubled_as_they_were_with_their_own_ affairs,_these_people,_whose_name,_much_as_I_would_like_to_ express_my_gratitude_to_them,_I_may_not_even_give_here,_ nevertheless_cumbered_themselves_with_me,_sheltered_me,_and_ protected_me_from_myself._Apparently_they_had_learned_ something_of_my_story_from_me_during_the_days_of_my_lapse. = Very_gently,_when_my_mind_was_assured_again,_did_they_break_ to_me_what_they_had_learned_of_the_fate_of_Leatherhead._Two_ days_after_I_was_imprisoned_it_had_been_destroyed,_with_ every_soul_in_it,_by_a_Martian._He_had_swept_it_out_of_ existence,_as_it_seemed,_without_any_provocation,_as_a_boy_ might_crush_an_ant_hill,_in_the_mere_wantonness_of_power. = I_was_a_lonely_man,_and_they_were_very_kind_to_me._I_was_a_ lonely_man_and_a_sad_one,_and_they_bore_with_me._I_remained_ with_them_four_days_after_my_recovery._All_that_time_I_felt_ a_vague,_a_growing_craving_to_look_once_more_on_whatever_ remained_of_the_little_life_that_seemed_so_happy_and_bright_ in_my_past._It_was_a_mere_hopeless_desire_to_feast_upon_my_ misery._They_dissuaded_me._They_did_all_they_could_to_divert_ me_from_this_morbidity._But_at_last_I_could_resist_the_ impulse_no_longer,_and,_promising_faithfully_to_return_to_ them,_and_parting,_as_I_will_confess,_from_these_four-day_ friends_with_tears,_I_went_out_again_into_the_streets_that_ had_lately_been_so_dark_and_strange_and_empty. = Already_they_were_busy_with_returning_people;_in_places_even_ there_were_shops_open,_and_I_saw_a_drinking_fountain_running_ water. = I_remember_how_mockingly_bright_the_day_seemed_as_I_went_ back_on_my_melancholy_pilgrimage_to_the_little_house_at_ Woking,_how_busy_the_streets_and_vivid_the_moving_life_about_ me._So_many_people_were_abroad_everywhere,_busied_in_a_ thousand_activities,_that_it_seemed_incredible_that_any_ great_proportion_of_the_population_could_have_been_slain._ But_then_I_noticed_how_yellow_were_the_skins_of_the_people_I_ met,_how_shaggy_the_hair_of_the_men,_how_large_and_bright_ their_eyes,_and_that_every_other_man_still_wore_his_dirty_ rags._Their_faces_seemed_all_with_one_of_two_expressions--a_ leaping_exultation_and_energy_or_a_grim_resolution._Save_for_ the_expression_of_the_faces,_London_seemed_a_city_of_tramps._ The_vestries_were_indiscriminately_distributing_bread_sent_ us_by_the_French_government._The_ribs_of_the_few_horses_ showed_dismally._Haggard_special_constables_with_white_ badges_stood_at_the_corners_of_every_street._I_saw_little_of_ the_mischief_wrought_by_the_Martians_until_I_reached_ Wellington_Street,_and_there_I_saw_the_red_weed_clambering_ over_the_buttresses_of_Waterloo_Bridge. = At_the_corner_of_the_bridge,_too,_I_saw_one_of_the_common_ contrasts_of_that_grotesque_time--a_sheet_of_paper_flaunting_ against_a_thicket_of_the_red_weed,_transfixed_by_a_stick_ that_kept_it_in_place._It_was_the_placard_of_the_first_ newspaper_to_resume_publication--the_DAILY_MAIL._I_bought_a_ copy_for_a_blackened_shilling_I_found_in_my_pocket._Most_of_ it_was_in_blank,_but_the_solitary_compositor_who_did_the_ thing_had_amused_himself_by_making_a_grotesque_scheme_of_ advertisement_stereo_on_the_back_page._The_matter_he_printed_ was_emotional;_the_news_organisation_had_not_as_yet_found_ its_way_back._I_learned_nothing_fresh_except_that_already_in_ one_week_the_examination_of_the_Martian_mechanisms_had_ yielded_astonishing_results._Among_other_things,_the_article_ assured_me_what_I_did_not_believe_at_the_time,_that_the_ "Secret_of_Flying,"_was_discovered._At_Waterloo_I_found_the_ free_trains_that_were_taking_people_to_their_homes._The_ first_rush_was_already_over._There_were_few_people_in_the_ train,_and_I_was_in_no_mood_for_casual_conversation._I_got_a_ compartment_to_myself,_and_sat_with_folded_arms,_looking_ greyly_at_the_sunlit_devastation_that_flowed_past_the_ windows._And_just_outside_the_terminus_the_train_jolted_over_ temporary_rails,_and_on_either_side_of_the_railway_the_ houses_were_blackened_ruins._To_Clapham_Junction_the_face_of_ London_was_grimy_with_powder_of_the_Black_Smoke,_in_spite_of_ two_days_of_thunderstorms_and_rain,_and_at_Clapham_Junction_ the_line_had_been_wrecked_again;_there_were_hundreds_of_ out-of-work_clerks_and_shopmen_working_side_by_side_with_the_ customary_navvies,_and_we_were_jolted_over_a_hasty_relaying. = All_down_the_line_from_there_the_aspect_of_the_country_was_ gaunt_and_unfamiliar;_Wimbledon_particularly_had_suffered._ Walton,_by_virtue_of_its_unburned_pine_woods,_seemed_the_ least_hurt_of_any_place_along_the_line._The_Wandle,_the_ Mole,_every_little_stream,_was_a_heaped_mass_of_red_weed,_in_ appearance_between_butcher's_meat_and_pickled_cabbage._The_ Surrey_pine_woods_were_too_dry,_however,_for_the_festoons_of_ the_red_climber._Beyond_Wimbledon,_within_sight_of_the_line,_ in_certain_nursery_grounds,_were_the_heaped_masses_of_earth_ about_the_sixth_cylinder._A_number_of_people_were_standing_ about_it,_and_some_sappers_were_busy_in_the_midst_of_it._ Over_it_flaunted_a_Union_Jack,_flapping_cheerfully_in_the_ morning_breeze._The_nursery_grounds_were_everywhere_crimson_ with_the_weed,_a_wide_expanse_of_livid_colour_cut_with_ purple_shadows,_and_very_painful_to_the_eye._One's_gaze_went_ with_infinite_relief_from_the_scorched_greys_and_sullen_reds_ of_the_foreground_to_the_blue-green_softness_of_the_eastward_ hills. = The_line_on_the_London_side_of_Woking_station_was_still_ undergoing_repair,_so_I_descended_at_Byfleet_station_and_ took_the_road_to_Maybury,_past_the_place_where_I_and_the_ artilleryman_had_talked_to_the_hussars,_and_on_by_the_spot_ where_the_Martian_had_appeared_to_me_in_the_thunderstorm._ Here,_moved_by_curiosity,_I_turned_aside_to_find,_among_a_ tangle_of_red_fronds,_the_warped_and_broken_dog_cart_with_ the_whitened_bones_of_the_horse_scattered_and_gnawed._For_a_ time_I_stood_regarding_these_vestiges._._._. = Then_I_returned_through_the_pine_wood,_neck-high_with_red_ weed_here_and_there,_to_find_the_landlord_of_the_Spotted_Dog_ had_already_found_burial,_and_so_came_home_past_the_College_ Arms._A_man_standing_at_an_open_cottage_door_greeted_me_by_ name_as_I_passed. = I_looked_at_my_house_with_a_quick_flash_of_hope_that_faded_ immediately._The_door_had_been_forced;_it_was_unfast_and_was_ opening_slowly_as_I_approached. = It_slammed_again._The_curtains_of_my_study_fluttered_out_of_ the_open_window_from_which_I_and_the_artilleryman_had_ watched_the_dawn._No_one_had_closed_it_since._The_smashed_ bushes_were_just_as_I_had_left_them_nearly_four_weeks_ago._I_ stumbled_into_the_hall,_and_the_house_felt_empty._The_stair_ carpet_was_ruffled_and_discoloured_where_I_had_crouched,_ soaked_to_the_skin_from_the_thunderstorm_the_night_of_the_ catastrophe._Our_muddy_footsteps_I_saw_still_went_up_the_ stairs. = I_followed_them_to_my_study,_and_found_lying_on_my_ writing-table_still,_with_the_selenite_paper_weight_upon_it,_ the_sheet_of_work_I_had_left_on_the_afternoon_of_the_opening_ of_the_cylinder._For_a_space_I_stood_reading_over_my_ abandoned_arguments._It_was_a_paper_on_the_probable_ development_of_Moral_Ideas_with_the_development_of_the_ civilising_process;_and_the_last_sentence_was_the_opening_of_ a_prophecy:_"In_about_two_hundred_years,"_I_had_written,_"we_ may_expect----"_The_sentence_ended_abruptly._I_remembered_my_ inability_to_fix_my_mind_that_morning,_scarcely_a_month_gone_ by,_and_how_I_had_broken_off_to_get_my_DAILY_CHRONICLE_from_ the_newsboy._I_remembered_how_I_went_down_to_the_garden_gate_ as_he_came_along,_and_how_I_had_listened_to_his_odd_story_of_ "Men_from_Mars." = I_came_down_and_went_into_the_dining_room._There_were_the_ mutton_and_the_bread,_both_far_gone_now_in_decay,_and_a_beer_ bottle_overturned,_just_as_I_and_the_artilleryman_had_left_ them._My_home_was_desolate._I_perceived_the_folly_of_the_ faint_hope_I_had_cherished_so_long._And_then_a_strange_thing_ occurred._"It_is_no_use,"_said_a_voice._"The_house_is_ deserted._No_one_has_been_here_these_ten_days._Do_not_stay_ here_to_torment_yourself._No_one_escaped_but_you." = I_was_startled._Had_I_spoken_my_thought_aloud?_I_turned,_and_ the_French_window_was_open_behind_me._I_made_a_step_to_it,_ and_stood_looking_out. = And_there,_amazed_and_afraid,_even_as_I_stood_amazed_and_ afraid,_were_my_cousin_and_my_wife--my_wife_white_and_ tearless._She_gave_a_faint_cry. = "I_came,"_she_said._"I_knew--knew----" = She_put_her_hand_to_her_throat--swayed._I_made_a_step_ forward,_and_caught_her_in_my_arms. = # ## # chapter 10 TEN # unit C chapter_number # unit H chapter_title # unit P text I_cannot_but_regret,_now_that_I_am_concluding_my_story,_how_ little_I_am_able_to_contribute_to_the_discussion_of_the_many_ debatable_questions_which_are_still_unsettled._In_one_ respect_I_shall_certainly_provoke_criticism._My_particular_ province_is_speculative_philosophy._My_knowledge_of_ comparative_physiology_is_confined_to_a_book_or_two,_but_it_ seems_to_me_that_Carver's_suggestions_as_to_the_reason_of_ the_rapid_death_of_the_Martians_is_so_probable_as_to_be_ regarded_almost_as_a_proven_conclusion._I_have_assumed_that_ in_the_body_of_my_narrative. = At_any_rate,_in_all_the_bodies_of_the_Martians_that_were_ examined_after_the_war,_no_bacteria_except_those_already_ known_as_terrestrial_species_were_found._That_they_did_not_ bury_any_of_their_dead,_and_the_reckless_slaughter_they_ perpetrated,_point_also_to_an_entire_ignorance_of_the_ putrefactive_process._But_probable_as_this_seems,_it_is_by_ no_means_a_proven_conclusion. = Neither_is_the_composition_of_the_Black_Smoke_known,_which_ the_Martians_used_with_such_deadly_effect,_and_the_generator_ of_the_Heat-Rays_remains_a_puzzle._The_terrible_disasters_at_ the_Ealing_and_South_Kensington_laboratories_have_ disinclined_analysts_for_further_investigations_upon_the_ latter._Spectrum_analysis_of_the_black_powder_points_ unmistakably_to_the_presence_of_an_unknown_element_with_a_ brilliant_group_of_three_lines_in_the_green,_and_it_is_ possible_that_it_combines_with_argon_to_form_a_compound_ which_acts_at_once_with_deadly_effect_upon_some_constituent_ in_the_blood._But_such_unproven_speculations_will_scarcely_ be_of_interest_to_the_general_reader,_to_whom_this_story_is_ addressed._None_of_the_brown_scum_that_drifted_down_the_ Thames_after_the_destruction_of_Shepperton_was_examined_at_ the_time,_and_now_none_is_forthcoming. = The_results_of_an_anatomical_examination_of_the_Martians,_so_ far_as_the_prowling_dogs_had_left_such_an_examination_ possible,_I_have_already_given._But_everyone_is_familiar_ with_the_magnificent_and_almost_complete_specimen_in_spirits_ at_the_Natural_History_Museum,_and_the_countless_drawings_ that_have_been_made_from_it;_and_beyond_that_the_interest_of_ their_physiology_and_structure_is_purely_scientific. = A_question_of_graver_and_universal_interest_is_the_ possibility_of_another_attack_from_the_Martians._I_do_not_ think_that_nearly_enough_attention_is_being_given_to_this_ aspect_of_the_matter._At_present_the_planet_Mars_is_in_ conjunction,_but_with_every_return_to_opposition_I,_for_one,_ anticipate_a_renewal_of_their_adventure._In_any_case,_we_ should_be_prepared._It_seems_to_me_that_it_should_be_ possible_to_define_the_position_of_the_gun_from_which_the_ shots_are_discharged,_to_keep_a_sustained_watch_upon_this_ part_of_the_planet,_and_to_anticipate_the_arrival_of_the_ next_attack. = In_that_case_the_cylinder_might_be_destroyed_with_dynamite_ or_artillery_before_it_was_sufficiently_cool_for_the_ Martians_to_emerge,_or_they_might_be_butchered_by_means_of_ guns_so_soon_as_the_screw_opened._It_seems_to_me_that_they_ have_lost_a_vast_advantage_in_the_failure_of_their_first_ surprise._Possibly_they_see_it_in_the_same_light. = Lessing_has_advanced_excellent_reasons_for_supposing_that_ the_Martians_have_actually_succeeded_in_effecting_a_landing_ on_the_planet_Venus._Seven_months_ago_now,_Venus_and_Mars_ were_in_alignment_with_the_sun;_that_is_to_say,_Mars_was_in_ opposition_from_the_point_of_view_of_an_observer_on_Venus._ Subsequently_a_peculiar_luminous_and_sinuous_marking_ appeared_on_the_unillumined_half_of_the_inner_planet,_and_ almost_simultaneously_a_faint_dark_mark_of_a_similar_sinuous_ character_was_detected_upon_a_photograph_of_the_Martian_ disk._One_needs_to_see_the_drawings_of_these_appearances_in_ order_to_appreciate_fully_their_remarkable_resemblance_in_ character. = At_any_rate,_whether_we_expect_another_invasion_or_not,_our_ views_of_the_human_future_must_be_greatly_modified_by_these_ events._We_have_learned_now_that_we_cannot_regard_this_ planet_as_being_fenced_in_and_a_secure_abiding_place_for_ Man;_we_can_never_anticipate_the_unseen_good_or_evil_that_ may_come_upon_us_suddenly_out_of_space._It_may_be_that_in_ the_larger_design_of_the_universe_this_invasion_from_Mars_is_ not_without_its_ultimate_benefit_for_men;_it_has_robbed_us_ of_that_serene_confidence_in_the_future_which_is_the_most_ fruitful_source_of_decadence,_the_gifts_to_human_science_it_ has_brought_are_enormous,_and_it_has_done_much_to_promote_ the_conception_of_the_commonweal_of_mankind._It_may_be_that_ across_the_immensity_of_space_the_Martians_have_watched_the_ fate_of_these_pioneers_of_theirs_and_learned_their_lesson,_ and_that_on_the_planet_Venus_they_have_found_a_securer_ settlement._Be_that_as_it_may,_for_many_years_yet_there_will_ certainly_be_no_relaxation_of_the_eager_scrutiny_of_the_ Martian_disk,_and_those_fiery_darts_of_the_sky,_the_shooting_ stars,_will_bring_with_them_as_they_fall_an_unavoidable_ apprehension_to_all_the_sons_of_men. = The_broadening_of_men's_views_that_has_resulted_can_scarcely_ be_exaggerated._Before_the_cylinder_fell_there_was_a_general_ persuasion_that_through_all_the_deep_of_space_no_life_ existed_beyond_the_petty_surface_of_our_minute_sphere._Now_ we_see_further._If_the_Martians_can_reach_Venus,_there_is_no_ reason_to_suppose_that_the_thing_is_impossible_for_men,_and_ when_the_slow_cooling_of_the_sun_makes_this_earth_ uninhabitable,_as_at_last_it_must_do,_it_may_be_that_the_ thread_of_life_that_has_begun_here_will_have_streamed_out_ and_caught_our_sister_planet_within_its_toils. = Dim_and_wonderful_is_the_vision_I_have_conjured_up_in_my_ mind_of_life_spreading_slowly_from_this_little_seed_bed_of_ the_solar_system_throughout_the_inanimate_vastness_of_ sidereal_space._But_that_is_a_remote_dream._It_may_be,_on_ the_other_hand,_that_the_destruction_of_the_Martians_is_only_ a_reprieve._To_them,_and_not_to_us,_perhaps,_is_the_future_ ordained. = I_must_confess_the_stress_and_danger_of_the_time_have_left_ an_abiding_sense_of_doubt_and_insecurity_in_my_mind._I_sit_ in_my_study_writing_by_lamplight,_and_suddenly_I_see_again_ the_healing_valley_below_set_with_writhing_flames,_and_feel_ the_house_behind_and_about_me_empty_and_desolate._I_go_out_ into_the_Byfleet_Road,_and_vehicles_pass_me,_a_butcher_boy_ in_a_cart,_a_cabful_of_visitors,_a_workman_on_a_bicycle,_ children_going_to_school,_and_suddenly_they_become_vague_and_ unreal,_and_I_hurry_again_with_the_artilleryman_through_the_ hot,_brooding_silence._Of_a_night_I_see_the_black_powder_ darkening_the_silent_streets,_and_the_contorted_bodies_ shrouded_in_that_layer;_they_rise_upon_me_tattered_and_ dog-bitten._They_gibber_and_grow_fiercer,_paler,_uglier,_mad_ distortions_of_humanity_at_last,_and_I_wake,_cold_and_ wretched,_in_the_darkness_of_the_night. = I_go_to_London_and_see_the_busy_multitudes_in_Fleet_Street_ and_the_Strand,_and_it_comes_across_my_mind_that_they_are_ but_the_ghosts_of_the_past,_haunting_the_streets_that_I_have_ seen_silent_and_wretched,_going_to_and_fro,_phantasms_in_a_ dead_city,_the_mockery_of_life_in_a_galvanised_body._And_ strange,_too,_it_is_to_stand_on_Primrose_Hill,_as_I_did_but_ a_day_before_writing_this_last_chapter,_to_see_the_great_ province_of_houses,_dim_and_blue_through_the_haze_of_the_ smoke_and_mist,_vanishing_at_last_into_the_vague_lower_sky,_ to_see_the_people_walking_to_and_fro_among_the_flower_beds_ on_the_hill,_to_see_the_sight-seers_about_the_Martian_ machine_that_stands_there_still,_to_hear_the_tumult_of_ playing_children,_and_to_recall_the_time_when_I_saw_it_all_ bright_and_clear-cut,_hard_and_silent,_under_the_dawn_of_ that_last_great_day._._._. = And_strangest_of_all_is_it_to_hold_my_wife's_hand_again,_and_ to_think_that_I_have_counted_her,_and_that_she_has_counted_ me,_among_the_dead. =