That the adventurers were approaching the Moon was evident, but it was just as evident that they should never reach her.

The nearest point the Projectile could ever possibly attain would only be the result of two opposite forces, the attractive and the repulsive, which, as was now clear, influenced its motion.

Therefore, to land in the Moon was an utter impossibility, and any such idea was to be given up at once and for ever.
"_Quand meme_! What of it!" cried Ardan; after some moments' silence.
"We're not to land in the Moon! Well! let us do the next best thing--pass close enough to discover her secrets!" But M'Nicholl could not accept the situation so coolly.

On the contrary, he decidedly lost his temper, as is occasionally the case with even phlegmatic men.

He muttered an oath or two, but in a voice hardly loud enough to reach Barbican's ear.