Chapter 20 Summary

Weston returns, dripping wet and furious. Oyarsa, who chastises him severely for treating the Malacandrians like animals and for wrongfully kidnapping Ransom, silences him. Oyarsa says he is reluctant to kill Weston because he is not from Malacandra. He gives Weston a chance to speak in his defense.

Weston responds he is not afraid to die, and that others would follow from Earth and take over the planet. Devine interrupts him to plead with Oyarsa that all they want is gold, and if Oyarsa lets them have it they will leave and never return. Oyarsa silences him.

Weston continues, with Ransom translating. He tells Oyarsa that Earth civilization is superior to Malacandra's because of its medicine, law, military and science. This gives it the right to take over Malacandra. He says that even though he might himself die, one day man will move...