by Verne, Jules, 1828-1905
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" Mr. Fix," he stammered, ''even should what you say be true?if my master is really the robber you are seeking for?which I deny?I have been, am, in his service ; I have seen his generosity and goodness ; and I will never betray him?not for all the gold in the world. I come from a village where they don't eat that kind of bread!"
" You refuse ?"
" I refuse."
*' Consider that I've said nothing," said Fix ; " and let us drink."
" Yes ; let us drink !"
Passepartout felt himself yielding more and more to the effects of the liquor. Fix, seeing that he must, at all haz ards, be separated from his master, wished to entirely overcome him. Some pipes full of opium lay upon the table. Fix slipped one into Passepartout's hand. He took it, put it between his lips, lit it, drew several puffs, and his head, becoming heavy under the influence of the narcotic, fell upon the table.
"At last!" said Fix, seeing Passepartout unconscious.
"Mr. Fogg will not be informed of tlic time of the * Car-natic's'departure ; and, if he is, lie will have to go without this cursed Frenchman ! "
And, after paying his bill, Fix left the tavern.
CHAPTER XX.
IN WHICH FIX COMES FACE TO FACE WITH PHILEAS
FOGG.
While these events were passing at the opium-house Mr. Fogg, unconscious of the danger he was in of losing the steamer, was quietly escorting Aouda about the streets of the English quarter, making the necessary purchases for the long voyage before them. It was all very well for an Englishman like Mr. Fogg to make the tour of the world with a carpet-bag ; a lady could not be expected to travel comfortably under such conditions. He acquitted his task with characteristic serenity, and invariably replied to the remonstrances of his fair companion, who was confused by his patience and generosity,?
" It is in the interest of my journey?a part of my programme."
The purchases made, they returned to the hotel, where they dined at a sumptuously served tahlc-tVJiotc; after which
Aouda, shaking hands withHicr protector after the Enghsh fashion, retired to her room for rest. Mr. Fogg absorbed himself throughout the evening in the perusal of the Times and Illiistyatcd London News.
Had he been capable of being astonished at anything, it would have been not to see his servant return at bedtime. But, knowing that the steamer was not to leave for Yokohama until the next morninq;, he did not disturb himself about the matter. When Passepartout did not appear the next morning, to answer his master's bell, Mr. Fogg, not betraying the least,^ vexation, contented himself with taking his carpet-bag, calling Aouda, and sending for a palanquin.
It was then eight o'clock ; at half-past nine, it being then high tide, the " Carnatic" would leave the harbour. Mr. Fogg and Aouda got into the palanquin, their luggage being brought after on a wheelbarrow, and half an hour later stepped upon the quay whence they were to embark. Mr. Fogg then learned that the " Carnatic" had sailed the evening before. He had expected to find not only the steamer, but his domestic, and was forced^to give up both ; but no sign of disappointment appeared on his face, and he merely remarked to Aouda, " It is an accident, madam ; nothing more."
At this moment a man who had been observing him attentively approached. It was Fix, who, bowing, ad-
dressed Mr. Fogg : "Were you not, like me, sir, a passenger by the * Rangoon,' which arrived yesterday.^"
" I was, sir," repHed Mr. Fogg coldly. '' But I have not the honour?"
*' Pardon me; I thought I should find your servant here."
''Do you know where he is, sir.^" asked Aouda anxiously.
'' What! " responded Fix, feigning surprise. *' Is he not w^ith you .^"
" No," said Aouda. " He has not made his appearance since yesterday. Could he have gone on board the ' Carnatic ' without us V
" Without you, madam .?" answered the detective. " Excuse me, did you intend to sail in the * Carnatic'.^ "
'' Yes, sir."
" So did I, madam, and I am excessively disappointed. The ' Carnatic,' its repairs being completed, left Hong Kong twelve hours before the stated time, w-ithout any notice being given ; and we must now^ w^ait a w^eek for another steamer."
