Off on a Comet! a Journey through Planetary Space

How it begins

“I am sorry, count, but in such a matter your views cannot modify mine.” “But allow me to point out that my seniority unquestionably gives me a prior right.” “Mere seniority, I assert, in an affair of this kind, cannot possibly entitle you to any prior claim whatever.” “Then, captain, no alternative is left but for me to compel you to yield at the sword’s point.” “As you please, count; but neither sword nor pistol can force me to forego my pretensions. Here is my card.” This rapid altercation was thus brought to an end by the formal interchange of the names of the disputants.