CHAPTER VIII.
HISTORY OF THE CANNON.
The resolutions passed at this meeting produced a great effect outside.
Some timid people grew alarmed at the idea of a projectile weighing 20,000 lbs.

hurled into space.

People asked what cannon could ever transmit an initial speed sufficient for such a mass.

The report of the second meeting was destined to answer these questions victoriously.
The next evening the four members of the Gun Club sat down before fresh mountains of sandwiches and a veritable ocean of tea.

The debate then began.
"My dear colleagues," said Barbicane, "we are going to occupy ourselves with the construction of the engine, its length, form, composition, and weight.