seen
150 miles through the lower atmosphere. Such a light, if properly
directed, might be visible on Mars; and, for aught we know, the Martians
may have discovered a still stronger beam."

"And if they have, the odds against their signalling just when we are
alive to the possibility of it are simply tremendous."

"I see nothing incredible in the coincidence. Two heads often conceive
the same idea about the same time, and why not two planets, if the hour
be ripe? Surely there is one and the same inspiring Soul in all the
universe. Besides, they may have been signalling for centuries, off and
on, without our knowing it."

"Then, again," said Gazen, with a pawky twinkle in his eye, "our
electric light may have woke them up."

"Perhaps they are signalling now," said I, "while we are wasting
precious time. I wish you would look."

"Yes, if you like; but I don't think you'll see any 'luminous
projections,' human or otherwise."

"I shall see the face of Mars, anyhow, and that will be a rare
experience. It seems to me that a view of the heavenly bodies through a
fine telescope, as well as a tour round the world, should form a part
of a liberal education. How many run to and fro upon the earth, hunting
for sights at great trouble and expense, but how few even think of that
sublimer scenery of the sky which can be seen without stirring far from
home! A peep at some distant orb has power to raise and purify our
thoughts like a strain of sacred music, or a noble picture, or a passage
from the grander poets. It always does one good."

Professor Gazen silently turned the great refracting telescope in the
direction of Mars, and peered attentively through its mighty tube for
several minutes.

"Is there any light?" I inquired.

"None," he replied, shaking his head. "Look for yourself."

I took his place at the eye-piece, and was almost startled to find the
little coppery star, which I had seen half-an-hour before, apparently
quite near, and transformed into a large globe. It resembled a gibbous
moon, for a considerable part of its disc was illuminated by the sun.

A dazzling spot marked one of its poles, and the rest of its visible
surface was mottled with ruddy and greenish tints which faded into white
at the rim. Fascinated by the spectacle of that living world, seen at a
glance, and pursuing its appointed course through the illimitable ether,
I forgot my quest, and a religious awe came over me akin to that felt
under t