Reading Help Around the world in eighty days Ch.I-VI
`
` This would be utter folly, and it was hard to admit that Fogg `
` was such a fool. Sir Francis consented, however, to remain `
` to the end of this terrible drama. The guide led them to the rear `
` of the glade, where they were able to observe the sleeping groups. `
` `
` Meanwhile Passepartout, who had perched himself on the lower branches `
` of a tree, was resolving an idea which had at first struck him like a flash, `
` and which was now firmly lodged in his brain. `
` `
` He had commenced by saying to himself, "What folly!" and then he repeated, `
` "Why not, after all? It's a chance perhaps the only one; and with such sots!" `
` Thinking thus, he slipped, with the suppleness of a serpent, `
` to the lowest branches, the ends of which bent almost to the ground. `
` `
` The hours passed, and the lighter shades now announced the `
` approach of day, though it was not yet light. This was the moment. `
` The slumbering multitude became animated, the tambourines sounded, `
` songs and cries arose; the hour of the sacrifice had come. `
` The doors of the pagoda swung open, and a bright light escaped `
` from its interior, in the midst of which Mr. Fogg and Sir Francis `
` espied the victim. She seemed, having shaken off the stupor of intoxication, `
` to be striving to escape from her executioner. Sir Francis's heart throbbed; `
` and, convulsively seizing Mr. Fogg's hand, found in it an open knife. `
` Just at this moment the crowd began to move. The young woman had again `
` fallen into a stupor caused by the fumes of hemp, and passed among `
` the fakirs, who escorted her with their wild, religious cries. `
` `
` Phileas Fogg and his companions, mingling in the rear ranks of the crowd, `
` followed; and in two minutes they reached the banks of the stream, `
` and stopped fifty paces from the pyre, upon which still lay the rajah's corpse. `
` In the semi-obscurity they saw the victim, quite senseless, stretched out `
` beside her husband's body. Then a torch was brought, and the wood, `
` heavily soaked with oil, instantly took fire. `
` `
` At this moment Sir Francis and the guide seized Phileas Fogg, who, `
` in an instant of mad generosity, was about to rush upon the pyre. `
` But he had quickly pushed them aside, when the whole scene suddenly changed. `
` A cry of terror arose. The whole multitude prostrated themselves, `
` terror-stricken, on the ground. `
` `
` The old rajah was not dead, then, since he rose of a sudden, `
` like a spectre, took up his wife in his arms, and descended from `
` the pyre in the midst of the clouds of smoke, which only `
` heightened his ghostly appearance. `
` `
` Fakirs and soldiers and priests, seized with instant terror, `
` lay there, with their faces on the ground, not daring to lift `
` their eyes and behold such a prodigy. `
` `
` The inanimate victim was borne along by the vigorous arms which `
` supported her, and which she did not seem in the least to burden. `
` Mr. Fogg and Sir Francis stood erect, the Parsee bowed his head, `
` and Passepartout was, no doubt, scarcely less stupefied. `
` `
` The resuscitated rajah approached Sir Francis and Mr. Fogg, `
` and, in an abrupt tone, said, "Let us be off!" `
` `
` It was Passepartout himself, who had slipped upon the pyre `
` in the midst of the smoke and, profiting by the still `
` overhanging darkness, had delivered the young woman from death! `
` It was Passepartout who, playing his part with a happy audacity, `
` had passed through the crowd amid the general terror. `
` `
` A moment after all four of the party had disappeared in the woods, `
` and the elephant was bearing them away at a rapid pace. But the cries `
` and noise, and a ball which whizzed through Phileas Fogg's hat, `
` apprised them that the trick had been discovered. `
` `
` The old rajah's body, indeed, now appeared upon the burning pyre; `
` and the priests, recovered from their terror, perceived that an abduction `
` had taken place. They hastened into the forest, followed by the soldiers, `
` who fired a volley after the fugitives; but the latter rapidly increased `
` the distance between them, and ere long found themselves beyond the reach `
` of the bullets and arrows. `
` `
` `
` `
` `
` Chapter XIV `
` `
` IN WHICH PHILEAS FOGG DESCENDS THE WHOLE LENGTH OF THE BEAUTIFUL `
` VALLEY OF THE GANGES WITHOUT EVER THINKING OF SEEING IT `
` `
` `
` The rash exploit had been accomplished; and for an hour `
