ing himself from his
reverie.

"Ah, indeed!" replied the major, as though he felt himself quite
independent of all services from exterior sources.

"I thought, major, that it was not unlikely you were in ignorance of
the fact that both Ceuta and Gibraltar have been traversing the solar
regions on the surface of a comet."

The major smiled incredulously; but Servadac, nothing daunted, went on
to detail the results of the collision between the comet and the earth,
adding that, as there was the almost immediate prospect of another
concussion, it had occurred to him that it might be advisable for the
whole population of Gallia to unite in taking precautionary measures for
the common welfare.

"In fact, Major Oliphant," he said in conclusion, "I am here to inquire
whether you and your friends would be disposed to join us in our present
quarters."

"I am obliged to you, Captain Servadac," answered the major stiffly;
"but we have not the slightest intention of abandoning our post. We have
received no government orders to that effect; indeed, we have received
no orders at all. Our own dispatch to the First Lord of the Admiralty
still awaits the mail."

"But allow me to repeat," insisted Servadac, "that we are no longer on
the earth, although we expect to come in contact with it again in about
eight weeks."

"I have no doubt," the major answered, "that England will make every
effort to reclaim us."

Servadac felt perplexed. It was quite evident that Major Oliphant had
not been convinced of the truth of one syllable of what he had been
saying.

"Then I am to understand that you are determined to retain your two
garrisons here and at Gibraltar?" asked Servadac, with one last effort
at persuasion.

"Certainly; these two posts command the entrance of the Mediterranean."

"But supposing there is no longer any Mediterranean?" retorted the
captain, growing impatient.

"Oh, England will always take care of that," was Major Oliphant's cool
reply. "But excuse me," he added presently; "I see that Colonel
Murphy has just telegraphed his next move. Allow me to wish you
good-afternoon."

And without further parley, followed by his soldiers, he retired into
the casemate, leaving Captain Servadac gnawing his mustache with mingled
rage and mortification.

"A fine piece of business we have made of this!" said Ben Zoof, when he
found himself alone with his master.

"We will make our way back at once," replied Captain Servadac