If anything is to be blamed for it, it is our Projectile which, instead of rigidly following its allotted course, has awkwardly contrived to deviate from it.

However, strict justice must acquit even the Projectile.

It only obeyed a great law of nature in shifting its course as soon as it came within the sphere of that inopportune bolide's influence." "All right!" said Ardan, as usual in the best of humor after Barbican had laid down the law.

"I have no doubt it is exactly as you say; and, now that all is settled, suppose we take breakfast.

After such a hard night spent in work, a little refreshment would not be out of place!" Such a proposition being too reasonable even for M'Nicholl to oppose, Ardan turned on the gas, and had everything ready for the meal in a few minutes.