Argosy, Volume XXIII — Index Page, 1897 — page 184: what you’re looking at

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

754 A MONTH IN THE MOON. At this moment Norbert, happening to look at Kaddour, who was helping him in his photographic operations, was amazed at his expression. ‘What is it?’’ he said. ‘‘ Are you surprised that a little humanity should be shown those unhappy beings, worthless though they be?’’ ‘“Unhappy ! Those vile scoundrels unhappy !’’ roared Kaddour. ‘‘ Do you call them unhappy when they are only imprisoned in their own lodging, and fed like princes? Are they to be amused in addition? Ah! I would amuse them nicely if I had the chance !’’ Just at this moment Virgil was bringing the prisoners through the circular passage to the edge of the esplanade. ‘There was no danger of any attempt at escape, on account of the impossibility of breathing without oxygen; they were therefore left entirely free. Norbert was afraid that this might exasperate Kaddour, and consequently sent him to the photographic laboratory, to take proofs from the negative. The prisoners were allowed two hours’ liberty, and only at the close of the eclipse were they led back to their prison. Kaddour and the others were then summoned to witness the last phase of the phenqwenou, which was quite worthy of the beginning. On his return to his room, Norbert took the opportunity to question Virgil concerning the general behavior of the prisoners. He learned that they were tolerably submissive, and even grateful for the consideration shown them, but terribly lazy and most suspicious. ‘“T cannot get out of their heads that you intend to leave them here when we go,’’ said Virgil. ‘‘ I have tried every argument I could think of to con- vince them of your good faith. But itis of nouse. ‘They have a rooted conviction that it is but natural you should treat them as doubtless they would not hesitate to treat you in like case.’’ ‘* Tell them,’’ answered Norbert, ‘‘ that Iam not going to let them escape a public exposure. They need not think they are going to get off with a few days’ imprisonment. I intend to denounce them before the first tribunal available, before any jury, so long as it be composed of honest men, who shall arbitrate between them and me. ‘They shall lose nothing by waiting, they may depend upon that! But keep on repeating “that I have not the slightest idea of leaving them here. Moreover, I shall take into account the assistance they have rendered in putting our machines into working order, and my indulgence shall be in exact proportion to their industry !’’ The succeeding hours were utilized in making the final preparations for the coming lunar night. : Twenty two tons of chlorate of potassium had been employed in the fabrication of the oxygen, that, flowing through a leathern tube, was to mingle with the remaining air in the crater. They had eight casks in re- serve, and there was every hope that nothing would happen to prevent the final departure. The parabolic mirrors had all been repaired. It only remained to stop up the doors and windows from the extreme cold, and lay in a good stock of patience for the prodigious night of three hundred and fifty four hours now so close at hand. Eomichooks (E(0) . =