Page 113 - AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
P. 113
Around the World in 80 Days
wealth of its treasures; and beneath the silken folds of her
tunic she seems to have been modelled in pure silver by
the godlike hand of Vicvarcarma, the immortal sculptor.’
It is enough to say, without applying this poetical
rhapsody to Aouda, that she was a charming woman, in all
the European acceptation of the phrase. She spoke English
with great purity, and the guide had not exaggerated in
saying that the young Parsee had been transformed by her
bringing up.
The train was about to start from Allahabad, and Mr.
Fogg proceeded to pay the guide the price agreed upon
for his service, and not a farthing more; which astonished
Passepartout, who remembered all that his master owed to
the guide’s devotion. He had, indeed, risked his life in the
adventure at Pillaji, and, if he should be caught afterwards
by the Indians, he would with difficulty escape their
vengeance. Kiouni, also, must be disposed of. What
should be done with the elephant, which had been so
dearly purchased? Phileas Fogg had already determined this
question.
‘Parsee,’ said he to the guide, ‘you have been
serviceable and devoted. I have paid for your service, but
not for your devotion. Would you like to have this
elephant? He is yours.’
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