Page 318 - AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
P. 318
Around the World in 80 Days
Reform Club by a quarter before nine, p.m. His forehead
slightly wrinkled.
At thirty-three minutes past two he heard a singular
noise outside, then a hasty opening of doors. Passepartout’s
voice was audible, and immediately after that of Fix.
Phileas Fogg’s eyes brightened for an instant.
The door swung open, and he saw Passepartout,
Aouda, and Fix, who hurried towards him.
Fix was out of breath, and his hair was in disorder. He
could not speak. ‘Sir,’ he stammered, ‘sir—forgive me—
most— unfortunate resemblance— robber arrested three
days ago—you are free!’
Phileas Fogg was free! He walked to the detective,
looked him steadily in the face, and with the only rapid
motion he had ever made in his life, or which he ever
would make, drew back his arms, and with the precision
of a machine knocked Fix down.
‘Well hit!’ cried Passepartout, ‘Parbleu! that’s what you
might call a good application of English fists!’
Fix, who found himself on the floor, did not utter a
word. He had only received his deserts. Mr. Fogg, Aouda,
and Passepartout left the Custom House without delay,
got into a cab, and in a few moments descended at the
station.
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