Page 291 - AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

Around the World in 80 Days

firmly. These lashings, like the chords of a stringed
instrument, resounded as if vibrated by a violin bow. The
sledge slid along in the midst of a plaintively intense
melody.

‘Those chords give the fifth and the octave,’ said Mr.
Fogg.
These were the only words he uttered during the
journey. Aouda, cosily packed in furs and cloaks, was
sheltered as much as possible from the attacks of the
freezing wind. As for Passepartout, his face was as red as
the sun’s disc when it sets in the mist, and he laboriously
inhaled the biting air. With his natural buoyancy of spirits,
he began to hope again. They would reach New York on
the evening, if not on the morning, of the 11th, and there
was still some chances that it would be before the steamer
sailed for Liverpool.
Passepartout even felt a strong desire to grasp his ally,
Fix, by the hand. He remembered that it was the detective
who procured the sledge, the only means of reaching
Omaha in time; but, checked by some presentiment, he
kept his usual reserve. One thing, however, Passepartout
would never forget, and that was the sacrifice which Mr.
Fogg had made, without hesitation, to rescue him from

290 of 339