Page 241 - AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
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Around the World in 80 Days
black silk hat, a black waistcoat, black trousers, a white
cravat, and dogskin gloves. He might have been taken for
a clergyman. He went from one end of the train to the
other, and affixed to the door of each car a notice written
in manuscript.
Passepartout approached and read one of these notices,
which stated that Elder William Hitch, Mormon
missionary, taking advantage of his presence on train No.
48, would deliver a lecture on Mormonism in car No.
117, from eleven to twelve o’clock; and that he invited all
who were desirous of being instructed concerning the
mysteries of the religion of the ‘Latter Day Saints’ to
attend.
‘I’ll go,’ said Passepartout to himself. He knew nothing
of Mormonism except the custom of polygamy, which is
its foundation.
The news quickly spread through the train, which
contained about one hundred passengers, thirty of whom,
at most, attracted by the notice, ensconced themselves in
car No. 117. Passepartout took one of the front seats.
Neither Mr. Fogg nor Fix cared to attend.
At the appointed hour Elder William Hitch rose, and,
in an irritated voice, as if he had already been
contradicted, said, ‘I tell you that Joe Smith is a martyr,
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