e planet they had left. It gradually
increased its strength till it shone like a long white beam projected
from a lighthouse, and in this they beheld the work of the greatest
search-light ever made by man, receiving for a few moments all the
electricity generated by the available dynamos at Niagara and the Bay
of Fundy, the steam engines, and other sources of power in the northern
hemisphere. The beam lasted with growing intensity for one minute; it
then spelled out with clean-cut intervals, according to the Cable Code:
"23@ no' 6". The southern hemisphere pumps are now raising and storing
water at full blast. We have already begun to lower the Arctic Ocean."

[Illustration: The signals from the Arctic Circle.]

"Victory!" shouted Bearwarden, in an ecstasy of delight. "Nearly half
a degree in six months, with but one pole working. If we can add at
this rate each time to the speed of straightening already acquired, we
can reverse our engines in five years, and in five more the earth will
be at rest and right."

"Look!" said Ayrault, "they are sending something else." The flashes
came in rapid succession, reaching far into space. With their glasses
fixed upon them, they made out these sentences: "Our telescopes, in
whatever part of the earth was turned towards you, have followed you
since you started, and did not lose sight of you till you entered the
moon's shadow. On your present course you will be in darkness till
12.16, when we shall see you again."

On receiving this last earthly message, the travellers sprang to their
searchlight, and, using its full power, telegraphed back the following:
"Many thanks to you for good news about earth, and to Secretary
Deepwaters for lending us the navy. Result of work most glorious.
Remember us to everybody. Shadow's edge approaching."

This was read by the men in the great observatories, who evidently
telephoned to the arctic Signal Light immediately, for it flashed back:
"Got your message perfectly. Wish you greatest luck. The T. A. S. Co.
has decked the Callisto's pedestal with flowers, and has ordered a
tablet set up on the site to commemorate your celestial journey."

At that moment the shadow swept by, and they were in the full blaze of
cloudless day. The change was so great that for a moment they were
obliged to close their eyes. The polished sides of the Callisto shone
so brightly that they knew they were easily seen. The power
temporarily diverted in s