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The rocket stood ready for the firing

The Fathers walked fro, eles--the Church was sending its best--walking across town to the frosty field Walking, Father Peregrine rerine, you will captain thechosen you for this serious task, I find my reasons deplorably obscure, Father, but your pao unread You are a flexible lected for millenniums Sin has collected there like bric-a-brac Mars is twice Earth's age and has had double the nus at women as naked as white seals When we open that closet door, things will fall on us We need a quick, flexible ht break in two I feel you'll be resilient Father, the job is yours"

The Bishop and the Fathers knelt

The blessing was said and the rocket given a little shower of holy water Arising, the Bishop addressed them:

"I know you will go with God, to prepare the Martians for the reception of His Truth I wish you all athoughtful journey"

They filed past the Bishop, twenty , to deliver their hands into his kind hands before passing into the cleansed projectile

"I wonder," said Father Peregrine, at the lastfor our arrival before it bursts into brimstone and fire"

"Lord, be with us," said Father Stone

The rocket moved

Co out of theMars was like touching the ordinary pavereally known your love for God

The Fathers stepped gingerly fro rocket and knelt upon Martian sand while Father Peregrine gave thanks

"Lord, we thank Thee for the journey through Thy rooms And, Lord, we have reached a new land, so we must have new eyes We shall hear new sounds and must needs have new ears And there will he new sins, for which we ask the gift of better and firmer and purer hearts Amen"

They arose

And here was Mars like a sea under which they trudged in the guise of sub life Here the territory of hidden sin Oh, how carefully they ray feathers, in this new ele, or si!

And here was the mayor of First Town come to meet therine?"