by Verne, Jules, 1828-1905
Available in 101 free installments
Owner:
"Yes ; John Bunsby, master of the ' Tankadere.'"
"Would you like some earnest-money }''
" If it would not put your honour out?"
" Here are two hundred pounds on account. Sir," added Phileas Fogg, turning to Fix, "if you would like to take advantage?"
'' Thanks, sir; I was about to ask the favour."
"Very well. In half an hour we shall go on board."
" But poor Passepartout V urged Aouda, who was much disturbed by the servant's disappearance.
" I shall do all I can to find him," replied Phileas Fogg.
While Fix, in a feverish, nervous state, repaired to the pilot-boat the others directed their course to the police-station at Hong Kong. Phileas Fogg there gave Passepartout's description, and left a sum of money to be spent in the search for him. The same formalities having been gone through at the French consulate, and the palanquin having stopped at the hotel for the luggage, which had been sent back there, they returned to the wharf.
It was now three o'clock; and pilot-boat No. 43, with its
crew on board, and its proMsions stored away, was read}-for departure.
The "Tankadere" was a neat little craft of twenty tons, as gracefull}' built as if she were a racing yacht. Her shining copper sheathing, her galvanized iron-work, her deck, A\hite as ivor}', betrayed the pride taken by John Bunsby in making her presentable. Her two masts leaned a trifle backward ; she carried brigantine, foresail, storm-jib, and standing-jib, and was well rigged for running before the wind ; and she seemed capable of brisk speed, which, indeed, she had already proved by gaining several prizes in pilot-boat races. The crew of the '* Tankadere " w^as composed of John Bunsby, the master, and four hardy mariners, who were familiar with the Chinese seas. John Bunsby himself, a man of forty-five or thereabouts, vigorous, sunburnt, with a sprightly expression of the eye, and energetic and self-reliant countenance, would have inspired confidence in the most timid.
Phileas Fogg and Aouda went on board, where they found Fix already installed. Below deck was a square cabin, of which the walls bulged out in the form of cots, above a circular divan ; in the centre was a table provided with a swinging lamp. The accommodation was confined, but neat.
'' I am sorry to have nothing better to offer you," said ]\Ir. Fogg to Fix,, who bowed without responding.
"I EEGEET HAVING NOTHING- BETTER TO OFFEE YOU," SAID MR. FOGG TO FIX.
The detective had a feeling akin to humiliation in profiting by the kindness of Mr. Fogg.
*' It's certain," thought he, ''though rascal as he is, he is a polite one !"
The sails and the English flag were hoisted at ten minutes past three. Mr. Fogg and Aouda, who were seated on deck, cast a last glance at the quay, in the hope of espying Passepartout. Fix was not without his fears lest chance should direct the steps of the unfortunate servant, whom he had so badly treated, in this direction ; in which case an explanation the reverse of satisfactory to the detective must have ensued. But the Frenchman did not appear, and, without doubt, Avas still lying under the stupifying influence of the opium.
John Bunsby, master, at length gave the order to start, and the '' Tankadere," taking the wind under her brigantine, foresail, and standing-jib, bounded briskly forward over the waves.
M
CHAPTER XXI.
IX ^YHICH THE MASTER OF THE " TANKADERE " RUNS GREAT RISK OF LOSIXG A REWARD OF TW^O HUNDRED POUXDS.
This voyage of eight hundred miles was a perilous venture, on a craft of twenty tons, and at that season of the yean The Chinese seas are usually boisterous, subject to terrible gales of wind, and especially during the equinoxes ; and it was now early November.
It would clearly have been to the master's advantage to carry his passengers to Yokohama, since he was paid a certain sum per day ; but he would have been rash to attempt such a voyage, and it was imprudent even to attempt to reach Shanghai. But John Bunsby beheved in the '' Tankadere," which rode on the waves like a seagull ; and perhaps he was not wrong.
Late in the day they passed through the capricious channels of Hong Kong, and the "Tankadere," impelled by favourable winds, conducted herself admirably.
r^
THE YOUNG WOMAN, SITTING IN THE STEEN, WAS LOST IN CONTEMPLATION.
