It is the Vernal Equinox!"
There were shoutings and great rejoicings.
"But," said the Angle-Worm, uncoiling after reflection, "this is dead
summer-time."
"Very well," said the Turtle, "we are far from our region; the season
differs with the difference of time between the two points."
"Ah, true: True enough. But it is night. How should the sun pass in
the night?"
"In these distant regions he doubtless passes always in the night at this
hour."
"Yes, doubtless that is true. But it being night, how is it that we
could see him?"
"It is a great mystery. I grant that. But I am persuaded that the
humidity of the atmosphere in these remote regions is such that particles
of daylight adhere to the disk and it was by aid of these that we were
enabled to see the sun in the dark."
This was deemed satisfactory, and due entry was made of the decision.
But about this moment those dreadful shriekings were heard again; again
the rumbling and thundering came speeding up out of the night; and once
more a flaming great eye flashed by and lost itself in gloom and
distance.
The camp laborers gave themselves up for lost. The savants were sorely
perplexed.
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