Page 185 - AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
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Around the World in 80 Days
solidly built. From time to time the coast was visible
through the broken mist, but no vessel was in sight. The
Tankadere was alone upon the sea.
There were some signs of a calm at noon, and these
became more distinct as the sun descended toward the
horizon. The tempest had been as brief as terrific. The
passengers, thoroughly exhausted, could now eat a little,
and take some repose.
The night was comparatively quiet. Some of the sails
were again hoisted, and the speed of the boat was very
good. The next morning at dawn they espied the coast,
and John Bunsby was able to assert that they were not one
hundred miles from Shanghai. A hundred miles, and only
one day to traverse them! That very evening Mr. Fogg
was due at Shanghai, if he did not wish to miss the steamer
to Yokohama. Had there been no storm, during which
several hours were lost, they would be at this moment
within thirty miles of their destination.
The wind grew decidedly calmer, and happily the sea
fell with it. All sails were now hoisted, and at noon the
Tankadere was within forty-five miles of Shanghai. There
remained yet six hours in which to accomplish that
distance. All on board feared that it could not be done,
and every one—Phileas Fogg, no doubt, excepted—felt
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