` Passepartout laughed gaily at his success. Sir Francis pressed `
` the worthy fellow's hand, and his master said, "Well done!" which, `
` from him, was high commendation; to which Passepartout replied `
` that all the credit of the affair belonged to Mr. Fogg. As for him, `
` he had only been struck with a "queer" idea; and he laughed `
` to think that for a few moments he, Passepartout, the ex-gymnast, `
` ex-sergeant fireman, had been the spouse of a charming woman, `
` a venerable, embalmed rajah! As for the young Indian woman, `
` she had been unconscious throughout of what was passing, and now, `
` wrapped up in a travelling-blanket, was reposing in one of the howdahs. `
` `
` The elephant, thanks to the skilful guidance of the Parsee, `
` was advancing rapidly through the still darksome forest, and, `
` an hour after leaving the pagoda, had crossed a vast plain. `
` They made a halt at seven o'clock, the young woman being still `
` in a state of complete prostration. The guide made her drink a little `
` brandy and water, but the drowsiness which stupefied her could not `
` yet be shaken off. Sir Francis, who was familiar with the effects `
` of the intoxication produced by the fumes of hemp, reassured his `
` companions on her account. But he was more disturbed at the `
` prospect of her future fate. He told Phileas Fogg that, `
` should Aouda remain in India, she would inevitably fall again `
` into the hands of her executioners. These fanatics were scattered `
` throughout the county, and would, despite the English police, `
` recover their victim at Madras, Bombay, or Calcutta. She would `
` only be safe by quitting India for ever. `
` `
` Phileas Fogg replied that he would reflect upon the matter. `
` `
` The station at Allahabad was reached about ten o'clock, and, `
` the interrupted line of railway being resumed, would enable them `
` to reach Calcutta in less than twenty-four hours. Phileas Fogg `
` would thus be able to arrive in time to take the steamer which `
` left Calcutta the next day, October 25th, at noon, for Hong Kong. `
` `
` The young woman was placed in one of the waiting-rooms of the station, `
` whilst Passepartout was charged with purchasing for her various articles `
` of toilet, a dress, shawl, and some furs; for which his master gave him `
` unlimited credit. Passepartout started off forthwith, and found himself `
` in the streets of Allahabad, that is, the City of God, one of the most `
` venerated in India, being built at the junction of the two sacred rivers, `
` Ganges and Jumna, the waters of which attract pilgrims from every part `
` of the peninsula. The Ganges, according to the legends of the Ramayana, `
` rises in heaven, whence, owing to Brahma's agency, it descends to the earth. `
` `
` Passepartout made it a point, as he made his purchases, to take `
` a good look at the city. It was formerly defended by a noble fort, `
` which has since become a state prison; its commerce has dwindled away, `
` and Passepartout in vain looked about him for such a bazaar as he used `
` to frequent in Regent Street. At last he came upon an elderly, `
` crusty Jew, who sold second-hand articles, and from whom he purchased `
` a dress of Scotch stuff, a large mantle, and a fine otter-skin pelisse, `
` for which he did not hesitate to pay seventy-five pounds. He then `
` returned triumphantly to the station. `
` `
` The influence to which the priests of Pillaji had subjected Aouda `
` began gradually to yield, and she became more herself, `
` so that her fine eyes resumed all their soft Indian expression. `
` `
` When the poet-king, Ucaf Uddaul, celebrates the charms `
` of the queen of Ahmehnagara, he speaks thus: `
` `
` "Her shining tresses, divided in two parts, encircle the harmonious `
` contour of her white and delicate cheeks, brilliant in their glow `
` and freshness. Her ebony brows have the form and charm of the bow of Kama, `
` the god of love, and beneath her long silken lashes the purest reflections `
` and a celestial light swim, as in the sacred lakes of Himalaya, `
` in the black pupils of her great clear eyes. Her teeth, fine, `
` equal, and white, glitter between her smiling lips like dewdrops `
` in a passion-flower's half-enveloped breast. Her delicately formed ears, `
` her vermilion hands, her little feet, curved and tender as the lotus-bud, `
` glitter with the brilliancy of the loveliest pearls of Ceylon, `
