Rarely had he seen his master so much agitated; and though himself inclined to receive these phenomena with philosophic indifference, his notions of military duty caused his countenance to reflect the captain's expression of amazement.
But there was little time for Servadac to examine the changes which a few hours had wrought.

The sun had already reached the eastern horizon, and just as though it were crossing the ecliptic under the tropics, it sank like a cannon ball into the sea.

Without any warning, day gave place to night, and earth, sea, and sky were immediately wrapped in profound obscurity..