“Well, let’s see,” she enumerated, reflectively. “First of all, there’s the Party of Submergence, so-called because it was founded by Agripides and has been the ruling group ever since the Good Destruction. Then there is the Industrial Reform Party, which contends that all machines and in particular intra-atomic engines are incongruous in Atlantis and should be reduced to a minimum far below the present number. Then, again, there is the Party of Artistic Emancipation, which is really literary rather than political, and appeals for freedom in art. Also, there is the Party of Birth Extension, which maintains that the government should relax its restrictions on population. And, finally, enlarging the principles of the Birth Extension Party, there is the Party of Emergence, which is the smallest of them all and has always been highly unpopular if not actually despised, since it holds that we should renounce the principles of Agripides, enter into communication with the upper world, and send our excess population to live above seas.” “That sounds quite interesting,” I commented, for the Party of Emergence seemed to me to be the most understandable of the group. “But you say this last party has never had much success?” “Fortunately not. Its members have always been looked down upon as anti-social agitators, for they have transgressed against that fundamental principle, ‘Atlantis for the Atlanteans.’ Few self-respecting citizens have ever lent them support, and they have never been powerful enough to carry any of their proposals.” “Too bad,” I found myself remarking, with unguarded frankness; and the shocked expression on Aelios’ face showed me how I had erred. “At any rate, now that you know something about the parties, you will be better able to choose among them,” she concluded. I assured her that I would choose as best I could. “If there’s ever anything you’re in doubt about,” she urged, “don’t be afraid to ask me. I know that things aren’t easy here for you, a stranger from a strange land, and I’d like to help if I could.” I thanked her fervently, and declared that I should not hesitate to consult her should occasion arise. And secretly I was determined that the occasion should arise. “I’m glad to hear you say that,” she returned. And her eyes shone with a bright light, and her lips quivered sympathetically, and her whole face radiated kindliness and warmth. But at this juncture she saw fit to give the interview an impersonal turn. “See, over there!” she exclaimed, pointing through a break in the dense green foliage. “Those are the towers of Archeon!” I looked eagerly, and far across the plain I beheld a minute glittering spire, more than half obscured by the intervening array of tinted columns--the first sign of that city which I was this day to enter, and where I was to make my home, and seek the fulfillment of my love, and undertake my duties as a citizen of the Sunken World. * * * * *