human
There is not a star visible. How are you to find your way in the heavens a night like this?
gpt
That is all perfectly easy. We shall soon rise far above those clouds, and then the stars will come out. Besides, I shall show you perfect daylight again before midnight.
human
I don't see just how, but I will take your word for it, Doctor. I daresay you have thought it all out, and the whole trip will contain no surprises for you.
gpt
I have tried to think it all out and prepare for everything. But I am certain I have forgotten something. I have a feeling amounting to a dreadful presentiment that I have overlooked something important. I wish you would see if you can think of anything I have omitted.
human
The only really important thing I have remembered is half a dozen boxes of the best cigars,
gpt
Leave them right here in Whiting, he said with emphasis.
human
We are carrying only a limited supply of pure air, and we cannot afford to contaminate it with tobacco smoke. No, sir, you can't smoke on this trip.
gpt
Then I won't go! Imagine not smoking for two whole months! Do you think I have sworn off?
human
No, not yet. But you must. It pollutes the air, which we must keep clean and fresh as long as possible.
gpt
Now, Doctor, you must let me have a good smoke once a day, just before pumping the air out of my compartment.
human
No, not even that. It is impossible to pump all the air out, and what is left mixes back with what is in my compartment. Once contaminated with tobacco smoke, we could never get it perfectly pure again.
gpt
Well, may I smoke on Mars, then? I will take them along for that. But, I warn you, I eat like a farm horse when I can't smoke.
human
I have provided plenty to eat, but I know I have forgotten something. Mention something now, mention everything you can think of, so that I may see if it is provided for.
gpt
Have you any money? I asked.
human
I have changed some into gold, and have a fairly heavy bag here.
gpt
Oh, yes, I have some gold and silver money, besides a lot of beads, trinkets, and gaudy tinsel things, such as earthly savages have been willing to barter valuable merchandise for.
human
So you are going on a trading expedition, are you?
gpt
Not exactly. I leave all that to your superior abilities. But we may find these things valuable to give as presents. Many of them are of tin, and if they do not happen to have that useful metal on Mars, they will be of rare value there.
human
Let me look inside, and when I see what you have, some other necessary thing may suggest itself.
gpt
Let me go in first, for I am afraid you will allow the menagerie to escape,