Page 139 - AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

Around the World in 80 Days

unexpectedly on the Rangoon, was following Mr. Fogg’s
tracks step by step. What was Fix’s object? Passepartout
was ready to wager his Indian shoes—which he religiously
preserved—that Fix would also leave Hong Kong at the

same time with them, and probably on the same steamer.
Passepartout might have cudgelled his brain for a
century without hitting upon the real object which the
detective had in view. He never could have imagined that
Phileas Fogg was being tracked as a robber around the
globe. But, as it is in human nature to attempt the solution
of every mystery, Passepartout suddenly discovered an
explanation of Fix’s movements, which was in truth far
from unreasonable. Fix, he thought, could only be an
agent of Mr. Fogg’s friends at the Reform Club, sent to
follow him up, and to ascertain that he really went round
the world as had been agreed upon.
‘It’s clear!’ repeated the worthy servant to himself,
proud of his shrewdness. ‘He’s a spy sent to keep us in
view! That isn’t quite the thing, either, to be spying Mr.
Fogg, who is so honourable a man! Ah, gentlemen of the
Reform, this shall cost you dear!’
Passepartout, enchanted with his discovery, resolved to
say nothing to his master, lest he should be justly offended
at this mistrust on the part of his adversaries. But he

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