same time as before, descended, and were near their home.” Here the doctor asked: “And has this singular mode of traveling become popular, Thorwald?” “For long distances east and west it is often resorted to. But I presume you are asking yourself whether you could introduce it on the earth. When you return and begin to think it over you will probably see so many practical difficulties in the way that you will not attempt it. You must have patience. All these things will come to your race in time.” CHAPTER VIII. THORWALD PUZZLED. “I fear,” continued Thorwald, “that I am wearying you with this long talk.” We assured him we were enjoying it too much to think of being tired, and hoped he would not stop. But he said he had some duties to attend to, and would take us to his room and leave us by ourselves for a while. As soon as we were alone the doctor looked at me with a smile and said: “Why did you act so queerly when I spoke of Mona?” “Why did you speak so?” I asked in reply. “And how could you tell Thorwald we found one inhabitant on the moon?” “Did you want to have me tell him a falsehood?” “Of course not. I tried to catch your eye and keep you from saying any thing on the subject till we could consult in regard to it. If we are going to color our narrative in order to make it more marvelous we must at least make our stories agree.” “My friend,” said the doctor, “I am now confirmed in my suspicion that your brain was affected by your fall from the moon.” I saw by this time that I need not hesitate further to tell the doctor the truth. I disliked the task, but I saw it would not be safe to leave him any longer in ignorance of his condition. There as no telling what other preposterous tales he might invent. So I said to him gently: “Doctor, your last remark makes it easier for me to tell you that the first words you said to me on this vessel showed me that you were not right. I kept it from our new friends here, and I thought I had better tell you how you are, so you can be a little cautious. You talk all right on most subjects, but you will do well to avoid the moon as a topic of conversation. If the others ask any more questions about the moon, you can just let me answer them.” I said all this seriously enough, but the doctor laughed boisterously as he answered: “Well, if this isn’t a joke. You think I am crazy, and I know you are crazy, and I can prove it. I will just ask you one question, which please answer truthfully. Don’t you remember Mona?” “Oh, there is Mona again! Don’t you see that only proves your own madness? No, I don’t remember Mona, and you don’t either.” “I must say,” returned the doctor, “I never expected to see you get over your infatuation so quickly.” “What direction did my infatuation, as you call it, take?” “Marriage, I should say.” “Now you interest me,” I returned, “and you must tell me more. Is this Mona of yours the sole resident of the moon, of whom you spoke to Thorwald?”