rapidly in a circle, the centrifugal force now became
distinctly perceptible.

The two women found themselves obliged to lean somewhat toward the
central pole to counteract this tendency, and as Copernicus emerged from
the engine-room he came toward the others at a decided angle to the
floor.

"There! now ye feel the side weight," he exclaimed.

"My, ain't it funny!" exclaimed Rebecca. "Thet's the way I've felt afore
now when the cars was goin' round a curve--kinder topplin' like."

"Why, that is the centrifugal force," Phoebe said, with dignity.

"It's the side weight--that's what I call it," Droop replied,
obstinately, and for some time there was silence.

"How many years back are we makin' by the hour now, Mr. Droop?" Rebecca
asked at length.

"Jest a little over two hours fer a year now," he replied.

"Well," said Rebecca, in a discontented tone, "I think the old
Panchronicle is rayther a slow actin' concern, considerin' th' amount o'
side weight it makes. I declare I'm mos' tired out leanin' over to one
side, like old man Titus's paralytic cow."

Phoebe laughed and Droop replied:

"If ye can't stand it or set it, why lay, Cousin Rebecca. The's good
settles all 'round."

With manifestly injured feelings Droop hunted up a book and sat down to
read in silence. The Panchronicon was his pet and he did not relish its
being thus contemned.

The remainder of the morning was spent in almost completely silent work
or reading. Droop scarce took his eyes from his book. Phoebe spent
part of the time deep in the Baconian work and part of the time
contemplating the monotonous landscape. Rebecca was dreaming of her
future past--or her past future, while her knitting grew steadily upon
its needles.

The midday meal was duly prepared and disposed of, and, as the afternoon
wore away, the three travellers began to examine the date indicator and
to ask themselves surreptitiously whether or not they actually felt any
younger. They took sly peeps at each other's faces to observe, if
possible, any signs of returning youth.

By supper-time there was certainly a less aged air about each of the
three and the elders inwardly congratulated themselves upon the
unmistakable effects of another twelve hours.

Not long after the supper dishes had been washed, Rebecca took Phoebe
aside and said:

"Phoebe, it seems to me you'd ought to be goin' to bed right soon,
now. You're only 'bout eighteen years old at present, an' you'll