Page 260 - AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

Around the World in 80 Days

‘No matter,’ replied Forster; ‘I think that by putting on
the very highest speed we might have a chance of getting
over.’
‘The devil!’ muttered Passepartout.

But a number of the passengers were at once attracted
by the engineer’s proposal, and Colonel Proctor was
especially delighted, and found the plan a very feasible
one. He told stories about engineers leaping their trains
over rivers without bridges, by putting on full steam; and
many of those present avowed themselves of the
engineer’s mind.
‘We have fifty chances out of a hundred of getting
over,’ said one.
‘Eighty! ninety!’
Passepartout was astounded, and, though ready to
attempt anything to get over Medicine Creek, thought the
experiment proposed a little too American. ‘Besides,’
thought he, ‘there’s a still more simple way, and it does
not even occur to any of these people! Sir,’ said he aloud
to one of the passengers, ‘the engineer’s plan seems to me
a little dangerous, but—‘
‘Eighty chances!’ replied the passenger, turning his back
on him.

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