Synopsis

Two Earthmen steal a religious relic from a temple on Mars and try to escape.

History

First publication: Wonder Stories Quarterly, March 15, 1932

Review

“It is always dangerous for an outlander to become too interested in the sacred things of an alien race.” —Clifford D. Simak

This is a very remarkable story for the time it was published in 1932. It isn’t perfect, but very good. The characters are not cardboard and are interesting, though they could be better. The story is really good. There is a lot of imagination. And even though there is an idea, this is really a character story. It is about the two friends and their desire to get back at the Martians who wronged them. They are not heroes, though. They are selfish. Highly recommended and the sign of a great SF career to come.