Their friendliness is so encompassing that we are now talking to a group of citizens who are basking on this beach. To our surprise they too, can speak as well as understand our language, even as their scientists and others have. They are asking us about our Earth and telling us about theirs. All these people are scientifically well learned. Even the little children ask us questions that our scientists on Earth would not think of. Being among such people is beginning to make us feel kind of carefree ourselves, and we like it. We have been here now one day and one night. During last evening we had a most exhilarating time. We will never forget it as long as we live. In this magnificent building in which we are staying there were many types of entertainment going on. The place was filled with people and all were thoroughly enjoying themselves. Some danced while others only watched. In one large room a drama was being staged to a large and enthusiastic audience. In another section games were being played. Some of them seemed similar to various sports enjoyed on Earth, but others were entirely different than any we had ever seen before. One thing we noticed about those participating in the games. There seemed not the slightest feeling of competition on the part of any of the players, but instead, a whole hearted expression of joy by all. Here, as everywhere else on this planet, we saw some people who were fairly dark, others were white, while still others had an olive color complexion, yet all the body structure is pretty much the same. This showed us that there are at least three races of people here, but the way they mingle together in work and in play, we have been unable to detect the slightest difference of feeling anywhere. And of course all speak the same language which we do not understand. Only when they talk with us they use our language and we can understand them. Now it is morning of our last day here. We are told that we will be leaving for the airfield during the afternoon in preparation for the trip to Venus. Chapter VIII VENUS As evening approaches we reach the airport where the last final details of checking the ship before taking off have been completed. From all appearances this is a new ship and much larger than the one which brought us here from the Moon. In response to our admiration, our host tells us this is to be its maiden voyage. Upon entering, we find it to be a luxurious palace within which is also a fully equipped scientific laboratory. This ship has been built in line with the latest Martonian developments. It too is of the triple body structure, has a spear-type nose and is equipped with an air system which automatically maintains the air within the ship at a pressure and temperature most comfortable to the occupants.