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.