 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. That's L-I-B-R-I-V-O-X.org. Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne. Chapter 25. In which a slight glimpse is had of San Francisco. It was 7 in the morning when Mr. Fogg, Eoda, and Puspartu set foot upon the American continent. If this name could be given to the floating quay upon which they disembarked. These quays rising and falling with the tide thus facilitate the loading and unloading of vessels. Alongside them were clippers of all sizes, steamers of all nationalities, and the steamboach with several decks rising one above the other which ply on the Sacramento and its tributaries. There were also heaped upon the products of the commerce which extends to Mexico, Chile, Peru, Brazil, Europe, Asia, and all other Pacific islands. Puspartu, in his joy on reaching at last the American continent, thought he would manifest it by executing a perilous fault in fine style. But tumbling upon some worm-eaten planks, he fell through them, put out of contents by the manner in which he thus set foot upon the New World. Which so frightened the immurable cormants and palasins that are always perched upon these movable quays that they flew noisily away. Mr. Fogg on reaching shore proceeded to find out at what hour the first train left for New York, and learned that this was at 6 o'clock p.m. He had, therefore, an entire day to spend in the California capital. Taking a carriage at a charge of three dollars, he and Eoda entered it, while Puspartu mounted the box beside the driver, and they set out for the international hotel. From his exalted position, Puspartu observed with much curiosity the wide streets, the low, evenly-ranged houses, the Anglo-Saxon, Gothic churches, the great docks, the palatial wooden and brick warehouses, the numerous conveyances, omnibus horse cars, and upon the sidewalks, not only Americans and Europeans, but the Chinese and Indians. Puspartu was surprised at all he saw. San Francisco was no longer the legendary city of 1849, a city of Banditi, assassins, and incideries who had flocked hither in crowds in pursuit of plunder, a paradise of outlaws where they gambled with gold dust, a revolver in one hand and a bow knife in the other. It was now a great commercial emperom. The lofty tower of its city hall overlooked the whole panorama of the streets and avenues, which cut each other at right angles, and in the midst of which appeared pleasant, verdant squares, while beyond appeared the Chinese quarter, seemingly imported from the celestial empire in a toy box. Some Barreros and red shirts and plummed Indians were rarely to be seen, but there were silk hats and black coats everywhere worn by a multitude of nervously active gentlemen-looking men. Some of the streets, especially Montgomerie Street, which is to San Francisco what Regent Street is to London, the Boulevard d'Essai Italianes to Paris, and Broadway to New York, where lied which splendid and specious stories, which exposed in their windows the products of the entire world. When Pespartu reached the international hotel, it did not seem to him as if he had left England at all. The ground floor of the hotel was occupied by a large bar, a sort of restaurant freely open to all pastors by who might partake of dried beef, oyster soup, biscuits, and cheese. Without taking out their purchases, payment was made only for the El Porter or Sherry, which was drunk. This seemed very American to Pespartu. The hotel refreshment rooms were comfortable, and Mr. Fogg and Eoda, installing themselves at a table, were abundantly served on diminutive plates by Negroes of darkest hue. After breakfast, Mr. Fogg, accompanied by Eoda, started for the English consulate to have his Pespart vis-a-d. As he was going out, he met Pespartu, who asked him if it would not be well before taking the train to purchase some dozen of English rifles and Colts revolvers. He had been listening to stories of attacks upon trains by the soyaks and ponies. Mr. Fogg thought it a useless practice, but told him to do as he thought best, and he went on the consulate. He had not proceeded. Two hundred steps, however, when, by the greatest chance in the world, he met Fix, the detective, seemed wholly taken by surprise. What had Mr. Fogg and himself crossed the Pacific together and not met on the steamer? At least Fix felt honored to behold once more the gentleman to whom he owed so much, and as his business recalled to Europe, he should be delighted to continue the journey in such pleasant company. Mr. Fogg replied that the honor would be his, and the detective, who had determined not to lose sight of him, begged permission to accompany them in their walk about San Francisco, a request which Mr. Fogg readily granted. They soon found themselves in Montgomery Street, where a great crowd was collected, the sidewalks, street, horse-car