The crew members of this Martonian ship are wearing caps similar to those worn by pilots on Earth; but the insignia on their caps is outstandingly interesting for it is a heart and a handshake across the heart. On their uniforms is an insignia of a bullet-type ship.
All of these men are very intelligent looking and well mannered. They are around six feet seven inches in height. One in the group is probably about eight feet tall. They are well built in proportion to their height, eyes just sparkling, very fair-complexioned and have jet black hair.
Judging by the appearances and behavior of the pilot and crew of this ship from Mars, we felt like little children, kindergartners. Emanating from them towards us is no feeling of personal pride nor attainment, neither is there the slightest indication of hostility but rather a feeling of warm friendship and joy that we have made the trip here.
These Martonians speak the language of the Moonalites so one of our white native boys can fill in as interpreter whenever necessary, but we have been learning from him during all the time we have been here. By now we are beginning to understand pretty well what is being said. He too has learned our language even better than we have learned his, so he often has to ask our questions for us when we are talking with other people for the first time.
"The people on Mars are built slightly different than you," we are told in answer to our queries. Their pilot came up and felt our bodies then indicated with his hands that our lung capacity is again as large as theirs. He went on to explain, "the atmosphere on our planet is lighter than that of Earth, so we do not need as large a lung capacity as you have."
To our astonishment, we were next told that the Martonians knew that we were on the Moon and when we had landed. They also knew that we would be at this city at the very time we arrived, for they had instruments that were able to pick up our radar messages and decode them. And we have been in regular contact with the Earth.
More astounding information was given us by these men as they told us a little about the dark moon of our Earth. It is used as a stopping place for space ships and is much colder than the cold side of this Moon. After observing it through our little telescope, Dr. Johnston had estimated it to be about five hundred thousand miles from Earth, but the Martonians told us, for that is where they stopped on their way in, that it is seven hundred fifty thousand miles from Earth.
"We have other outposts in space for different purposes, where our ships stop," commented one of the scientists of the group.
After quite a long visit with these Martonians and when all necessary details at the airport were completed, we were taken to the other section of the city where the citizens had been notified of our presence here. A royal welcome was given us as the entire population turned out in greeting.
At sunset we joined the citizens in their hour of praise and thanksgiving for the day; not out of respect for them so much but because with our whole beings we are intensely grateful for the friendship and the knowledge that have been so freely and joyously given us this day.