Without losing an instant, a vessel was sent to the
spot where it fell; skilful divers sank under water
and fastened cable-chains to the handles of the bomb,
which was rapidly hoisted on board. Five minutes
had not elapsed between the time the animals were
shut up and the unscrewing of their prison lid.
Ardan, Barbicane, Maston, and Nicholl were upon the
vessel, and they assisted at the operation with a
sentiment of interest easy to understand. The
bomb was hardly opened before the cat sprang out, rather
bruised but quite lively, and not looking as if it
had just returned from an aerial expedition.
But nothing, was seen of the squirrel. The truth
was then discovered. The cat had eaten its travelling
companion.
J.T. Maston was very grieved at the loss of his
poor squirrel, and proposed to inscribe it in the
martyrology of science.
However that may be, after this experiment all hesitation
and fear were at an end; besides, Barbicane’s
plans were destined further to perfect the projectile,
and destroy almost entirely the effect of the shock.
There was nothing more to do but to start.
Two days later Michel Ardan received a message from
the President of the Union, an honour which he much
appreciated.
After the example of his chivalrous countryman, La
Fayette, the government had bestowed upon him the
title of “Citizen of the United States of America.”
THE PROJECTILE COMPARTMENT.
After the celebrated Columbiad was completed public
interest immediately centred upon the projectile,
the new vehicle destined to transport the three bold
adventurers across space. No one had forgotten
that in his despatch of September 30th Michel Ardan
asked for a modification of the plans laid out by
the members of the committee.
President Barbicane then thought with reason that
the form of the projectile was of slight importance,
for, after crossing the atmosphere in a few seconds,
it would meet with vacuum. The committee had therefore
chosen the round form, so that the ball might turn
over and over and do as it liked. But as soon
as it had to be made into a vehicle, that was another
thing. Michel Ardan did not want to travel squirrel-fashion;
he wished to go up head up and feet down with as much
dignity as in the car of a balloon, quicker of course,
but without unseemly gambols.
New plans were, therefore, sent to the firm of Breadwill
and Co., of Albany, with the recommendation to execute
them without delay. The projectile, thus modified,
was cast on the 2nd of November, and sent immediately
to Stony Hill by the Eastern Railway.
On the 10th it arrived without accident at its place
of destination. Michel Ardan, Barbicane, and
Nicholl awaited with the most lively impatience this
“projectile compartment” in which they
were to take their passage for the discovery of a
new world.
