Reading Help Around the world in eighty days Ch.VII-XIII
Until he had secured his extradition, he would not lose sight of him for an hour. `
` It was his duty, and he would fulfil it to the end. At all events, `
` there was one thing to be thankful for; Passepartout was not with his master; `
` and it was above all important, after the confidences Fix had imparted to him, `
` that the servant should never have speech with his master. `
` `
` Phileas Fogg was also thinking of Passepartout, who had so `
` strangely disappeared. Looking at the matter from every point of view, `
` it did not seem to him impossible that, by some mistake, the man might `
` have embarked on the Carnatic at the last moment; and this was also `
` Aouda's opinion, who regretted very much the loss of the worthy fellow `
` to whom she owed so much. They might then find him at Yokohama; `
` for, if the Carnatic was carrying him thither, it would be easy `
` to ascertain if he had been on board. `
` `
` A brisk breeze arose about ten o'clock; but, though it might `
` have been prudent to take in a reef, the pilot, after carefully `
` examining the heavens, let the craft remain rigged as before. `
` The Tankadere bore sail admirably, as she drew a great deal of water, `
` and everything was prepared for high speed in case of a gale. `
` `
` Mr. Fogg and Aouda descended into the cabin at midnight, `
` having been already preceded by Fix, who had lain down on one of the cots. `
` The pilot and crew remained on deck all night. `
` `
` At sunrise the next day, which was 8th November, the boat had made `
` more than one hundred miles. The log indicated a mean speed of between `
` eight and nine miles. The Tankadere still carried all sail, `
` and was accomplishing her greatest capacity of speed. `
` If the wind held as it was, the chances would be in her favour. `
` During the day she kept along the coast, where the currents were favourable; `
` the coast, irregular in profile, and visible sometimes across the clearings, `
` was at most five miles distant. The sea was less boisterous, `
` since the wind came off land--a fortunate circumstance for the boat, `
` which would suffer, owing to its small tonnage, by a heavy surge on the sea. `
` `
` The breeze subsided a little towards noon, and set in from the south-west. `
` The pilot put up his poles, but took them down again within two hours, `
` as the wind freshened up anew. `
` `
` Mr. Fogg and Aouda, happily unaffected by the roughness of the sea, `
` ate with a good appetite, Fix being invited to share their repast, `
` which he accepted with secret chagrin. To travel at this man's `
` expense and live upon his provisions was not palatable to him. `
` Still, he was obliged to eat, and so he ate. `
` `
` When the meal was over, he took Mr. Fogg apart, and said, `
` "sir"--this "sir" scorched his lips, and he had to control himself `
` to avoid collaring this "gentleman"--"sir, you have been very kind `
` to give me a passage on this boat. But, though my means will not admit `
` of my expending them as freely as you, I must ask to pay my share--" `
` `
` "Let us not speak of that, sir," replied Mr. Fogg. `
` `
` "But, if I insist--" `
` `
` "No, sir," repeated Mr. Fogg, in a tone which did not admit of a `
` reply. "This enters into my general expenses." `
` `
` Fix, as he bowed, had a stifled feeling, and, going forward, `
` where he ensconced himself, did not open his mouth for the rest of the day. `
` `
` Meanwhile they were progressing famously, and John Bunsby was `
` in high hope. He several times assured Mr. Fogg that they would `
` reach Shanghai in time; to which that gentleman responded `
` that he counted upon it. The crew set to work in good earnest, `
` inspired by the reward to be gained. There was not a sheet `
` which was not tightened not a sail which was not vigorously hoisted; `
` not a lurch could be charged to the man at the helm. They worked `
` as desperately as if they were contesting in a Royal yacht regatta. `
` `
` By evening, the log showed that two hundred and twenty miles had been `
` accomplished from Hong Kong, and Mr. Fogg might hope that he would be able `
` to reach Yokohama without recording any delay in his journal; in which case, `
` the many misadventures which had overtaken him since he left London `
