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As soon as he could withdraw from these somewhat embarrassing demonstrations, he went, accompanied by his friends, to pay a visit to the Columbiad. He was highly gratified by his inspection, and made the descent to the bottom of the tube of this gigantic machine which was presently to launch him to the regions of the moon. It is necessary here to mention a proposal of J. T. Maston's.
At last, on the 22nd of September, less than a year after the Barbicane communication, the enormous weapon, raised by means of delicate instruments, and quite vertical, was ready for use. There was nothing but the moon to wait for, but they were sure she would not fail. J.T. Maston's joy knew no bounds, and he nearly had a frightful fall whilst looking down the tube of 900 feet.
I myself finished this very morning a diagram with plan, basin, and elevation of a mortar destined to change the laws of warfare!" "Indeed!" replied Tom Hunter, thinking involuntarily of the Honourable J.T. Maston's last essay. "Indeed!" answered Maston. "But what is the use of the good results of such studies and so many difficulties conquered? It is mere waste of time.
We know the truth on that point. But on the arrival of Blomsberry's dispatch, so decidely contradicting J. T. Maston's telegram, two parties were formed in the bosom of the Gun Club.
The unfortunate fellow, leaning imprudently over the metal tube, had disappeared down the immense telescope a fall of 280 feet! Belfast, distracted, rushed towards the orifice of the reflector. He breathed again. J.T. Maston's steel hook had caught in one of the props which maintained the platform of the telescope. He was uttering formidable cries. Belfast called.
In the place of honour was seen, covered by a splendid glass case, a piece of breech, broken and twisted under the effort of the powder a precious fragment of J.T. Maston's cannon. At the extremity of the hall the president, assisted by four secretaries, occupied a wide platform.
However, upon the arrival of Blomsberry's message, which so formally contradicted J.T. Maston's telegram, two parties were formed in the bosom of the Gun Club. On the one side were members who admitted the fall of the projectile, and consequently the return of the travellers.
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