an 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."

The smile spread over the strange man's face again. "I wouldn't worry
too much. I believe you could stand a greater chance of happiness if _I_
do the choosing than if you do it yourself as I can see more of the
future. If you are mutually likable and willing to understand each
other; if you are mentally on the same level, there is little chance of
_not_ falling in love. My race mates in this way, and it works out
better than your haphazard mating."

When he realized that Dick still hesitated, he was slightly upset. Then
reaching into a leather bag, hung from a strap ar