` the most dazzling diamonds of Golconda. Her narrow and supple waist, `
` which a hand may clasp around, sets forth the outline of her rounded `
` figure and the beauty of her bosom, where youth in its flower displays `
` the wealth of its treasures; and beneath the silken folds of her tunic `
` she seems to have been modelled in pure silver by the godlike hand `
` of Vicvarcarma, the immortal sculptor." `
` `
` It is enough to say, without applying this poetical rhapsody to Aouda, `
` that she was a charming woman, in all the European acceptation of the phrase. `
` She spoke English with great purity, and the guide had not exaggerated `
` in saying that the young Parsee had been transformed by her bringing up. `
` `
` The train was about to start from Allahabad, and Mr. Fogg `
` proceeded to pay the guide the price agreed upon for his service, `
` and not a farthing more; which astonished Passepartout, `
` who remembered all that his master owed to the guide's devotion. `
` He had, indeed, risked his life in the adventure at Pillaji, and, `
` if he should be caught afterwards by the Indians, he would with `
` difficulty escape their vengeance. Kiouni, also, must be disposed of. `
` What should be done with the elephant, which had been so dearly purchased? `
` Phileas Fogg had already determined this question. `
` `
` "Parsee," said he to the guide, "you have been serviceable and devoted. `
` I have paid for your service, but not for your devotion. Would you like `
` to have this elephant? He is yours." `
` `
` The guide's eyes glistened. `
` `
` "Your honour is giving me a fortune!" cried he. `
` `
` "Take him, guide," returned Mr. Fogg, "and I shall still be your debtor." `
` `
` "Good!" exclaimed Passepartout. "Take him, friend. Kiouni is a brave `
` and faithful beast." And, going up to the elephant, he gave him several `
` lumps of sugar, saying, "Here, Kiouni, here, here." `
` `
` The elephant grunted out his satisfaction, and, clasping Passepartout `
` around the waist with his trunk, lifted him as high as his head. `
` Passepartout, not in the least alarmed, caressed the animal, `
` which replaced him gently on the ground. `
` `
` Soon after, Phileas Fogg, Sir Francis Cromarty, and Passepartout, `
` installed in a carriage with Aouda, who had the best seat, `
`
` This would be utter folly, and it was hard to admit that Fogg `
` was such a fool. Sir Francis consented, however, to remain `
` to the end of this terrible drama. The guide led them to the rear `
` of the glade, where they were able to observe the sleeping groups. `
` `
` Meanwhile Passepartout, who had perched himself on the lower branches `
` of a tree, was resolving an idea which had at first struck him like a flash, `
` and which was now firmly lodged in his brain. `
` `
` He had commenced by saying to himself, "What folly!" and then he repeated, `
` "Why not, after all? It's a chance perhaps the only one; and with such sots!" `
` Thinking thus, he slipped, with the suppleness of a serpent, `
` to the lowest branches, the ends of which bent almost to the ground. `
` `
` The hours passed, and the lighter shades now announced the `
` approach of day, though it was not yet light. This was the moment. `
` The slumbering multitude became animated, the tambourines sounded, `
` songs and cries arose; the hour of the sacrifice had come. `
` The doors of the pagoda swung open, and a bright light escaped `
` from its interior, in the midst of which Mr. Fogg and Sir Francis `
` espied the victim. She seemed, having shaken off the stupor of intoxication, `
` to be striving to escape from her executioner. Sir Francis's heart throbbed; `
` and, convulsively seizing Mr. Fogg's hand, found in it an open knife. `
` Just at this moment the crowd began to move. The young woman had again `
` fallen into a stupor caused by the fumes of hemp, and passed among `
` the fakirs, who escorted her with their wild, religious cries. `
` `
` Phileas Fogg and his companions, mingling in the rear ranks of the crowd, `
` followed; and in two minutes they reached the banks of the stream, `
` and stopped fifty paces from the pyre, upon which still lay the rajah's corpse. `
` In the semi-obscurity they saw the victim, quite senseless, stretched out `
` beside her husband's body. Then a torch was brought, and the wood, `
` heavily soaked with oil, instantly took fire. `
` `
` At this moment Sir Francis and the guide seized Phileas Fogg, who, `
` in an instant of mad generosity, was about to rush upon the pyre. `
