Then setting the tray itself in the air as on a table in front of his companions, he filled the glasses, passed them around, and, in a lively speech interrupted with many a joyous hurrah, congratulated his companions on their glorious achievement in being the first that ever crossed the lunar line.
This counteracting influence of the attractions lasted nearly an hour.
By that time the travellers could keep themselves on the floor without much effort.

Barbican also made his companions remark that the conical point of the Projectile diverged a little from the direct line to the Moon, while by an inverse movement, as they could notice through the window of the floor, the base was gradually turning away from the Earth.
The Lunar attraction was evidently getting the better of the Terrestrial.

The fall towards the Moon, though still almost insensible, was certainly beginning.
It could not be more than the eightieth part of an inch in the first second.

But by degrees, as the attractive force would increase, the fall would be more decided, and the Projectile, overbalanced by its base, and presenting its cone to the Earth, would descend with accelerated velocity to the Lunar surface.

The object of their daring attempt would then be successfully attained.