Page 225 - AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

Around the World in 80 Days

For what purpose was this meeting? What was the
occasion of this excited assemblage? Phileas Fogg could
not imagine. Was it to nominate some high official—a
governor or member of Congress? It was not improbable,

so agitated was the multitude before them.
Just at this moment there was an unusual stir in the
human mass. All the hands were raised in the air. Some,
tightly closed, seemed to disappear suddenly in the midst
of the cries—an energetic way, no doubt, of casting a
vote. The crowd swayed back, the banners and flags
wavered, disappeared an instant, then reappeared in tatters.
The undulations of the human surge reached the steps,
while all the heads floundered on the surface like a sea
agitated by a squall. Many of the black hats disappeared,
and the greater part of the crowd seemed to have
diminished in height.
‘It is evidently a meeting,’ said Fix, ‘and its object must
be an exciting one. I should not wonder if it were about
the Alabama, despite the fact that that question is settled.’
‘Perhaps,’ replied Mr. Fogg, simply.
‘At least, there are two champions in presence of each
other, the Honourable Mr. Camerfield and the
Honourable Mr. Mandiboy.’

224 of 339