The Passenger by the Atlanta
- News of this telegram spreads immediately. Most of the Gun Club is skeptical, except for the every-effusive J.T. Maston who calls it a "magnificent idea" (18.5).
- The Atlanta arrives in Tampa on October twentieth, and Barbicane rushes onto the ship and introduces himself to Michel Ardan.
- Ardan is a charming and "adventuresome fellow" (18.41); he's well-known across Europe for his ambitious adventures, though few know his name in the U.S.
- The two men introduce themselves, and Ardan suggests holding a meeting of the Gun Club so he can present his new idea.