=== apom_ch7_pt9 === 

As I later learned, they had been to the subterranean vaults in which the eggs were kept and had transported them to the incubator, which they had then walled up for another five years, and which, in all probability, would not be visited again during that period. =

The vaults which hid the eggs until they were ready for the incubator were located many miles south of the incubator, and would be visited yearly by the council of twenty chieftains.  Why they did not arrange to build their vaults and incubators nearer home has always been a mystery to me, and, like many other Martian mysteries, unsolved and unsolvable by earthly reasoning and customs. =

Solas duties were now doubled, as she was compelled to care for the young Martian as well as for me, but neither one of us required much attention, and as we were both about equally advanced in Martian education, Sola took it upon herself to train us together. =

Her prize consisted in a male about four feet tall, very strong and physically perfect, also, he learned quickly, and we had considerable amusement, at least I did, over the keen rivalry we displayed.  The Martian language, as I have said, is extremely simple, and in a week I could make all my wants known and understand nearly everything that was said to me. = 

=== end of pt9 ===