"We are here to discuss the moon, not the earth."
"You are right, sir," answered Michel Ardan, "the discussion has wandered from the point; we will return to the moon."
"Sir," resumed the unknown man, "you pretend that our satellite is inhabited. So far so good; but if Selenites do exist they certainly live without breathing, for—I tell you the fact for your good—there is not the least particle of air on the surface of the moon."
At this affirmation Ardan shook his red mane; he understood that a struggle was coming with this man on the real question. He looked at him fixedly in his turn, and said—
"Ah! there is no air in the moon! And who says so, pray?"
"The savants."
"Indeed?"
"Indeed."
"Sir," resumed Michel, "joking apart, I have a profound respect for savants who know, but a profound contempt for savants who do not know."
"Do you know any who belong to the latter category?"