Page 90 - AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

Around the World in 80 Days

The principal chain of the Vindhias was crossed by
eight in the evening, and another halt was made on the
northern slope, in a ruined bungalow. They had gone
nearly twenty-five miles that day, and an equal distance

still separated them from the station of Allahabad.
The night was cold. The Parsee lit a fire in the
bungalow with a few dry branches, and the warmth was
very grateful, provisions purchased at Kholby sufficed for
supper, and the travellers ate ravenously. The
conversation, beginning with a few disconnected phrases,
soon gave place to loud and steady snores. The guide
watched Kiouni, who slept standing, bolstering himself
against the trunk of a large tree. Nothing occurred during
the night to disturb the slumberers, although occasional
growls front panthers and chatterings of monkeys broke
the silence; the more formidable beasts made no cries or
hostile demonstration against the occupants of the
bungalow. Sir Francis slept heavily, like an honest soldier
overcome with fatigue. Passepartout was wrapped in
uneasy dreams of the bouncing of the day before. As for
Mr. Fogg, he slumbered as peacefully as if he had been in
his serene mansion in Saville Row.
The journey was resumed at six in the morning; the
guide hoped to reach Allahabad by evening. In that case,

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