Page 159 - AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

Around the World in 80 Days

Passepartout, at this, looked attentively at his
companion. Fix’s face seemed to have a singular
expression. He resumed his seat.
‘What is it that you have to say?’

Fix placed his hand upon Passepartout’s arm, and,
lowering his voice, said, ‘You have guessed who I am?’
‘Parbleu!’ said Passepartout, smiling.
‘Then I’m going to tell you everything—‘
‘Now that I know everything, my friend! Ah! that’s
very good. But go on, go on. First, though, let me tell you
that those gentlemen have put themselves to a useless
expense.’
‘Useless!’ said Fix. ‘You speak confidently. It’s clear
that you don’t know how large the sum is.’
‘Of course I do,’ returned Passepartout. ‘Twenty
thousand pounds.’
‘Fifty-five thousand!’ answered Fix, pressing his
companion’s hand.
‘What!’ cried the Frenchman. ‘Has Monsieur Fogg
dared— fifty-five thousand pounds! Well, there’s all the
more reason for not losing an instant,’ he continued,
getting up hastily.
Fix pushed Passepartout back in his chair, and resumed:
‘Fifty-five thousand pounds; and if I succeed, I get two

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