“Without a doubt, Michel. Listen to me. It is fifty-five minutes past ten; we have been gone about eight minutes; and if our initiatory speed has not been checked by the friction, six seconds would be enough for us to pass through the forty miles of atmosphere which surrounds the globe.” “Just so,” replied Nicholl; “but in what proportion do you estimate the diminution of speed by friction?” “In the proportion of one-third, Nicholl. This diminution is considerable, but according to my calculations it is nothing less. If, then, we had an initiatory speed of 12,000 yards, on leaving the atmosphere this speed would be reduced to 9,165 yards. In any case we have already passed through this interval, and—” “And then,” said Michel Ardan, “friend Nicholl has lost his two bets: four thousand dollars because the Columbiad did not burst; five thousand dollars because the projectile has risen more than six miles. Now, Nicholl, pay up.” “Let us prove it first,” said the captain, “and we will pay afterward. It is quite possible that Barbicane’s reasoning is correct, and that I have lost my nine thousand dollars. But a new hypothesis presents itself to my mind, and it annuls the wager.” “What is that?” asked Barbicane quickly. “The hypothesis that, for some reason or other, fire was never set to the powder, and we have not started at all.” “My goodness, captain,” exclaimed Michel Ardan, “that hypothesis is not worthy of my brain! It cannot be a serious one. For have we not been half annihilated by the shock? Did I not recall you to life? Is not the president’s shoulder still bleeding from the blow it has received?” “Granted,” replied Nicholl; “but one question.” “Well, captain?” “Did you hear the detonation, which certainly ought to be loud?” “No,” replied Ardan, much surprised; “certainly I did not hear the detonation.” “And you, Barbicane?” “Nor I, either.” “Very well,” said Nicholl. “Well now,” murmured the president “why did we not hear the detonation?” The three friends looked at each other with a disconcerted air. It was quite an inexplicable phenomenon. The projectile had started, and consequently there must have been a detonation. “Let us first find out where we are,” said Barbicane, “and let down this panel.” This very simple operation was soon accomplished.