Page 140 - AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

Around the World in 80 Days

determined to chaff Fix, when he had the chance, with
mysterious allusions, which, however, need not betray his
real suspicions.
During the afternoon of Wednesday, 30th October, the

Rangoon entered the Strait of Malacca, which separates
the peninsula of that name from Sumatra. The
mountainous and craggy islets intercepted the beauties of
this noble island from the view of the travellers. The
Rangoon weighed anchor at Singapore the next day at
four a.m., to receive coal, having gained half a day on the
prescribed time of her arrival. Phileas Fogg noted this gain
in his journal, and then, accompanied by Aouda, who
betrayed a desire for a walk on shore, disembarked.
Fix, who suspected Mr. Fogg’s every movement,
followed them cautiously, without being himself
perceived; while Passepartout, laughing in his sleeve at
Fix’s manoeuvres, went about his usual errands.
The island of Singapore is not imposing in aspect, for
there are no mountains; yet its appearance is not without
attractions. It is a park checkered by pleasant highways and
avenues. A handsome carriage, drawn by a sleek pair of
New Holland horses, carried Phileas Fogg and Aouda into
the midst of rows of palms with brilliant foliage, and of
clove-trees, whereof the cloves form the heart of a half-

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