This was not much for hungry eyes, but Barbicane would allow no one to see that operation.

Thereupon ensued grumbling, discontent, and murmurs; they blamed the president for what they considered dictatorial conduct.

His act was stigmatised as "un-American." There was nearly a riot round Stony Hill, but Barbicane was not to be moved.

When, however, the Columbiad was quite finished, this state of closed doors could no longer be kept up; besides, it would have been in bad taste, and even imprudent, to offend public opinion.
Barbicane, therefore, opened the inclosure to all comers; but, in accordance with his practical character, he determined to coin money out of the public curiosity.
It was, indeed, something to even be allowed to see this immense Columbiad, but to descend into its depths seemed to the Americans the _ne plus ultra_ of earthly felicity.

In consequence there was not one visitor who was not willing to give himself the pleasure of visiting the interior of this metallic abyss.