find me a good citizen of Tetarta.

Merna translated this speech to them, and there ensued another scene of
indescribable enthusiasm.

John followed with a very feeling expression of his gratitude for the
welcome and kindness he had received as a stranger from another world.

Then came M'Allister's turn, and his speech was a characteristic one.

Turning to Soranho, he said: "Mon!--no, I should say 'Chief!'--I thank
you and all the people for the delightful time we have had upon Mars,
and can only say I'm very sorry to leave you. But I have an old wife of
my own in the world far across space over yonder, and away up in bonnie
Scotland. She will be looking for my return home; so, much as I should
like to stay longer with you, I cannot keep from going to her. Thank you
all, and God bless you!"

I do not know how Merna managed to translate this speech, but it
evidently gave the audience as much satisfaction as the others had done.

So, with many hearty handshakes and expressions of goodwill, we left the
hall at the conclusion of the proceedings and returned to our home,
where John and M'Allister were to sleep for the last time.

The next morning we sat discussing the final arrangements for their
departure, as they would start on their return journey in two hours'
time.

John and M'Allister were both much affected at my decision to stay upon
Mars (or Tetarta, as it will be to me in future), for they did not like
the idea of leaving me behind, and made some further attempt to induce
me to change my mind on the subject. I felt, however, that they were
really convinced I was doing the best thing possible in the
circumstances, and had no hope that I would accede to their request.

I told them my decision was unalterable, and that, as we all felt the
poignancy of the parting, it would be better to take leave of each other
now, rather than in public when they boarded the _Areonal_.

As they rose to say farewell I said, "John, my dear fellow, I have kept
a record of all our doings since we left old England, thinking that, if
published, it might prove of some interest to my countrymen.

"I have a few words to add to it, and also a letter to enclose for you
to take to my solicitors; but Merna will hand the packet to you when you
actually start. I know you will carry out my wishes and see the book
through the press, although I have mentioned the tobacco and
laughing-gas incident!"

John smiled and promised to do as I wi