sides, and in a calm sea they would send out their boats, which approached
near enough to secure huge specimens. These were broken into fragments and
were soon sold on the streets of every city.

The first to really set foot on the dead satellite were some adventurous
advertisers, who shot an arrow and cord over a projecting crag, pulled a
rope after it, and finally drew themselves up, and soon the lunar cliffs
were put to some practical use, blazoning forth a few staring words. These
men could not go beyond their narrow standing place, for the general curve
of the surface, although broken up by many irregularities, presented no
opportunities for the most skillful climbing.

But it was impossible that, with the moon so near, the problem of reaching
it could long remain unsolved. Dr. Schwartz, an eminent scientist, was the
first to suggest that it must be approached in a balloon, and at the same
time he announced that he would be one of two men, if another could be
found, to undertake to effect a landing in that way. Here, I saw, was my
opportunity. I had often dreamed of visiting the moon and other heavenly
bodies, and now here was a chance to go in reality. I had some
acquaintance with Dr. Schwartz, and my prompt application for the vacant
place in the proposed expedition was successful. The doctor kindly wrote
me that my enthusiasm in the cause was just what he was looking for, and
he was sure I would prove a plucky and reliable companion. The matter
attracted so much attention that the United States Government, moved to
action by the public nature of the enterprise, took it up and offered to
bear all the expense of the equipment and carrying out of the expedition.
Encouraged by this assistance, the doctor began his plans at once. All
recognized that one great object was to settle the question as to the
existence of life on the other side of the moon; for, in spite of its rude
collisions with mountains and continents before it rested as near the