When Barrow finished, by relating the finding of the newspaper and the long walk to the office, the queer man was smiling. "I like your frankness and will tell you about the position, although I can't reveal the location of your work. It is not on any map, and you will work among a race such as myself, with no opportunity of leaving after reaching the destination. "You will be given every comfort and advantage among my people, and be required to work hard in return. There are several machines out of commission which must be repaired and put to work again. After a few months your work will be easier, although you must constantly watch all machinery to see that it is in perfect condition, and does not stop work for even a moment. "My people use mechanics of greater size and development than anything you have ever seen, and our lives depend on its perfect operation. In order to accept this position you must be married. Your wife must come with you, and be willing to accept the same living conditions which are offered to you. * * * * * "The man who left this office as you entered has a fiancee and has gone to talk it over with her. In your instance _I must select your wife_! You will be the leader of the workmen whom I take back. There will be only a few people such as yourself, and you can never again see others of your race. "You will have power and wealth among my people, and every type of entertainment that you desire. But remember that you leave your race forever, with _no possibility_ of return! If you accept my offer you must trust entirely in what I say about the future." When the man finished speaking Dick was quiet for a long time. Everything seemed so unreal, so different from what he had expected. He must be willing to leave everything that he had always known--to enter an existence which he didn't understand--without chance of return! Yet he believed every word this man spoke, impossible as it seemed. But _marriage_ ... with a girl he had never _seen_! The man spoke again. "You hesitate about marrying; I can see it in your eyes. But remember that _she_ must accept without knowing you, and is taking just as great a chance. This I can say. She will be brilliant, and I _could not_ trust you to pick out a brilliant woman for your wife. Love would come first in your eyes. Other things would seem unimportant. I know that you and the girl I select are apt to fall in love, as I shall choose a girl suitable to your temperament." Dick answered slowly, "I don't know what to say. I will have to live with her all of my life, and if we are not happy anything you could offer would mean nothing."