=== apom_ch10_pt2 === 

It also occurred to me that this would prove an excellent opportunity to test the qualities of Woola.  I was convinced that the brute loved me, I had seen more evidences of affection in him than in any other Martian animal, man or beast, and I was sure that gratitude for the acts that had twice saved his life would more than outweigh his loyalty to the duty imposed upon him by cruel and loveless masters. =

As I approached the boundary line Woola ran anxiously before me, and thrust his body against my legs.  His expression was pleading rather than ferocious, nor did he bare his great tusks or utter his fearful guttural warnings.  Denied the friendship and companionship of my kind, I had developed considerable affection for Woola and Sola, for the normal earthly man must have some outlet for his natural affections, and so I decided upon an appeal to a like instinct in this great brute, sure that I would not be disappointed. =

I had never petted nor fondled him, but now I sat upon the ground and putting my arms around his heavy neck I stroked and coaxed him, talking in my newly acquired Martian tongue as I would have to my hound at home, as I would have talked to any other friend among the lower animals. =  

== end of pt2 ===