The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 1 — page 106: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

106 A MONTH IN THE MOON. wanted only the stimulus of electricity to render it irresistible. And this would be supplied without delay, 1f need were. Everything was in readiness. Norbert had but to give the order, and the solar heat condensers that stood stationed at intervals along the circular pas- sage would set all the dynamos at work. The least sign from him, and the lever would act on the Motor A and establish contact. : At last, then, the magnet of Tehbali was a reality. Nay, it was more; it was a new agent among the enormous forces that regulate the planetary system ! The success, although foreseen, was dazzling indeed, and Norbert might be pardoned an involuntary sense of proud self satisfaction at so complete a realization of his aspirations. He recovered his usual calmness of demeanor, however, and, when he entered the observatory, he told Virgil siniply to bring up all the heat condensers, as they were no longer needed below. CHAPTER XXIII.—THE EXPERIMENT COMMENCES. THe Mahdist invasion was gradually and surely spreading on all sides. The inhabitants of the desert are very methodical in their doings, and take time to look before they leap ; but the circle was gradually closing in round Tehbali. In three days all the approaches were blocked, and camps of obser- vation were to be seen posted on the surrounding heights. The peak was now completely invested. But our friends had not been idle. All the condensers had been taken up to the circular passage. The connecting wires of the electro dynamos were in readiness to be attached to the shafts moved by the pistons of the cylinders in the center of each conical mirror. It only rested with Norbert to order the contact to be established, and in less than ten minutes the grand experiment would begin. Strange to say, the young scientist hesitated at this last moment. He shrank from putting the final touch to the work he had so aeeeutny and patiently carried out. He said to himself: ‘“ Who knows but that after all I may have made a mistake? It is true that I have made every possible calculation, and, as I think, have foreseen every contingency. But what if some forgotten detail should subvert the whole theory, and give the lie to all my expectations? How could I bear to see such a humiliating and shameful end of all my plans, and before Gertrude, too, who believes in me! Before the baronet, who does zof believe in me! Before the formidable Mahdi, and in the face of scoffing Europe herself ! What if my success should be but partial, on the other hand, and just save my self conceit, but fail to realize the scheme in its entirety !’’ Another consideration encouraged him in his passive attitude. | The moon would not be in perigee—that is to say, nearest to the earth—for another sixty seven days. gt was evident that the experiment would have a greater chance of success then; and prudence, therefore, counseled delay, unless, indeed, some unexpected turn of events forced him to precipitate matters. The unexpected soon came, however. | Gomicbook : . 4 F : ; a < + = : ,