"Then we're in—is that it? They've passed every test with flying colors."
"I'm sure they will," Cleve said, frowning. "But we must be thorough."
"There's still another test?"
"Yes. The test of final and complete subservience. It must be proven beyond all doubt that they know their masters."
"You don't think they're aware yet that we are their masters?"
"I'm sure they know. It only remains to be proven." Cleve glanced up at Larkin. "Maybe this is as far as we should go today. We've made marvelous progress."
That characteristic wave of Larkin's hand; the gesture of the empire builder brushing away mountains. "Why wait? I want to get this thing over with. You said yourself they're under our thumb."
Cleve pondered, staring at the Martians. "Very well. There's really no reason to wait."
Larkin smiled and turned toward the diggers, only half visible now from the depths of the ditch. He walked forward, appearing to exercise more care, this time, in the selection of his subject. Finally, he pointed at one of the Martians. "You—fella! Come here!"
Several of them looked at one another a trifle confused. "You—damn it! What are you waiting for?"