human
But that past civilization gave us a scientific knowledge. Much of it is lost--we are going down hill. But we have some of it left, and we profligate rulers, as the workers call us, cherish it. But what is the use of teaching it to the common people? We do very little of that. And our weapons of war we keep to ourselves--except when there is a raid and our loyal retainers go forth with us to do battle.
gpt
So you discovered how to get into our Earth world?
human
Yes. Some years ago, and it was quite by chance. At first I experimented alone--and then I took with me a young girl.
gpt
Tolla is her name. She is here in our camp where our army is now, starting for New York. You will meet her presently. She loves me very much, so she says. She wants some day to lead my harem. I took her with me into the Unknown--into that place you call Bermuda. I have been there off and on for nearly a year of your Earth time, making my plans for what now is at last coming to pass.
human
So that's how you learned our language?
gpt
Yes. It came easy to me and Tolla. That--and we were taught by two girls whom a year ago I took from Bermuda and brought in here.
human
And what became of them?
gpt
Oh--why, I gave them away, he replied calmly.
human
A prince whose favor I desired, wanted them and I gave them to him. Your Earth girls are well liked by the men of my world. Their fame has already spread.
gpt
I often have thought how strange it is that your great world and mine should lie right here together--the one invisible to the other. Two or three minutes of time--we have just made the transition. Yet what a void!
human
The scientists of your past civilization, I said,
gpt
Do you know that they did not? he demanded.
human
Perhaps with secret visitations--