like that of a glow-worm, appeared in the region of Greenland on
the planet they had left. It gradually increased its strength
till it shone like a long white beam projected from a lighthouse,
and in this they beheld the work of the greatest search-light
ever made by man, receiving for a few moments all the electricity
generated by the available dynamos at Niagara and the Bay of
Fundy, the steam engines, and other sources of power in the
northern hemisphere. The beam lasted with growing intensity for
one minute; it then spelled out with clean-cut intervals,
according to the Cable Code: "23@ no' 6". The southern
hemisphere pumps are now raising and storing water at full blast.
We have already begun to lower the Arctic Ocean."

"Victory!" shouted Bearwarden, in an ecstasy of delight. "Nearly
half a degree in six months, with but one pole working. If we
can add at this rate each time to the speed of straightening
already acquired, we can reverse our engines in five years, and
in five more the earth will be at rest and right."

"Look!" said Ayrault, "they are sending something else." The
flashes came in rapid succession, reaching far into space. With
their glasses fixed upon them, they made out these sentences:
"Our telescopes, in whatever part of the earth was turned towards
you, have followed you since you started, and did not lose sight
of you till you entered the moon's shadow. On your present
course you will be in darkness till 12.16, when we shall see you
again."

On receiving this last earthly message, the travellers sprang to
their searchlight, and, using its full power, telegraphed back