et office was kind but firm. "Our records show that
you were a vacationer to Mars very recently. The demand is so great and
the ship capacity so small that we must limit vacation trips to no more
than one in any ten-year period."

He turned away and went down the hall and out the doorway of the marble
and brass Connemorra Lines Building.

He walked through town for six blocks and the thought of old Jake Norton
came to his mind. Jake had been an old timer in the city room when Mel
was a cub. Jake had retired just a few months ago and lived in a place
in town with a lot of other old men. Mel hailed the nearest cab and
drove to Jake's place.

"Mel, it's great to see you!" Jake said. "I didn't think any of the boys
would remember an old man after he'd walked out for the last time."

"People remember real easy when they want favors."

"Sure," Jake said with a grin, "but there's not much of a favor I can do
you any more, boy. Can't even loan you a ten until next payday."

"Jake, you can help me," said Mel. "You don't expect to ever take a trip
to Mars, do you?"

"Mars! Are you crazy, Mel?"

"I went once. I've got to go again. It's about Alice. And they won't let
me. I didn't know you could go only once in ten years."

Jake remembered. Alice had called him and all the other boys after
they'd come back the other time. Mel had been sick, she said. He
wouldn't remember the trip. They were asked not to say anything about
it. Now Mel was remembering and wanted to go again. Jake didn't know
what he should do.

"What can I do to help you?" he asked.

"I'll give you the money. Buy a ticket in your name. I'll go as Jake
Norton. I think I can get away with it. I don't think they make any
closer check than that."

"Sure--if it'll do you any good," Jake said hesitantly. He was
remembering the anxiety in Alice's voice the day she called and begged
him not to say anything that would remind Mel of Mars. No one ever had,
as far as Jake knew.

He took the money and Mel waited at the old men's home. An hour later
Jake called. "Eight months is the closest reservation I can get at
normal rates, but I know of some scalpers who charge 50% more."

Mel groaned. "Buy it no matter what the cost! I've got to go at once!"
He would be broke for the next ten years.

* * * * *

It was little different from the other time. There was the same holiday
excitement in the crowd of vacationers and those who had co