their glasses fixed upon them, they made out these sentences:

"Our telescopes, in whatever part of the earth was turned towards

you, have followed you since you started, and did not lose sight

of you till you entered the moon's shadow. On your present

course you will be in darkness till 12.16, when we shall see you

On receiving this last earthly message, the travellers sprang to

their searchlight, and, using its full power, telegraphed back

the following: "Many thanks to you for good news about earth,