It was to gravitate for ever around the Moon--a sub-satellite.

It was a new born individual in the astral universe, a microcosm, a little world in itself, containing, however, only three inhabitants and even these destined to perish pretty soon for want of air.

Our travellers, therefore, had no particular reason for rejoicing over the new destiny reserved for the Projectile in obedience to the inexorable laws of the centripetal and centrifugal forces.

They were soon, it is true, to have the opportunity of beholding once more the illuminated face of the Moon.

They might even live long enough to catch a last glimpse of the distant Earth bathed in the glory of the solar rays.