Chapter II
After landing we checked all of our instruments, noting carefully the oxygen content of the atmosphere that we might have a record of our findings for the scientific report we were to make to our government after returning to the Earth.
However had we had no instrument for testing the atmosphere we would have taken a chance and got out of the ship because of the territory we had just flown over and because even here in the sands of the plateau we can see a sparsely growing plant life clinging very closely to the ground.
When we first climbed out of the ship it was a little hard for us to breathe and move about, something like many people on Earth experience when they go from ocean level up some mountain to an altitude of ten to fifteen thousand feet. Since our instruments indicated an atmospheric pressure of slightly under eight pounds, compared to an approximate pressure of fifteen pounds on Earth, we understood this strangeness and weren't worried about it. We had partially succeeded in acclimatizing our bodies during the trip here, so it was only a matter of a few hours until we regained our physical balance, yet somewhat different than we have been accustomed to on Earth. We can walk around here without effort or tiredness. It feels as though we are walking on air; yet we know we are walking on the firm Moon earth.
From what we can see without closely studying it, the Moon seems to be made up very much like our Earth. This plateau we are on resembles our deserts in the summer.
The air is clean, fresh and dry but quite stimulating and we are getting hungry, just as was our experience whenever we went to the higher mountains on the Earth. All of us had been so interested as we neared the Moon that no thought of eating had entered our minds, but now we have decided to eat in picnic style; take our food outside the ship where we can sit on the ground while eating and see what goes on around us here on the Moon.
The sky is clear and cloudless with the sun shining brightly which makes it rather warm. The only shade we find is made by our ship since there are no trees growing here. A very gentle breeze is blowing but not enough to raise any dust. If there are insects they must be drowsing from the heat of the sun. So far we haven't seen any birds flying nor any kind of living creatures. In the distance we can see several mountains towering to different heights towards the sky but none of them have peaks as we are accustomed to on Earthly mountains. Instead, these look like rough-cut edges of huge bowls whose outer sides slope gradually towards us. We know they are the rims of the craters closest to this plateau on which we have landed, for we saw them while still in the air as we approached the Moon. We are eager to get on our way for a closer examination of these bursted Moon bubbles that have so long mystified the peoples of Earth but before starting there are a few things that must be done.
An hour or more has elapsed while we have sat here eating and observing our surroundings. We have eaten a great deal of food, as one most always does when out on a picnic, yet we don't have that heavy, stuffed feeling that we would have had after eating such a meal on Earth. Another fact we became aware of while sitting here eating, our minds seem to be getting thoughts faster and clearer than they did on Earth. Maybe this is due to the atmosphere, or maybe it is because of the peace and quiet here; for some people on Earth have similar experiences when they spend much time by themselves on the desert or on some mountain. Yet we have arrived here not too many hours ago and are getting these reactions.
After checking our fuel supply we are surprised at the small amount which we have used getting here. At this rate, we should have plenty of fuel to permit us to make quite a number of trips to various territories of the Moon too far distant for hiking, and still have a sufficiency for the return trip home.
Before setting out on our hike to the mountains, Johnny is contacting the Earth to tell the people there of our findings. He had maintained radio contact with the Earth during our entire trip and had broken it only after we had landed; so they knew that we had arrived safely.
Now the Earth is on the air waves and Johnny has a big grin upon his face. He is telling us that the people on Earth are all very much excited over our success and there is great rejoicing everywhere. Our landing on the Moon is the number one story in the newspapers of all the lands. It is like a serial story to them, with everyone waiting eagerly for our next report.
The scientists and the government are pleased with our safe arrival here but now they want to know if we will be able to get our ship into the air again from here.
While Johnny retains contact with the Earth, Bob starts the ship's motors and lifts her gracefully into the air.
With great glee Johnny gives this report to his inquirers. Then he goes on to tell them about our picnic on the ground in the shade of our ship, what we have seen so far, and of our proposed venture into the mountains with the hope of exploring some of the craters visible to Earth.
