Page 265 - AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

Around the World in 80 Days

Fort McPherson was left behind at eight in the
morning, and three hundred and fifty-seven miles had yet
to be traversed before reaching Omaha. The road followed
the capricious windings of the southern branch of the

Platte River, on its left bank. At nine the train stopped at
the important town of North Platte, built between the
two arms of the river, which rejoin each other around it
and form a single artery, a large tributary, whose waters
empty into the Missouri a little above Omaha.
The one hundred and first meridian was passed.
Mr. Fogg and his partners had resumed their game; no
one—not even the dummy— complained of the length of
the trip. Fix had begun by winning several guineas, which
he seemed likely to lose; but he showed himself a not less
eager whist-player than Mr. Fogg. During the morning,
chance distinctly favoured that gentleman. Trumps and
honours were showered upon his hands.
Once, having resolved on a bold stroke, he was on the
point of playing a spade, when a voice behind him said, ‘I
should play a diamond.’
Mr. Fogg, Aouda, and Fix raised their heads, and
beheld Colonel Proctor.
Stamp Proctor and Phileas Fogg recognised each other
at once.

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