"I know it is, sir.  I pointed out to him that it was an imposition, that you are the busiest man on this planet and didn't have time for his affairs." Jubal shook his head and smiled. "I'm afraid it didn't impress him - seems on Mars the busier a person is the more is expected of him.  Mr. Smith simply said, 'We can ask him.' So I'm asking you.  Of course we don't expect an answer off hand - that's another Martian trait:  Martians are never in a hurry.  Nor are they inclined to make things complicated.  No bond, no auditing, none of that claptrap - a written power of attorney if you want it.  But it does not matter to him; he would do it just as readily, orally and right now - Chinese style.  That's another Martian trait; if a Martian trusts you, he trusts you all the way.  He doesn't come prying around to see if you're keeping your word.  Oh, I should add:  Mr. Smith is not making this request of the Secretary General; he's asking a favor of Joseph Edgerton Douglas, you personally.  If you should retire from public life, it would not affect this in the slightest.  Your successor in office, whoever he might be, doesn't figure in it.  It's you he trusts... not just whoever happens to occupy the Octagon Office in this Palace."