equator, we must be about fifteen hundred miles from the earth, following
the curve of the moon's surface. Now, after we have finished our
investigations here, we can start for home on foot. We can cover a good
many miles a day, since walking can be no burden here, and we can easily
tow our balloon along. As we approach the earth, my impression is that we
shall become more and more light-footed, for we shall be gradually getting
back to the earth's attraction. Somewhere between this point and our
planet there must be a spot where the attraction of both bodies will be
equal, and we can stay on the moon or drop off and return to the earth in
our balloon as we please."

"What a curious idea," I answered; "and yet, considering the strange
behavior of our sand bag, I don't know but you are right. And I have only
one suggestion to make; that is, that we start earthward at once and try
the experiment. Let the investigations go. If there are any inhabitants
here they will never miss us, since we haven't made their acquaintance
yet. Science or no science, I object to remaining any longer than
necessary in this uncertainty in regard to our future. You know very well
we couldn't live long in this temperature and with nothing for our lungs
but what comes through these horrid machines. And what good would come of
our discoveries if we are never to get back to the earth again? I profess
to have as much courage left as the ordinary mortal would have, but in the
present circumstances I believe no one would blame us for wanting to
settle this question at once."

"It would seem a trifle ridiculous," said the doctor in reply to this
harangue, "for us to return to our planet without any further effort to
accomplish our errand. But I will not deny that I share something of your
feeling, and I will start with you right away, on condition that you will
return here if we find that I am correct in believing we can leave the