` would not seriously affect his journey. `
` `
` The Tankadere entered the Straits of Fo-Kien, which separate `
` the island of Formosa from the Chinese coast, in the small hours `
` of the night, and crossed the Tropic of Cancer. The sea was very `
` rough in the straits, full of eddies formed by the counter-currents, `
` and the chopping waves broke her course, whilst it became very difficult `
` to stand on deck. `
` `
` At daybreak the wind began to blow hard again, and the heavens `
` seemed to predict a gale. The barometer announced a speedy change, `
` the mercury rising and falling capriciously; the sea also, `
` in the south-east, raised long surges which indicated a tempest. `
` The sun had set the evening before in a red mist, `
` in the midst of the phosphorescent scintillations of the ocean. `
` `
` John Bunsby long examined the threatening aspect of the heavens, `
` muttering indistinctly between his teeth. At last he said in a low voice `
` to Mr. Fogg, "Shall I speak out to your honour?" `
` `
` "Of course." `
` `
` "Well, we are going to have a squall." `
` `
` "Is the wind north or south?" asked Mr. Fogg quietly. `
` `
` "South. Look! a typhoon is coming up." `
` `
` "Glad it's a typhoon from the south, for it will carry us forward." `
` `
` "Oh, if you take it that way," said John Bunsby, "I've nothing more to say." `
` John Bunsby's suspicions were confirmed. At a less advanced season of the year `
` the typhoon, according to a famous meteorologist, would have passed away `
` like a luminous cascade of electric flame; but in the winter equinox `
` it was to be feared that it would burst upon them with great violence. `
` `
` The pilot took his precautions in advance. He reefed all sail, `
` the pole-masts were dispensed with; all hands went forward to the bows. `
` A single triangular sail, of strong canvas, was hoisted as a storm-jib, `
` so as to hold the wind from behind. Then they waited. `
` `
` John Bunsby had requested his passengers to go below; but this `
` imprisonment in so narrow a space, with little air, and the boat `
` bouncing in the gale, was far from pleasant. Neither Mr. Fogg, `
` Fix, nor Aouda consented to leave the deck. `
` `
` The storm of rain and wind descended upon them towards eight o'clock. `
` With but its bit of sail, the Tankadere was lifted like a feather by a wind, `
` an idea of whose violence can scarcely be given. To compare her speed `
` to four times that of a locomotive going on full steam would be below `
` the truth. `
` `
` The boat scudded thus northward during the whole day, borne on `
` by monstrous waves, preserving always, fortunately, a speed equal `
` to theirs. Twenty times she seemed almost to be submerged by `
` these mountains of water which rose behind her; but the adroit `
` management of the pilot saved her. The passengers were often `
` bathed in spray, but they submitted to it philosophically. `
` Fix cursed it, no doubt; but Aouda, with her eyes fastened upon `
` her protector, whose coolness amazed her, showed herself worthy `
` of him, and bravely weathered the storm. As for Phileas Fogg, `
` it seemed just as if the typhoon were a part of his programme. `
` `
` Up to this time the Tankadere had always held her course to the north; `
` but towards evening the wind, veering three quarters, bore down from `
` the north-west. The boat, now lying in the trough of the waves, `
` shook and rolled terribly; the sea struck her with fearful violence. `
` At night the tempest increased in violence. John Bunsby saw the approach `
` of darkness and the rising of the storm with dark misgivings. `
` He thought awhile, and then asked his crew if it was not time to slacken speed. `
` After a consultation he approached Mr. Fogg, and said, "I think, your honour, `
` that we should do well to make for one of the ports on the coast." `
` `
` "I think so too." `
` `
` "Ah!" said the pilot. "But which one?" `
` `
` "I know of but one," returned Mr. Fogg tranquilly. `
` `
` "And that is--" `
` `
` "Shanghai." `
` `
` The pilot, at first, did not seem to comprehend; he could `
` scarcely realise so much determination and tenacity. `
` Then he cried, "Well--yes! Your honour is right. To Shanghai!" `
` `
` So the Tankadere kept steadily on her northward track. `
` `
` The night was really terrible; it would be a miracle if the `
