Besides--and this is your chief point, no doubt, Ardan--if we should happen to be drawn round the Moon, just as we are at the present moment, we should enjoy the inestimable advantage of beholding her invisible side magnificently illuminated!" "My idea exactly, Captain," said Ardan.

"What is your opinion on this point, Barbican ?" "My opinion is as follows:" answered Barbican, gravely.

"If we ever repeat this journey, we shall start precisely at the same time and under precisely the same circumstances.

You forget that our only object is to reach the Moon.

Now suppose we had really landed there, as we expected to do yesterday, would it not have been much more agreeable to behold the lunar continents enjoying the full light of day than to find them plunged in the dismal obscurity of night?
Would not our first installation of discovery have been under circumstances decidedly extremely favorable?
Your silence shows that you agree with me.