The old man halted their expressions of gratitude with a turn of the hand.
"Yes, you shall have what you need. We of Mars are a peaceloving race. That which you have chosen to call a 'military weapon' we employ simply and solely as a defensive measure against aggression. But now it seems the time has come to turn this weapon against an interloper of unguessed strength. Therefore, you shall have what you need. But there is one small stipulation—"
Lane thought grimly, "This is it. The fly in the ointment. You never get something for nothing." But aloud he asked politely, "And that is, Dr. Kang—?"
"Simply," replied the aged Martian, "that my daughter and I be permitted to install the equipment on the Liberty ourselves—"
"Why, of course!" said Gary.
"And," continued Dr. Kang, "that we further be permitted to join your party." And for the first time a flicker of expression crossed his features. A smile touched the corners of his lips. "You see, my friend, though we of Mars are called an impassive people, we are not entirely without curiosity. This quest upon which you are embarked has about it a breathtaking challenge which stirs me greatly. I am an old man, but I am not unlearned. It is possible that my knowledge may prove of some value—"
Dr. Bryant said, "Please, Dr. Kang! Not another word! We should be not only happy but proud to welcome you to our party."
Lark O'Day stirred restlessly. "But your daughter, Dr. Kang? It is a perilous trip. Scarcely the sort of adventure for a girl of gentle breeding."
"Where I go, there goes my daughter also. And I note that there is already one woman of refinement and gentle breeding among you. I think—" said Dr. Kang—"I think it is not utterly unreasonable to expect my daughter will find herself surrounded by champions more than willing to assure her comfort and happiness."