ight we
started for Venus, with his glass of toddy before him, and a cigar
between his lips.

"Hallo!" he exclaimed on seeing me. "Haven't seen you for some
time--must be nearly two months. Been abroad? You look brown."

"Yes."

"Well, suppose we finish our game of chess."

"With pleasure."

"You remember the wager--a thousand to a hundred sovereigns that I win."

He was the better player, and although I had a slight advantage in the
game as it stood, I was by no means certain of winning, especially as I
was tired and sleepy; but ever since my sojourn in Venus, my intellect
had been unusually clear and active. I played as I had never played
before, and in three moves had won the wager.

"That will pay my travelling expenses," said I, pocketing his cheque.

* * * * *

I ought perhaps to mention that Professor Gazen carried out his
intention of reading a paper to the Royal Astronomical Society on his
alleged discovery of a diurnal nutation or "wobbling" of the planet
Venus; but I regret to say that owing to preconceived opinions and
personal prejudices, his ingenious theory met with a reception far below
its merits. By the terms of our agreement he was forbidden to divulge
the secret of our expedition until my own account appeared, but some
telescopic observations he had made since coming home had provided him
with independent proofs.

"Do you think Professor Possil will be present?" said I to him, as we
dined together before we went to the meeting.

"Sure to be," replied Gazen. "He never misses an opportunity of
attacking me. 'Tis the nature of the animal. But I flatter myself I
shall get the laugh on him this time."

The hall was full. The hearty welcome of the Fellows showed their high
appreciation of Professor Gazen, and made me feel quite proud of his
acquaintance. They listened to his discourse on the movements of Venus,
and his new hypothesis, with all the solemnity of a Roman senate
deliberating on the destiny of a nation. When he had finished in a salvo
of applause, the president, a man of grave and dignified demeanour, as
became his office, complimented the author on his communication, which
from the startling novelty of the subject would, he believed, give rise
to an interesting discussion, and after calling on Professor Possil, he
resumed his chair. That illustrious man, whose insignificant appearance
belied his fame, responded to the invitation with a show of relu