“It is my belief that Dr. Max Syx is a deceiver.”

The possession of the spectroscope has enabled astronomers during later years to study the chemical composition of comets by analyzing their light.

The fragments of a comet had struck the earth.

One cannot but regret that the moon, if it ever was the seat of intelligent life, has not remained so until our time.

Certain other difficulties have also to be met; as, for instance, the relative coldness of the climate of Mars.

Atoms, therefore, which grow old in consequence of the diminution of a part of their intra-atomic energy gradually lose their stability.

“My dear fellow,” said Hall, laying his hand on my shoulder, “until I see the end of that mystery I shall think of nothing else.”

“Well! well!” I broke in, greatly astonished by Hall’s singular recital, “you must have thought Dr. Syx was a cross between an alchemist and an astrologer.”

My friend’s gloomy prognostications came near being fulfilled to the letter.

“Why, there he is now! Funny I never noticed it before. There’s Dr. Syx’s face in the moon, as plain as day.”