I hesitated a minute and then asked, "Was it WILL which turned that shaft?" 

 She answered with simplicity, "Why, of course—what else?" 

 By this time another boy had stepped out, and having chosen a javelin, tested it with hand and foot, then retiring a pace or two rushed up to the throwing mark and flung it straight and true into the bared bosom of the man. And as though it had struck a wall of brass, the shaft leapt back falling quivering at the thrower's feet. Another and another tried unsuccessfully, until at last, vexed at their futility, I said, "I have a somewhat scanty wardrobe that would be all the better for that fellow's summer suiting, by your leave I will venture a throw against him." 

 "It is useless," answered An; "none but one who knows more magic than he, or is especially befriended by the Fates can touch him through the envelope he has put on." 

 "Still, I think I will try." 

 "It is hopeless, I would not willingly see you fail," whispered the girl, with a sudden show of friendship. 

 "And what," I said, bending down, "would you give me if I succeeded?" Whereat An laughed a little uneasily, and, withdrawing her hand from mine, half turned away. So I pushed through the spectators and stepped into the ring. I went straight up to the pile of weapons, and having chosen one went over to the mystic.  "Good fellow," I cried out ostentatiously, trying the sharpness of the javelin-point with my finger, "where are all of those sixteen summer suits of yours lying hid?" 

 "It matters nothing," said the man, as if he were asleep. 

 "Ay, but by the stars it does, for it will vex the quiet repose of your soul tomorrow if your heirs should swear they could not find them." 

 "It matters nothing," muttered the will-wrapped visionary. 

 "It will matter something if I take you at your word. Come, friend Purple-jerkin, will you take the council with your legs and run while there is yet time, or stand up to be thrown at?" 

 "I stand here immoveable in the confidence of my initiation." 

 "Then, by thunder, I will initiate you into the mysteries of a javelin-end, and your blood be on your head." 

 The Martians were all craning their necks in hushed eagerness as I turned to the 

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