` But he had quickly pushed them aside, when the whole scene suddenly changed. `
` A cry of terror arose. The whole multitude prostrated themselves, `
` terror-stricken, on the ground. `
` `
` The old rajah was not dead, then, since he rose of a sudden, `
` like a spectre, took up his wife in his arms, and descended from `
` the pyre in the midst of the clouds of smoke, which only `
` heightened his ghostly appearance. `
` `
` Fakirs and soldiers and priests, seized with instant terror, `
` lay there, with their faces on the ground, not daring to lift `
` their eyes and behold such a prodigy. `
` `
` The inanimate victim was borne along by the vigorous arms which `
` supported her, and which she did not seem in the least to burden. `
` Mr. Fogg and Sir Francis stood erect, the Parsee bowed his head, `
` and Passepartout was, no doubt, scarcely less stupefied. `
` `
` The resuscitated rajah approached Sir Francis and Mr. Fogg, `
` and, in an abrupt tone, said, "Let us be off!" `
` `
` It was Passepartout himself, who had slipped upon the pyre `
` in the midst of the smoke and, profiting by the still `
` overhanging darkness, had delivered the young woman from death! `
` It was Passepartout who, playing his part with a happy audacity, `
` had passed through the crowd amid the general terror. `
` `
` A moment after all four of the party had disappeared in the woods, `
` and the elephant was bearing them away at a rapid pace. But the cries `
` and noise, and a ball which whizzed through Phileas Fogg's hat, `
` apprised them that the trick had been discovered. `
` `
` The old rajah's body, indeed, now appeared upon the burning pyre; `
` and the priests, recovered from their terror, perceived that an abduction `
` had taken place. They hastened into the forest, followed by the soldiers, `
` who fired a volley after the fugitives; but the latter rapidly increased `
` the distance between them, and ere long found themselves beyond the reach `
` of the bullets and arrows. `
` `
` `
` `
` `
` Chapter XIV `
` `
` IN WHICH PHILEAS FOGG DESCENDS THE WHOLE LENGTH OF THE BEAUTIFUL `
` VALLEY OF THE GANGES WITHOUT EVER THINKING OF SEEING IT `
` `
` `
` The rash exploit had been accomplished; and for an hour `
` Passepartout laughed gaily at his success. Sir Francis pressed `
` the worthy fellow's hand, and his master said, "Well done!" which, `
` from him, was high commendation; to which Passepartout replied `
` that all the credit of the affair belonged to Mr. Fogg. As for him, `
` he had only been struck with a "queer" idea; and he laughed `
` to think that for a few moments he, Passepartout, the ex-gymnast, `
` ex-sergeant fireman, had been the spouse of a charming woman, `
` a venerable, embalmed rajah! As for the young Indian woman, `
` she had been unconscious throughout of what was passing, and now, `
` wrapped up in a travelling-blanket, was reposing in one of the howdahs. `
` `
` The elephant, thanks to the skilful guidance of the Parsee, `
` was advancing rapidly through the still darksome forest, and, `
` an hour after leaving the pagoda, had crossed a vast plain. `
` They made a halt at seven o'clock, the young woman being still `
` in a state of complete prostration. The guide made her drink a little `
` brandy and water, but the drowsiness which stupefied her could not `
` yet be shaken off. Sir Francis, who was familiar with the effects `
` of the intoxication produced by the fumes of hemp, reassured his `
` companions on her account. But he was more disturbed at the `
` prospect of her future fate. He told Phileas Fogg that, `
` should Aouda remain in India, she would inevitably fall again `
` into the hands of her executioners. These fanatics were scattered `
` throughout the county, and would, despite the English police, `
` recover their victim at Madras, Bombay, or Calcutta. She would `
` only be safe by quitting India for ever. `
` `
` Phileas Fogg replied that he would reflect upon the matter. `
` `
` The station at Allahabad was reached about ten o'clock, and, `
` the interrupted line of railway being resumed, would enable them `
` to reach Calcutta in less than twenty-four hours. Phileas Fogg `
` would thus be able to arrive in time to take the steamer which `
` left Calcutta the next day, October 25th, at noon, for Hong Kong. `
` `
` The young woman was placed in one of the waiting-rooms of the station, `
` whilst Passepartout was charged with purchasing for her various articles `
