"Well, they certainly have the transportation problem down to a science," remarked Jack. "This beats a taxicab all to pieces." "That's right," agreed Mark. "But say, this is a mighty fine city." The boys looked on either side of them. The street, which was thronged with the queer feather and fur covered inhabitants, led between rows of stately buildings, all built of some light-colored substance. The designs were like those usually seen in fantastic fairy pictures--beautiful in the extreme. The street led to a great public square, and as the vehicles swung into it, the boys could not repress a murmur of delight. For, at the head of the square was a great palace of glass, its walls so transparent that everything going on within could be seen from without. "This must be their city hall, the palace of justice, the main administration building, or whatever they call it," said Jack. "Evidently the Martians don't believe in conducting politics in the dark." "Well, it's going to be dark pretty soon," observed Mark, "for the sun is setting." "And look at what a small sun it is," added Jack. For the first time they noticed that the great luminary was much smaller than it appeared to them on the earth. It was about half the size, but, though Mars must have received considerably less heat from it than did the earth, it was not at all chilly, but, on the contrary, warmer than on the earth at the same time of year. The little sun slowly sank down behind the distant hills, and when the sleds came to a stop in front of the glass palace, the boys and others found themselves being moved up the broad steps. "Evidently there's going to be an inquiry concerning us," commented Jack. They were taken into a vast audience chamber. At one end was a raised platform, upon which were seated a number of Martians. Each one had a golden circlet on his head, and in the center of each band was some geometrical figure. In the middle of the throng on the platform was a Martian attired in a golden, shimmering robe. And on his head was a small circlet, made apparently of diamonds. "He must be the high muck-a-muck," said Jack in a whisper. "Hush!" cautioned Mark. As the adventurers felt themselves advancing toward the raised platform, there came a shout from the throng. And the words sounded like: "Silex Corundum!" At this the Martian with the diamond circle on his head arose and bowed. "That must be his name," whispered jack. "Hush!" spoke Mark again, and he who appeared to be a sort of chief or king began to speak. He made quite a lengthy address, and as he went on it grew darker, with the approach of evening. Suddenly, from various points in the great room, there glowed a red light, until the apartment was as bright as day. And the boys, looking up, saw that the light streamed from the sides of small metal boxes fastened to the glass walls.