Page 167 - AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

Around the World in 80 Days

At this moment a man who had been observing him
attentively approached. It was Fix, who, bowing,
addressed Mr. Fogg: ‘Were you not, like me, sir, a
passenger by the Rangoon, which arrived yesterday?’

‘I was, sir,’ replied Mr. Fogg coldly. ‘But I have not the
honour—‘
‘Pardon me; I thought I should find your servant here.’
‘Do you know where he is, sir?’ asked Aouda
anxiously.
‘What!’ responded Fix, feigning surprise. ‘Is he not
with you?’
‘No,’ said Aouda. ‘He has not made his appearance
since yesterday. Could he have gone on board the
Carnatic without us?’
‘Without you, madam?’ answered the detective.
‘Excuse me, did you intend to sail in the Carnatic?’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘So did I, madam, and I am excessively disappointed.
The Carnatic, its repairs being completed, left Hong Kong
twelve hours before the stated time, without any notice
being given; and we must now wait a week for another
steamer.’
As he said ‘a week’ Fix felt his heart leap for joy. Fogg
detained at Hong Kong for a week! There would be time

166 of 339