A Princess of Mars

They filled a little sack at my side with Zodangan money. The medium

of exchange upon Mars is not dissimilar from our own except that the

coins are oval. Paper money is issued by individuals as they require

it and redeemed twice yearly. If a man issues more than he can redeem,

the government pays his creditors in full and the debtor works out the

amount upon the farms or in mines, which are all owned by the

government. This suits everybody except the debtor as it has been a

difficult thing to obtain sufficient voluntary labor to work the great

isolated farm lands of Mars, stretching as they do like narrow ribbons

from pole to pole, through wild stretches peopled by wild animals and

wilder men.

When I mentioned my inability to repay them for their kindness to me

they assured me that I would have ample opportunity if I lived long

upon Barsoom, and bidding me farewell they watched me until I was out

of sight upon the broad white turnpike.