Page 110 - AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

Around the World in 80 Days

what was passing, and now, wrapped up in a travelling-
blanket, was reposing in one of the howdahs.
The elephant, thanks to the skilful guidance of the
Parsee, was advancing rapidly through the still darksome

forest, and, an hour after leaving the pagoda, had crossed a
vast plain. They made a halt at seven o’clock, the young
woman being still in a state of complete prostration. The
guide made her drink a little brandy and water, but the
drowsiness which stupefied her could not yet be shaken
off. Sir Francis, who was familiar with the effects of the
intoxication produced by the fumes of hemp, reassured his
companions on her account. But he was more disturbed at
the prospect of her future fate. He told Phileas Fogg that,
should Aouda remain in India, she would inevitably fall
again into the hands of her executioners. These fanatics
were scattered throughout the county, and would, despite
the English police, recover their victim at Madras,
Bombay, or Calcutta. She would only be safe by quitting
India for ever.
Phileas Fogg replied that he would reflect upon the
matter.
The station at Allahabad was reached about ten o’clock,
and, the interrupted line of railway being resumed, would
enable them to reach Calcutta in less than twenty-four

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