Yes, or no ?" "I think we can answer your question categorically," replied Barbican, "if you modify its form a little." "Put the question any way you please," said Ardan; "only you answer it! I'm not particular about the form." "Good," said Barbican; "the question, being a double one, demands a double answer.

First: _Is the Moon inhabitable ?_ Second: _Has the Moon ever been inhabited ?_" "That's the way to go about it," said the Captain.

"Now then, Ardan, what do _you_ say to the first question?
Yes, or no ?" "I really can't say anything," replied Ardan.

"In the presence of such distinguished scientists, I'm only a listener, a 'mere looker on in Vienna' as the Divine Williams has it.

However, for the sake of argument, suppose I reply in the affirmative, and say that _the Moon is inhabitable_." "If you do, I shall most unhesitatingly contradict you," said Barbican, feeling just then in splendid humor for carrying on an argument, not, of course, for the sake of contradicting or conquering or crushing or showing off or for any other vulgar weakness of lower minds, but for the noble and indeed the only motive that should impel a philosopher--that of _enlightening_ and _convincing_, "In taking the negative side, however, or saying that the Moon is not inhabitable, I shall not be satisfied with merely negative arguments.