ect of this intelligence upon the
people. For a few short days they would not believe an assertion
which their intellect, so long employed among worldly
considerations, could not in any manner grasp. But the truth of a
vitally important fact soon makes its way into the understanding
of even the most stolid. Finally, all men saw that astronomical
knowledge lied not, and they awaited the comet.

"Its approach was not, at first, seemingly rapid, nor was its
appearance of very unusual character. It was of a dull red, and
had little perceptible train. For seven or eight days we saw no
material increase in its apparent diameter, and but a partial
alteration in its colour. Meantime the ordinary affairs of men
were discarded, and all interest absorbed in a growing discussion,
instituted by philosophers in respect to the cometary nature."

That no material injury to the globe, or its inhabitants would result
from contact (which was now, however, certainly expected) with a body
of such extreme tenuity as the comet, was the opinion which gained
ground every day. The arguments of the theologians coincided with
those of men of science in allaying the apprehensions of mankind. For
as these were persuaded that the end of all things was to be brought
about by the agency of fire, and as it was proved that the comets were
not of a fiery nature, it followed that this dreaded stranger could
not come charged with any such mission as the destruction of the
globe.

"What minor evils might arise from the contact were points of
elaborate question. The learned spoke of slight geological
disturbances, of probable alterations in climate, and consequently
in vegetation, of possible magnetic and electric influences. Many
held that no visible or perceptible effect would in any manner be
produced. While such discussions were going on, their subject
gradually approached, growing larger in apparent diameter, and of
a more brilliant lustre. Mankind grew paler as it came. All human
operations were suspended.

* * * * *

"It had now taken, with inconceivable rapidity, the character of a
gigantic mantle of rare flame, extending from horizon to horizon.
Yet a day, and men breathed with freedom. It was clear that we
were already within the influence of the comet; yet we lived. We
even felt an unusual elasticity of fr