Chapter 18 The Passenger of the Atlanta If this astounding news, instead of flying through the electric wires, had simply arrived by post in the ordinary sealed envel-ope, Barbicane would not have hesitated a moment. He would have held his tongue about it, both as a measure of prudence, and in order not to have to reconsider his plans. This telegram might be a cover for some jest, especially as it came from a Frenchman. What human being would ever have conceived the idea of such a journey? and, if such a person really existed, he must be an idiot,