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That would be SECRET OF THE MARTIAN MOONS by Donald Wollheim. ---- John T <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > Ok, this one has been bugging me for a long time... > > I'm not sure if it is a novel or novella or short story... > > It has the "feel" of Heinlein but I don't think it is... > > Definitely an old story....maybe from the fifties or sixties.... main > character is transitional HighSchool/College age :) > > The only part I recall is the ending.... They're on Mars... the guy, > interested in archeological digs(?) finds an old ship. The ship is described > as Box-like... the ancient Martians had all "moved on" thousands of years > earlier... Rumors of them all jaunting off into the cosmos as Marauders(?) > or pirates of some kind... but destined to return to their home in the > distant future... the guy takes off in the ancient box-like ship and, once > out in space, finds himself being pursued by the ancient Martians... they > appear as a V of ships on his "screens"... following him as he tries to > evade.... his ship is too old to out run them and they overtake him... he > then finds they are the ancient Martians, come home for a visit :) And, > surprise surprise, they're human...(maybe?) some Martians had gone to Earth, > most went out into the cosmos for adventure... > > So? Can anyone tell me who wrote this story? What's the title? > > ... and if you say it's Heinlein, I'll be very embarrassed :) > > I'd like to read it again... haven't read it in at least 30 or 40 years :) > > John T > PS: I've already asked on the SciFi_Discussion group... usually they come > through for me but not this time.. sure hope you can help :)