270 THE STORY-BOOK OF SCIENCE 



frightful weight travels in the sky with such rapid- 

 ity.'" 



"Yes, my friend; with a speed of twenty-seven 

 thousand leagues an hour the terrestrial ball goes 

 rolling through space, without axle, without support, 

 always on the ideal line that has been given it for 

 its race-track. Who caused it to move so rapidly 

 that the very thought of it makes you feel giddy? 

 Let us bow the head, my children ; it is the power of 

 God." 



