the midday
sun
Of that crowd of spectators one-third alone could see and hear ; a second third saw badly , and did not hear . As to the remaining third , it neither heard nor saw , though it was not the least eager to applaud . At three o'clock Michel Ardan made his appearance , accompanied by the principal members of the Gun Club . He gave his right arm to President Barbicane , and his left to J.T. Maston , more radiant than the midday sun , and nearly as ruddy . Ardan mounted the platform , from which his eyes extended over a forest of black hats . He did not seem in the least embarrassed ; he did not pose ; he was at home there , gay , familiar , and amiable . To the cheers that greeted him he answered by a gracious bow ; then with his hand asked for silence , began to speak in English , and expressed himself very correctly in these terms : -- `` Gentlemen , '' said he , `` although it is very warm , I intend to keep you a few minutes to give you some explanation of the projects which have appeared to interest you .