The Moon-Voyage, page 17
CHAPTER XVII.
A TELEGRAM.
The great work undertaken by the Gun Club was now virtually ended, andyet two months would still elapse before the day the projectile wouldstart for the moon. These two months would seem as long as two years tothe universal impatience. Until then the smallest details of eachoperation had appeared in the newspapers every day, and were eagerlydevoured by the public, but now it was to be feared that this "interestdividend" would be much diminished, and every one was afraid of nolonger receiving his daily share of emotions.
They were all agreeably disappointed: the most unexpected,extraordinary, incredible, and improbable incident happened in time tokeep up the general excitement to its highest pitch.
On September 30th, at 3.47 p.m., a telegram, transmitted through theAtlantic Cable, arrived at Tampa Town for President Barbicane.
He tore open the envelope and read the message, and, notwithstanding hisgreat self-control, his lips grew pale and his eyes dim as he read thetelegram.
The following is the text of the message stored in the archives of theGun Club:--
"France, Paris,
"September 30th, 4 a.m.
"Barbicane, Tampa Town, Florida, United States.
"Substitute a cylindro-conical projectile for your spherical shell.Shall go inside. Shall arrive by steamer _Atlanta_.
"MICHEL ARDAN."
