Page 150 - AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
P. 150
Around the World in 80 Days
four hours behind-hand, and the Yokohama steamer
would, of course, be missed.
The pilot went on board at six, and took his place on
the bridge, to guide the Rangoon through the channels to
the port of Hong Kong. Passepartout longed to ask him if
the steamer had left for Yokohama; but he dared not, for
he wished to preserve the spark of hope, which still
remained till the last moment. He had confided his anxiety
to Fix who—the sly rascal!—tried to console him by
saying that Mr. Fogg would be in time if he took the next
boat; but this only put Passepartout in a passion.
Mr. Fogg, bolder than his servant, did not hesitate to
approach the pilot, and tranquilly ask him if he knew
when a steamer would leave Hong Kong for Yokohama.
‘At high tide to-morrow morning,’ answered the pilot.
‘Ah!’ said Mr. Fogg, without betraying any
astonishment.
Passepartout, who heard what passed, would willingly
have embraced the pilot, while Fix would have been glad
to twist his neck.
‘What is the steamer’s name?’ asked Mr. Fogg.
‘The Carnatic.’
‘Ought she not to have gone yesterday?’
149 of 339
