the planet's atmosphere, and had reached a stratum of extremely rarefied
air, which, it seems, does not accompany the globe in its revolution. Of
course, the facts were at once heralded to the four quarters of the world,
and the two aerial travelers found themselves famous. But they did not
wish to let such an astounding discovery rest upon the results of a single
experiment, and so they proved themselves worthy of their new fame by
going home the way they came. That is, they mounted their flying machine,
rose again to the same lofty height, remained there about the same time as
before, descended, and were near their home."

Here the doctor asked:

"And has this singular mode of traveling become popular, Thorwald?"

"For long distances east and west it is often resorted to. But I presume
you are asking yourself whether you could introduce it on the earth. When
you return and begin to think it over you will probably see so many
practical difficulties in the way that you will not attempt it. You must
have patience. All these things will come to your race in time."




CHAPTER VIII.

THORWALD PUZZLED.


"I fear," continued Thorwald, "that I am wearying you with this long
talk."