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Earth to the Moon | Jules Verne | |
ATTACK AND RIPOSTE |
Page 3 of 6 |
A movement was here manifest among the assemblage, who appeared to be growing excited by the arguments of this singular personage. "Let us proceed," replied Ardan, with perfect coolness, "and come to one important fact. A skillful French astronomer, M. Laussedat, in watching the eclipse of July 18, 1860, probed that the horns of the lunar crescent were rounded and truncated. Now, this appearance could only have been produced by a deviation of the solar rays in traversing the atmosphere of the moon. There is no other possible explanation of the facts." "But is this established as a fact?" "Absolutely certain!" A counter-movement here took place in favor of the hero of the meeting, whose opponent was now reduced to silence. Ardan resumed the conversation; and without exhibiting any exultation at the advantage he had gained, simply said: "You see, then, my dear sir, we must not pronounce with absolute positiveness against the existence of an atmosphere in the moon. That atmosphere is, probably, of extreme rarity; nevertheless at the present day science generally admits that it exists." "Not in the mountains, at all events," returned the unknown, unwilling to give in. "No! but at the bottom of the valleys, and not exceeding a few hundred feet in height." "In any case you will do well to take every precaution, for the air will be terribly rarified." "My good sir, there will always be enough for a solitary individual; besides, once arrived up there, I shall do my best to economize, and not to breathe except on grand occasions!" A tremendous roar of laughter rang in the ears of the mysterious interlocutor, who glared fiercely round upon the assembly. |
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Earth to the Moon Jules Verne |
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