` of toilet, a dress, shawl, and some furs; for which his master gave him `
` unlimited credit. Passepartout started off forthwith, and found himself `
` in the streets of Allahabad, that is, the City of God, one of the most `
` venerated in India, being built at the junction of the two sacred rivers, `
` Ganges and Jumna, the waters of which attract pilgrims from every part `
` of the peninsula. The Ganges, according to the legends of the Ramayana, `
` rises in heaven, whence, owing to Brahma's agency, it descends to the earth. `
` `
` Passepartout made it a point, as he made his purchases, to take `
` a good look at the city. It was formerly defended by a noble fort, `
` which has since become a state prison; its commerce has dwindled away, `
` and Passepartout in vain looked about him for such a bazaar as he used `
` to frequent in Regent Street. At last he came upon an elderly, `
` crusty Jew, who sold second-hand articles, and from whom he purchased `
` a dress of Scotch stuff, a large mantle, and a fine otter-skin pelisse, `
` for which he did not hesitate to pay seventy-five pounds. He then `
` returned triumphantly to the station. `
` `
` The influence to which the priests of Pillaji had subjected Aouda `
` began gradually to yield, and she became more herself, `
` so that her fine eyes resumed all their soft Indian expression. `
` `
` When the poet-king, Ucaf Uddaul, celebrates the charms `
` of the queen of Ahmehnagara, he speaks thus: `
` `
` "Her shining tresses, divided in two parts, encircle the harmonious `
` contour of her white and delicate cheeks, brilliant in their glow `
` and freshness. Her ebony brows have the form and charm of the bow of Kama, `
` the god of love, and beneath her long silken lashes the purest reflections `
` and a celestial light swim, as in the sacred lakes of Himalaya, `
` in the black pupils of her great clear eyes. Her teeth, fine, `
` equal, and white, glitter between her smiling lips like dewdrops `
` in a passion-flower's half-enveloped breast. Her delicately formed ears, `
` her vermilion hands, her little feet, curved and tender as the lotus-bud, `
` glitter with the brilliancy of the loveliest pearls of Ceylon, `
` the most dazzling diamonds of Golconda. Her narrow and supple waist, `
` which a hand may clasp around, sets forth the outline of her rounded `
` figure and the beauty of her bosom, where youth in its flower displays `
` the wealth of its treasures; and beneath the silken folds of her tunic `
` she seems to have been modelled in pure silver by the godlike hand `
` of Vicvarcarma, the immortal sculptor." `
` `
` It is enough to say, without applying this poetical rhapsody to Aouda, `
` that she was a charming woman, in all the European acceptation of the phrase. `
` She spoke English with great purity, and the guide had not exaggerated `
` in saying that the young Parsee had been transformed by her bringing up. `
` `
` The train was about to start from Allahabad, and Mr. Fogg `
` proceeded to pay the guide the price agreed upon for his service, `
` and not a farthing more; which astonished Passepartout, `
` who remembered all that his master owed to the guide's devotion. `
` He had, indeed, risked his life in the adventure at Pillaji, and, `
` if he should be caught afterwards by the Indians, he would with `
` difficulty escape their vengeance. Kiouni, also, must be disposed of. `
` What should be done with the elephant, which had been so dearly purchased? `
` Phileas Fogg had already determined this question. `
` `
` "Parsee," said he to the guide, "you have been serviceable and devoted. `
` I have paid for your service, but not for your devotion. Would you like `
` to have this elephant? He is yours." `
` `
` The guide's eyes glistened. `
` `
` "Your honour is giving me a fortune!" cried he. `
` `
` "Take him, guide," returned Mr. Fogg, "and I shall still be your debtor." `
` `
` "Good!" exclaimed Passepartout. "Take him, friend. Kiouni is a brave `
` and faithful beast." And, going up to the elephant, he gave him several `
` lumps of sugar, saying, "Here, Kiouni, here, here." `
` `
` The elephant grunted out his satisfaction, and, clasping Passepartout `
` around the waist with his trunk, lifted him as high as his head. `
` Passepartout, not in the least alarmed, caressed the animal, `
` which replaced him gently on the ground. `
` `
` Soon after, Phileas Fogg, Sir Francis Cromarty, and Passepartout, `
` installed in a carriage with Aouda, who had the best seat, `
`