` craft did not founder. Twice it could have been all over with her `
` if the crew had not been constantly on the watch. Aouda was exhausted, `
` but did not utter a complaint. More than once Mr. Fogg rushed `
` to protect her from the violence of the waves. `
` `
` Day reappeared. The tempest still raged with undiminished fury; `
` but the wind now returned to the south-east. It was a favourable change, `
` and the Tankadere again bounded forward on this mountainous sea, `
` though the waves crossed each other, and imparted shocks and counter-shocks `
` which would have crushed a craft less solidly built. From time to time `
` the coast was visible through the broken mist, but no vessel was in sight. `
` The Tankadere was alone upon the sea. `
` `
` There were some signs of a calm at noon, and these became more distinct `
` as the sun descended toward the horizon. The tempest had been as brief `
` as terrific. The passengers, thoroughly exhausted, could now eat a little, `
` and take some repose. `
` `
` The night was comparatively quiet. Some of the sails were again hoisted, `
` and the speed of the boat was very good. The next morning at dawn `
` they espied the coast, and John Bunsby was able to assert that they were `
` not one hundred miles from Shanghai. A hundred miles, and only one day `
` to traverse them! That very evening Mr. Fogg was due at Shanghai, `
` if he did not wish to miss the steamer to Yokohama. Had there been no storm, `
` during which several hours were lost, they would be at this moment within `
` thirty miles of their destination. `
` `
` The wind grew decidedly calmer, and happily the sea fell with it. `
` All sails were now hoisted, and at noon the Tankadere was within `
` forty-five miles of Shanghai. There remained yet six hours `
` in which to accomplish that distance. All on board feared `
` that it could not be done, and every one--Phileas Fogg, no doubt, `
` excepted--felt his heart beat with impatience. The boat must keep up `
` an average of nine miles an hour, and the wind was becoming calmer `
` every moment! It was a capricious breeze, coming from the coast, `
` and after it passed the sea became smooth. Still, the Tankadere `
`
` It was his duty, and he would fulfil it to the end. At all events, `
` there was one thing to be thankful for; Passepartout was not with his master; `
` and it was above all important, after the confidences Fix had imparted to him, `
` that the servant should never have speech with his master. `
` `
` Phileas Fogg was also thinking of Passepartout, who had so `
` strangely disappeared. Looking at the matter from every point of view, `
` it did not seem to him impossible that, by some mistake, the man might `
` have embarked on the Carnatic at the last moment; and this was also `
` Aouda's opinion, who regretted very much the loss of the worthy fellow `
` to whom she owed so much. They might then find him at Yokohama; `
` for, if the Carnatic was carrying him thither, it would be easy `
` to ascertain if he had been on board. `
` `
` A brisk breeze arose about ten o'clock; but, though it might `
` have been prudent to take in a reef, the pilot, after carefully `
` examining the heavens, let the craft remain rigged as before. `
` The Tankadere bore sail admirably, as she drew a great deal of water, `
` and everything was prepared for high speed in case of a gale. `
` `
` Mr. Fogg and Aouda descended into the cabin at midnight, `
` having been already preceded by Fix, who had lain down on one of the cots. `
` The pilot and crew remained on deck all night. `
` `
` At sunrise the next day, which was 8th November, the boat had made `
` more than one hundred miles. The log indicated a mean speed of between `
` eight and nine miles. The Tankadere still carried all sail, `
` and was accomplishing her greatest capacity of speed. `
` If the wind held as it was, the chances would be in her favour. `
` During the day she kept along the coast, where the currents were favourable; `
` the coast, irregular in profile, and visible sometimes across the clearings, `
` was at most five miles distant. The sea was less boisterous, `
` since the wind came off land--a fortunate circumstance for the boat, `
` which would suffer, owing to its small tonnage, by a heavy surge on the sea. `