In response to questioning, he reports our fuel supply, adding that we have no idea how long we will remain up here since we have now become adjusted to the atmosphere and believe we can live here as easily as on the Earth; we have plenty of food with us to last for a long time; and there are many places we want to visit. He adds that we know there are some people living close by for we have seen their city and if they should be friendly with us, we might learn far more about their Moon home than we had ever hoped to learn. But he assures his listeners that in time, we shall return home to Earth.
This report finished, Johnny breaks contact with the Earth and we start on our hike towards the mountains, each of us taking a canteen of water for drinking and quite a supply of concentrated food for we have no idea how long we will be gone. In his pocket Dr. Johnston has a very small instrument with which he can analyze, to a certain extent, any formations we might find.
As we cross the plateau towards the nearest crater wall, we note that the surface of the ground consists of sand, glistening white and very hot. Even though we have on heavy hiking boots we can feel the heat right through their soles.
After a couple of hours hiking across these hot sands, with intermittent stops for rest, and without having done any noticeable climbing, we reach the first crater, a shallow one only about thirty feet in depth and approximately a half mile across, much like a huge earthen salad bowl cut in the ground. The structure and rocky formation surrounding as well as within this crater appear much like lava, as if it had been made through volcanic eruption. Dr. Johnston who is an ardent rock hound along with his scientific profession, exclaims in joyous astonishment that this section of rocky formation is composed largely of beautiful gems and lava stone. Testing the ground with his little pocket instrument, he informs us that there are also deposits of many kinds of rich mineral ore in the sides of this crater.
Climbing down into the crater, we notice a slight difference in the air but not enough to interfere with our explorers' enthusiasm.
This surely is a mountainous section with crest after crest towering towards the sky. The strange part is they all look barren of any growth. There are no trees, grasses or flowers, and no indication of water dropping over even the highest ledges. Although through our glasses we can detect a small amount of moss creeping along some of the crevices; nothing else.
Not far ahead of us lies another mountainous ridge that doesn't seem too high. We know it, too, is the wall of a crater, maybe larger than the one we have been in. These crater walls are rough and rocky with a great deal of lava but the climbing doesn't seem to be difficult. We scarcely realize that we are climbing. The heat is quite intense but with a little rest now and then we are able to keep going without much effort.
Reaching the top we find a narrow ledge beyond which lies another crater much larger and deeper than the one we left. On climbing down into this one, we note that the atmosphere here becomes noticeably stuffier, harder to breathe and very hot the lower we go; while the formation and consistency of the ground is the same as in the other crater we explored. In the center of this one is a small inverted cone formation rising many feet into the air but we are not going over to it; the air is too stifling to breathe comfortably.
As we examine the ledge surrounding this second crater and the walls within it, pondering over our findings, so different than we had expected, we all reach the same conclusion. This section of mountains and craters has been formed by violent volcanic upheavals instead of from a meteoric bombardment as we had always thought. It is hot, uncomfortably so, and dry, but not as hot as we had thought we might encounter before coming here. We could never have stood a temperature of two hundred forty degrees Fahrenheit as we had been taught prevailed on this side of the Moon. Of course we haven't gone very far in as yet and it may be continuously hotter as one goes into larger and deeper craters.
Making our way slowly around the ledge encircling this second crater, carefully examining it and the surrounding terrain as we go, we notice in the distance and off to our right, a fissure in the surface that excites our curiosity. After much more hiking, for in this clear air distances are deceiving, we reach the rim of a wide and deep chasm that could have been made centuries ago by water running here, or it could have been made by an earthquake opening wide the Moon surface, for the walls are sheer cliffs that drop several thousand feet. We make no attempt to lower ourselves over its sides but stand enraptured by the thoughts filling our minds as to the various causes for such a chasm here among these craters.
Much time, the equivalent of many Earthly days, has elapsed since we left our ship. We have covered a great deal of territory during our hiking explorations. From the stones and surface formations in the ground we have covered, we have learned much. Yet there is much more territory to be covered and closely observed before our conclusions can be stated as definite facts.
