If ever individuals offered a striking contrast they were the Frenchman Michel Ardan and the Yankee Barbicane, both, however, enterprising, bold, and audacious, each in his own way.
Barbicane's contemplation of his rival was quickly interrupted by the cheers of the crowd.

These cries became even so frantic and the enthusiasm took such a personal form that Michel Ardan, after having shaken a thousand hands in which he nearly left his ten fingers, was obliged to take refuge in his cabin.
Barbicane followed him without having uttered a word.
"You are Barbicane ?" Michel Ardan asked him as soon as they were alone, and in the same tone as he would have spoken to a friend of twenty years' standing.
"Yes," answered the president of the Gun Club.
"Well, good morning, Barbicane.

How are you?
Very well?
That's right! that's right!" "Then," said Barbicane, without further preliminary, "you have decided to go ?" "Quite decided." "Nothing will stop you ?" "Nothing.

Have you altered your projectile as I told you in my message ?" "I waited till you came.

But," asked Barbicane, insisting once more, "you have quite reflected ?" "Reflected! have I any time to lose?
I find the occasion to go for a trip to the moon, I profit by it, and that is all.