"Our government officials are elected for two or five years, depending upon location and departments. They are not allowed to succeed themselves. Dictatorship is non-existent nor would it be tolerated. We have no ruling class. We are ruled by the people. We have no secrecy in our government, nor in our political parties, no party cliques and party discipline. Important decisions are voted for, or against, by all our citizens. "You are curious and want to know if all Martians live in the same splendor and style as I do. No, they do not. We have ten grades and ten Sun-Rank degrees. Between every grade and every degree there are ten points to be earned. Every one of us must earn all ten points for promotion into the next degree. "Promotion into the honorable Sun-Ranks is obtained only if we have achieved something outstanding, such as an improvement or invention, a scientific discovery, a disease prevention and cure. These higher advancements are voted upon and approved by our supreme house of council, and are given to us after judgment has been passed by impartial judges of all races from different parts of our planet. "The type of living quarters of members in the Sun-Rank degrees depends on the degree. The members not only are honored for their attainment, but the higher ranking members are given, for their lifetime or for as long as they desire, mansions in both summer and winter resorts. They have large yachts and planes assigned to them and enjoy comforts and luxuries. They all have their duties to perform during their hours of employment. There is no ostentation in their way of life; for their entertainment, they attend the same theatres and halls as the lowest grade degree members. Stalls, boxes, and the best orchestra seats are always first reserved for the aged, and the next for rank members. Some of them prefer to occupy seats in the balcony with their lower degree families and friends. "Many of our highest rank members prefer to remain in their old homes where they began as citizens. Many others go back to them if they are still available. Rank members are not envied. Respect and desire to emulate them spur all of us on. "I have only reached my Sun-Rank first degree very recently. None of my children have as yet reached my rank. They and their children can visit me for a short time, but it would not be ethical for me to keep them, nor would any of them want to remain in our home permanently. "The children of our Sun-Rank members, at their maturity, revert to the living standards of our lowest grade degree members. "Now it's getting late, and no doubt you are bewildered and tired." To an attendant, who suddenly appeared, he said, "Please lead Lieutenant Balmore to his sleeping chamber. Good night." CHAPTER III _Amboria the Paradise_ _When we met next day, he handed me his third chapter._