During this time many questions have arisen in our minds. At the same time our supplies of food and water have decreased continuously. For these reasons we have decided to return to our ship, rest for awhile, discuss our findings, and get more supplies before going farther in our exploring. As we return towards the ship, we notice that the sun is lowering, shadows are lengthening at the outer bases of the craters and even the sands seem cooler than when we first came over them. There is a noticeable cooling off of the air.
By the time we reach the ship the sun has sunk far down in the heavens, but due to the atmosphere surrounding the Moon, the temperature is still comfortably warm.
During the time so far that we have been on the Moon, we have hiked far and climbed a lot with comparatively little rest, yet we are not aware of much tiredness. Our meal here at the ship is prepared out of doors for we are interested in watching the sun as it finally dips below the horizon. We want to know whether this atmosphere bathes the Moon's surface with indescribable hues of loveliness even after the sun itself has sunk from view, as the Earth's atmosphere bathes the Earth. It does, which proves again that the Moon is not too different than her Earth sister.
As night comes on, darkness doesn't descend as we had somewhat expected. In fact, there isn't too much difference in the amount of light upon this section of the Moon than there was during the day. The most noticeable fact is that daylight is yellow while the night light is white. This is due to the Earth reflecting her sunlight upon the Moon as she oscillates on her journey across the Moon heavens. After so long a time, we roll up in our sleeping bags to see how much of the long Moon night we can spend sleeping. Although not aware of feeling tired, we quickly fall into sound sleep, but not for long.
After about six hours of sleep we awaken thoroughly rested and ready to be up and going again. For awhile though, we remain on the ground watching whether we can see any type of insect or reptile life hopping or crawling about in the sands. A few tiny insects are observed hopping about, but nothing of any size.
Remembering the heat of the previous day, we wonder if we would not be wise in returning to the crater district during the cool of the night, but decided against that in favor of investigating new territory. Several miles in the distance and to the left of us extends a long range of mountains, running from this light side into that section that is unseen from the Earth, known as the dark side of the Moon. In this direction our fancy leads us.
As we set out across the sands of the plateau, we take with us a flag that we have brought from the Earth. This flag is made up of all the flags of the nations of the Earth with a small American flag in the middle thereby indicating that Americans had placed it here.
After reaching the mountains and climbing about three thousand feet up the side, we decided to go no farther for this was indeed rough going. Then too, in the distance far up ahead of us we could hear strange noises as if wild animals might be up there. A feeling of apprehension filled us with caution. So here about five miles from our ship, at an elevation of three thousand feet on one of the Moon's mountains we planted the flag of the World.
As we descended towards the foot of the mountain, we remembered the forest we had seen from the air and the little lake beyond it. In this direction now we turned our steps; stopping now and then as we go that we may not miss a thing along the way. We travel another twelve miles along the foot of the mountain ridge.
Here we see a small animal jumping from rock to rock up the mountainside. It looks and jumps much like a kangaroo but it is very small, measuring only about eighteen inches in height. We watch it for some time wondering what it is and how it lives. It has seen us too, but seemed to have not the slightest fear of us as it continues its way on up the mountain.
From this point we turn again across the plateau towards the forest which we can plainly see through our glasses. As we have walked along we have become aware of the fact that the sands of the plateau have given way to a richer soil which is covered with a vegetation or plant life. Even across the tip of the plateau as we head towards the forest, this plant life continues. The atmosphere here too is different. A moisture similar to dew fills the air which seems to give this plant life all it needs to grow. And now we see the first fowl of the air that we have seen since landing on the Moon. What it is, we don't know. It is a lot larger than any bird we have on Earth and beautiful to watch as it glides leisurely through space.
Nearing the forest, we seem to be faced with a solid barrier. The undergrowth is so dense that we cannot even see any tree trunks. We search diligently for some indication of a path leading into this denseness, but find none. From the air this forest didn't seem too wide so we decide to make our own path by hacking our way through. However we quickly learn this isn't necessary for with very little pressure the branches break easily.
