Page 299 - AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

Around the World in 80 Days

‘Money is no object?’
‘None.’
The captain spoke in a tone which did not admit of a
reply.

‘But the owners of the Henrietta—’ resumed Phileas
Fogg.
‘The owners are myself,’ replied the captain. ‘The
vessel belongs to me.’
‘I will freight it for you.’
‘No.’
‘I will buy it of you.’
‘No.’
Phileas Fogg did not betray the least disappointment;
but the situation was a grave one. It was not at New York
as at Hong Kong, nor with the captain of the Henrietta as
with the captain of the Tankadere. Up to this time money
had smoothed away every obstacle. Now money failed.
Still, some means must be found to cross the Atlantic
on a boat, unless by balloon—which would have been
venturesome, besides not being capable of being put in
practice. It seemed that Phileas Fogg had an idea, for he
said to the captain, ‘Well, will you carry me to Bordeaux?’
‘No, not if you paid me two hundred dollars.’
‘I offer you two thousand.’

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