The operator
hesitated a moment, to reflect in what manner he could render this
change of service in furthering his favorite system, and then
continued,--
"It would be wise, John, to advise the colonel to keep at long shot; a
spent ball will disable--"
"No!" exclaimed the trooper, impatiently, "let the rascals singe their
whiskers at the muzzles of the British muskets, if they can be driven
there. But, enough of them. Archibald, do you deem that moon to be a
world like this, containing creatures like ourselves?"
"Nothing more probable, dear John; we know its size and, reasoning from
analogy, may easily conjecture its use. Whether or not its inhabitants
have attained to that perfection in the sciences which we have acquired,
must depend greatly on the state of its society, and in some measure
upon its physical influences."
"I care nothing about their learning, Archibald; but 'tis a wonderful
power that can create such worlds, and control them in their wanderings.
I know not why, but there is a feeling of melancholy excited within me
as I gaze on that body of light, shaded as it is by your fancied sea and
land. It seems to be the resting place of departed spirits!"
"Take a drop, darling," said Betty, raising her head once more, and
proffering her own bottle.
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