` `
` The breeze subsided a little towards noon, and set in from the south-west. `
` The pilot put up his poles, but took them down again within two hours, `
` as the wind freshened up anew. `
` `
` Mr. Fogg and Aouda, happily unaffected by the roughness of the sea, `
` ate with a good appetite, Fix being invited to share their repast, `
` which he accepted with secret chagrin. To travel at this man's `
` expense and live upon his provisions was not palatable to him. `
` Still, he was obliged to eat, and so he ate. `
` `
` When the meal was over, he took Mr. Fogg apart, and said, `
` "sir"--this "sir" scorched his lips, and he had to control himself `
` to avoid collaring this "gentleman"--"sir, you have been very kind `
` to give me a passage on this boat. But, though my means will not admit `
` of my expending them as freely as you, I must ask to pay my share--" `
` `
` "Let us not speak of that, sir," replied Mr. Fogg. `
` `
` "But, if I insist--" `
` `
` "No, sir," repeated Mr. Fogg, in a tone which did not admit of a `
` reply. "This enters into my general expenses." `
` `
` Fix, as he bowed, had a stifled feeling, and, going forward, `
` where he ensconced himself, did not open his mouth for the rest of the day. `
` `
` Meanwhile they were progressing famously, and John Bunsby was `
` in high hope. He several times assured Mr. Fogg that they would `
` reach Shanghai in time; to which that gentleman responded `
` that he counted upon it. The crew set to work in good earnest, `
` inspired by the reward to be gained. There was not a sheet `
` which was not tightened not a sail which was not vigorously hoisted; `
` not a lurch could be charged to the man at the helm. They worked `
` as desperately as if they were contesting in a Royal yacht regatta. `
` `
` By evening, the log showed that two hundred and twenty miles had been `
` accomplished from Hong Kong, and Mr. Fogg might hope that he would be able `
` to reach Yokohama without recording any delay in his journal; in which case, `
` the many misadventures which had overtaken him since he left London `
` would not seriously affect his journey. `
` `
` The Tankadere entered the Straits of Fo-Kien, which separate `
` the island of Formosa from the Chinese coast, in the small hours `
` of the night, and crossed the Tropic of Cancer. The sea was very `
` rough in the straits, full of eddies formed by the counter-currents, `
` and the chopping waves broke her course, whilst it became very difficult `
` to stand on deck. `
` `
` At daybreak the wind began to blow hard again, and the heavens `
` seemed to predict a gale. The barometer announced a speedy change, `
` the mercury rising and falling capriciously; the sea also, `
` in the south-east, raised long surges which indicated a tempest. `
` The sun had set the evening before in a red mist, `
` in the midst of the phosphorescent scintillations of the ocean. `
` `
` John Bunsby long examined the threatening aspect of the heavens, `
` muttering indistinctly between his teeth. At last he said in a low voice `
` to Mr. Fogg, "Shall I speak out to your honour?" `
` `
` "Of course." `
` `
` "Well, we are going to have a squall." `
` `
` "Is the wind north or south?" asked Mr. Fogg quietly. `
` `
` "South. Look! a typhoon is coming up." `
` `
` "Glad it's a typhoon from the south, for it will carry us forward." `
` `
` "Oh, if you take it that way," said John Bunsby, "I've nothing more to say." `
` John Bunsby's suspicions were confirmed. At a less advanced season of the year `
` the typhoon, according to a famous meteorologist, would have passed away `
` like a luminous cascade of electric flame; but in the winter equinox `
` it was to be feared that it would burst upon them with great violence. `
` `
` The pilot took his precautions in advance. He reefed all sail, `
` the pole-masts were dispensed with; all hands went forward to the bows. `
` A single triangular sail, of strong canvas, was hoisted as a storm-jib, `
` so as to hold the wind from behind. Then they waited. `
` `
` John Bunsby had requested his passengers to go below; but this `
` imprisonment in so narrow a space, with little air, and the boat `
` bouncing in the gale, was far from pleasant. Neither Mr. Fogg, `
` Fix, nor Aouda consented to leave the deck. `
` `
