As to the remaining third, it neither heard nor saw, though it was not the least eager to applaud.
At three o'clock Michel Ardan made his appearance, accompanied by the principal members of the Gun Club.

He gave his right arm to President Barbicane, and his left to J.T.Maston, more radiant than the midday sun, and nearly as ruddy.
Ardan mounted the platform, from which his eyes extended over a forest of black hats.

He did not seem in the least embarrassed; he did not pose; he was at home there, gay, familiar, and amiable.

To the cheers that greeted him he answered by a gracious bow; then with his hand asked for silence, began to speak in English, and expressed himself very correctly in these terms:-- "Gentlemen," said he, "although it is very warm, I intend to keep you a few minutes to give you some explanation of the projects which have appeared to interest you.

I am neither an orator nor a _savant_, and I did not count upon having to speak in public; but my friend Barbicane tells me it would give you pleasure, so I do it.