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the Crusades. And as I went on, and Phi-oo translated, and the Selenites
cooed and murmured in a steadily intensified emotion.
"
I told them an ironclad could fire a shot of a ton twelve miles, and go
through 20 feet of iron--and how we could steer torpedoes under water. I
went on to describe a Maxim gun in action, and what I could imagine of the
Battle of Colenso. The Grand Lunar was so incredulous that he interrupted
the translation of what I had said in order to have my verification of my
account. They particularly doubted my description of the men cheering and
rejoicing as they went into battle.
"'But surely they do not like it!' translated Phi-oo.
"
I assured them men of my race considered battle the most glorious
experience of life, at which the whole assembly was stricken with
amazement.
"'But what good is this war?' asked the Grand Lunar, sticking to his
theme.
"
"
"
'Oh! as for good!' said I; 'it thins the population!'
'But why should there be a need--?'
There came a pause, the cooling sprays impinged upon his brow, and then
he spoke again."
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