As we work our way through this brush, we receive somewhat of a surprise for there are no large trunks to the trees in this forest. Instead, these are immense bushes growing very high and thick. Yet as we penetrate deeper into it, the light of the Earth trickles through the branches, lighting our path as we make it. After about half a mile of this slow progress, we suddenly emerge into the bright clearness again and find ourselves almost upon the shore of the beautiful little lake we had been heading for.
Across the lake, which was about two and a half miles, we could see some dwellings. These we had not noticed from the air.
The shore of the lake is white sand whose grains sparkle like tiny jewels in the white night light. As we near the edge of the lake we suddenly become aware of being quite thirsty. Even though we have plenty of water in our canteens we wonder what this sparkling clear lake water tastes like.
As we stand here watching and wondering, a small bird flies down to the edge of the lake and drinks of its waters. At this sight, we too take a big drink which has a very odd effect upon us. It was wholly revitalizing for it actually made us feel completely refreshed, as if we hadn't walked at all.
After the surprise of this experience we sat down to enjoy for awhile the beautiful scenery surrounding the lake. While sitting here we carry on a discussion as to whether all of us or just one should go around the lake and over to the dwellings. Through our powerful binoculars we have been watching for some evidence of human life around them but so far we haven't seen any. All is very quiet with no movement of any kind anywhere that would indicate the presence of human beings.
However while sitting here enjoying the scenery and talking, we have seen some queer looking fish jump out of the water up into the air about two feet and flip back into the water. Judging from a glance, these fish are about twenty-four inches in length and very colorful. At this sight we figure that the dwellings on the other side of the lake might be fishermen's homes. Realizing it is night to them so they might all be asleep, we know why we haven't seen any life about the dwellings.
After much discussion Johnny has been chosen to go to investigate and see if he can rouse anyone. This decision was reached because the group as a whole felt that Dr. Johnston, Bob and George are all more important on this scientific expedition than the copilot and they should be saved should the inhabitants, if there are any over there, prove to be hostile.
So Johnny, taking with him a small weapon, starts on his trip around the lake towards the dwellings. All the time that he is walking towards his objective we keep watch through the binoculars, ready with our high powered rifles should he encounter any hostile situation, be it beast or man.
Before starting on this trip, we had told Johnny if there were any openings like doors in the dwellings facing the lake, he should try those so we could keep a close watch upon him. This he is doing. Through our binoculars we notice that the first dwelling he tried, he got no answer. We keep watching as he goes along trying each place that has an opening towards the lake. Finally, at about the twelfth try of the dwellings facing the lake, the door suddenly came open and behold our copilot falls to the ground. Seeing him fall, we did not know whether he had been hurt by the person opening the door or what had happened. As we keep watching, we notice a tall slender form of a man, apparently the person who had opened the door, bend over Johnny's still form and gently shake him as though he desired to revive him.
Immediately we decide that George should go to the scene as he has been well trained in first aid and so can help Johnny, should he have such need. As we have stated previously, walking upon the Moon is like walking on air, not much effort being necessary. So George starts out to the rescue at double time. He, too, is taking weapons with him in case of need.
When he got half way around the lake George is spotted by the Moon inhabitant. Leaving Johnny lying there, this Moon man runs part of the way to meet George. With the binoculars we can see that he has no kind of weapon with which he could harm our companion, but it looks as though he is excited more over the unexpected behavior of this strange person who had knocked upon his door. He seems to be happy that he is going to get help. We just keep watching but do nothing to disturb the situation. Finally George reaches the slender figure of the Moon man and there are some motions with hands as each man endeavors to convey a message to the other. The Moonalite, as we might name him at this time, grasped George by the hand and both run towards Johnny, still lying prone upon the ground where he had fallen.
The next thing we knew, when the two running figures reach Johnny, George runs to the lake and using his hat as a container, gets some water. With it he revives Johnny who had merely fainted at so unexpectedly having a human being open the door in response to his knocking.
Now we know that all is well again.
George turns and motions for us to come on around.