` The storm of rain and wind descended upon them towards eight o'clock. `
` With but its bit of sail, the Tankadere was lifted like a feather by a wind, `
` an idea of whose violence can scarcely be given. To compare her speed `
` to four times that of a locomotive going on full steam would be below `
` the truth. `
` `
` The boat scudded thus northward during the whole day, borne on `
` by monstrous waves, preserving always, fortunately, a speed equal `
` to theirs. Twenty times she seemed almost to be submerged by `
` these mountains of water which rose behind her; but the adroit `
` management of the pilot saved her. The passengers were often `
` bathed in spray, but they submitted to it philosophically. `
` Fix cursed it, no doubt; but Aouda, with her eyes fastened upon `
` her protector, whose coolness amazed her, showed herself worthy `
` of him, and bravely weathered the storm. As for Phileas Fogg, `
` it seemed just as if the typhoon were a part of his programme. `
` `
` Up to this time the Tankadere had always held her course to the north; `
` but towards evening the wind, veering three quarters, bore down from `
` the north-west. The boat, now lying in the trough of the waves, `
` shook and rolled terribly; the sea struck her with fearful violence. `
` At night the tempest increased in violence. John Bunsby saw the approach `
` of darkness and the rising of the storm with dark misgivings. `
` He thought awhile, and then asked his crew if it was not time to slacken speed. `
` After a consultation he approached Mr. Fogg, and said, "I think, your honour, `
` that we should do well to make for one of the ports on the coast." `
` `
` "I think so too." `
` `
` "Ah!" said the pilot. "But which one?" `
` `
` "I know of but one," returned Mr. Fogg tranquilly. `
` `
` "And that is--" `
` `
` "Shanghai." `
` `
` The pilot, at first, did not seem to comprehend; he could `
` scarcely realise so much determination and tenacity. `
` Then he cried, "Well--yes! Your honour is right. To Shanghai!" `
` `
` So the Tankadere kept steadily on her northward track. `
` `
` The night was really terrible; it would be a miracle if the `
` craft did not founder. Twice it could have been all over with her `
` if the crew had not been constantly on the watch. Aouda was exhausted, `
` but did not utter a complaint. More than once Mr. Fogg rushed `
` to protect her from the violence of the waves. `
` `
` Day reappeared. The tempest still raged with undiminished fury; `
` but the wind now returned to the south-east. It was a favourable change, `
` and the Tankadere again bounded forward on this mountainous sea, `
` though the waves crossed each other, and imparted shocks and counter-shocks `
` which would have crushed a craft less solidly built. From time to time `
` the coast was visible through the broken mist, but no vessel was in sight. `
` The Tankadere was alone upon the sea. `
` `
` There were some signs of a calm at noon, and these became more distinct `
` as the sun descended toward the horizon. The tempest had been as brief `
` as terrific. The passengers, thoroughly exhausted, could now eat a little, `
` and take some repose. `
` `
` The night was comparatively quiet. Some of the sails were again hoisted, `
` and the speed of the boat was very good. The next morning at dawn `
` they espied the coast, and John Bunsby was able to assert that they were `
` not one hundred miles from Shanghai. A hundred miles, and only one day `
` to traverse them! That very evening Mr. Fogg was due at Shanghai, `
` if he did not wish to miss the steamer to Yokohama. Had there been no storm, `
` during which several hours were lost, they would be at this moment within `
` thirty miles of their destination. `
` `
` The wind grew decidedly calmer, and happily the sea fell with it. `
` All sails were now hoisted, and at noon the Tankadere was within `
` forty-five miles of Shanghai. There remained yet six hours `
` in which to accomplish that distance. All on board feared `
` that it could not be done, and every one--Phileas Fogg, no doubt, `
` excepted--felt his heart beat with impatience. The boat must keep up `
` an average of nine miles an hour, and the wind was becoming calmer `
` every moment! It was a capricious breeze, coming from the coast, `
` and after it passed the sea became smooth. Still, the Tankadere `
`