Page 226 - AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
P. 226
Around the World in 80 Days
Aouda, leaning upon Mr. Fogg’s arm, observed the
tumultuous scene with surprise, while Fix asked a man
near him what the cause of it all was. Before the man
could reply, a fresh agitation arose; hurrahs and excited
shouts were heard; the staffs of the banners began to be
used as offensive weapons; and fists flew about in every
direction. Thumps were exchanged from the tops of the
carriages and omnibuses which had been blocked up in the
crowd. Boots and shoes went whirling through the air,
and Mr. Fogg thought he even heard the crack of
revolvers mingling in the din, the rout approached the
stairway, and flowed over the lower step. One of the
parties had evidently been repulsed; but the mere lookers-
on could not tell whether Mandiboy or Camerfield had
gained the upper hand.
‘It would be prudent for us to retire,’ said Fix, who was
anxious that Mr. Fogg should not receive any injury, at
least until they got back to London. ‘If there is any
question about England in all this, and we were
recognised, I fear it would go hard with us.’
‘An English subject—’ began Mr. Fogg.
He did not finish his sentence; for a terrific hubbub
now arose on the terrace behind the flight of steps where
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