This we do. Upon reaching the others, we are surprised to have this tall slender Moonalite take us into his dwelling and give us some refreshments which are fish that were not boiled nor fried but were preserved. They had an odd taste to us, yet were very palatable. With this fish he gave us some liquid which was neither coffee nor water nor could it be called Bourbon, yet it has a stimulating effect upon us and is very refreshing. As we partake of these refreshments and talk among ourselves, our new friend keeps a steady watch over us, observing every move and act we perform.
Several hours had elapsed when finally he began to gesture with his hands, trying to tell us something or to ask us some question. We didn't know which for we didn't seem to succeed well at first in trying to convey messages to each other. Finally we thought of an idea by which we might make ourselves known to him.
We took him outside his home and pointed to the Earth riding just above the horizon as the long Moon night nears its end. By motions and pictures in the sand, we succeed in conveying to him that we have come here from the Earth in a big ship flying through the air. As this fact dawned upon him, he expressed great surprise.
Through signs which we are beginning to understand by this time, he indicates that all these other dwellings are at present empty. He alone is here as a keeper of all these places. We learn that these dwellings are all fishermen's shacks in which they live when they are fishing from the lake. They are all made from the same kind of brush which we had had to cut our way through before reaching the lake. Although we had found the brush brittle and easily broken, these shacks were all very neatly and solidly put together.
Our Moonalite friend, as we now all feel towards him, is about six feet eight inches in height, very slender yet not undernourished. The bony structure of his body seems to be delicate, yet strong. His arms are quite long, due to his slender form of body structure. His skin is clear white. A feeling of warm friendliness is expressed towards us through his deep blue eyes, as well as a quick sparkle of merriment, as he seemed to understand us much better than we are able to understand him. His eyeballs protrude a little more than ours but in no way detract from his general appearance. His mouth is firm but very sensitive and in it he has very good teeth, strong, firm, and white. Judging from our Earth experience, this man looks to us to be around seventy years of age, yet well preserved and with an intensely active mentality. Later we learn that he is one hundred and ninety years of age.
The Earth is sinking low on the horizon as we prepare to return to our ship. We have invited our friend to accompany us but he has made us understand by signs that he cannot leave at this time, but must stay here.
We tried to learn if there are many people in this part of the Moon but in this we were unsuccessful for we seem unable to make our signs clear enough for him to understand what we are asking.
On the other hand, we were able to indicate to him the location of our ship and the fact that we would like to have him come there whenever he could. We also made him understand that as we were leaving him now, we were returning to the ship.
In answer to our invitation to visit us, he pointed to himself, then in the direction of our ship and with a sign of the eyes, by opening up his lids with his fingers and pointing to the sky, that he would come when it was again daylight.
As a warning in response to the fact that we were now returning although it was still night-time, he gave us a shivering of his body sign by which we thought he meant that we had better be careful on the return for we may encounter some danger.
After shaking hands with our friend, we start on the way back to our ship, returning to the forest around the opposite end of the lake to what we had come. We easily find the path we had made through the brush but only a short way in, we do encounter danger. A very large size beast, quite wet, is standing upon the path blocking our passage and there is no way for us to get past him. Apparently he had come out of the lake just before we reached here. He challenges our right to pass as he stands there in the path growling, with his eyes blazing. He has four feet, no tail, an immense head and body and a pair of arms that seem to extend from his collar bones. He keeps swaying these arms back and forth just as if he wants to talk with his hands; yet we know that should one of us get caught in those arms, it would be the end.
There is but one thing for us to do if we are ever to get back to the ship and that is to get rid of him in some way.
We don't want to kill him, nor even to injure him, for we don't know with what regard the natives around here hold him, and we surely don't want to do anything to incite them against us. On the Earth we know there are some tribes who worship certain animals, like the Hindoo worships the cow. This could easily be the case also here on the Moon. So we decide on shooting a volley just over his head with the hope of frightening him. This idea worked; maybe because the animal heard a strange sound that he had never heard before. Instead of attacking us, he lumbered off through the brush and strange as it may seem, he made his way through without breaking the brush or leaving any path behind him.
Finally, just as the first golden streaks of sunlight appear above the horizon, we reach our ship. Shortly afterward we learn that on firing the shot back in the forest, we have alerted something we did not expect.