The Thunder Child (Original Narration And Acting Parts)

The steamer began to move slowly away, but on the landward horizon

Faint but unmistakable, appeared the silhouette of a fighting

Machine. Immediately afterwards another came, and another, striding

Over hills and trees, then without pause plunging far out to sea

And blocking the exit of the steamer. In the deeps, between them

Lay the silent, grey ironclad Thunder Child. Slowly it moved

Towards shore, then with a deafening roar and whoosh of spray, it

Swung about and drove at full speed towards the waiting Martians

The Martians released their black smoke, but the ship sped on

Cutting down one of the tripod figures. Instantly the others raised

Their heat-rays and melted the Thunder Child's valiant heart

When the smoke cleared, the little steamer had reached the misty

Horizon and Carrie was safe. But the Thunder Child had vanished

Forever, taking with her man's last hope of victory. The leaden sky

Was lit by green flashes, cylinder following

Cylinder, and no-one and nothing was left now to

Fight them. The earth belonged to the Martians