rails, the shop doors, the windows of the houses, and even the roofs were full of people. Men were going about carrying large posters and flags, and steamers were floating in the wind, while loud cries were heard on every hand. Hurrah for Camerfield! Hurrah for my berry! It was a political meeting, at least so Fix conjectured, who said to Mr. Fogg, perhaps we had better not mingle with the crowd. There may be danger in it. Yes, returned Mr. Fogg, and blows, even if they are political, are still blows. Fix smiled at this remark, and in order to be able to see without being jostled about, the party took up a position on the top of a flight of steps, situated at the upper end of Montgomery Street. Opposite them, on the other side of the street, between a coal wharf and a petroleum warehouse, a large platform had been erected in the open air, towards which the current of the crowd seemed to be directed. For what purpose was this meeting? What was the occasion of this excited assemblage full of Fogg could not imagine? Was it to nominate some high official, a governor, or member of Congress? It was not improbable, so agitated was the multitude before them. Just at this moment, there was an unusual stir in the human mass. All the hands were raised in the air. Some tightly closed seemed to disappear suddenly in the midst of the cries. An energetic way, no doubt, of casting a vote. The crowd swayed back, the banners and flags wavered, disappeared an instant, then reappeared and tattered. The undalissions of the human surge reached the steps, while all the heads floundered on the surface like a sea, agitated by a squail. Many of the black hats disappeared, and the greater part of the crowd seemed to have diminished in height. It is evidently a meeting, said Fix, and its objective must be an exciting one. I should not wonder if it were about the Alabama, despite the fact that the question is settled. Perhaps, replied Mr. Fogg simply, at least there are two companions in the presence of each other, the honorable Mr. Camerfield and the honorable Mr. Mandy Boy. Ayota, leaning upon Mr. Fogg's arm, observed the tumultuous scene, with surprise. While Fix asked a man near him what the cause of it all was, before the man could reply, a fresh agitation arose. Her rods and excited shouts were heard. The staffs of the banners began to be used as offensive weapons, and fists flew about in every direction. Sprumps were exchanged from the tops of the carriages and ombuesses, which had been blocked up in the crowd. Boots and shoes were whirling through the air, and Mr. Fogg thought he even heard the crack of revolvers mingling in the din. The route approached the stairway and flowed over the lower step. One of the parties had evidently been repulsed, but the mere looker's on could not tell whether Mandy Boy or Camerfield had gained the upper hand. It would be prudent for us to retire, said Fix, who was anxious that Mr. Fogg should not receive any injury, at least until he got back to London. If there is any question about England in all this, and we were recognized, I fear it would go hard with us. An English subject began Mr. Fogg. He did not finish his sentence, for a terrific Hubble now arose on the terrace behind the flight of steps where they stood. And there were frantic shouts of Hurrah for Mandy Boy! Hip hip hurrah! It was a band of voters, coming to the rescue of their allies, and taking the Camerfield forces in flank. Mr. Fogg, Eoda, and Fix found themselves between two fires. It was too late to escape. The torrent of men aimed with loaded canes and stakes were irresistible. Philly's Fogg and Fix were roughly hustled in their attempts to protect their fair companion. The former, as cool as ever, tried to defend himself with the weapon which nature has placed at the end of every Englishman's arm. But in vain, a big brownie fell with a red beard, flushed face, and broad shoulders, who seemed to be the chief of the band, raised his clenched fist to strike Mr. Fogg, whom he would have given a crushing blow had not fixed rushed in and received it in his stead. An enormous bruise immediately made its appearance under the detective's silk hat, which was completely smashed in. Yankee, exclaimed Mr. Fogg, darting a contemptuous look at the Ruffian. Englishmen, returned the other, we will meet again. When you please, what is your name? Philly's Fogg, and yours? Colonel Stamp Proctor The human tide now swept by after overturning Fix, who speedily got up his feet again, though with stattered clothes, happily he was not seriously hurt. His traveling overcoat was divided into two unequal parts, and his trousers resembled those of certain Indians, which fit less compactly than they are easily to put on. Eoda had escaped unharmed, and Fix alone bore marks of the fray in his black and blue bruise. Thanks, said Mr. Fogg, to the detective, as soon as they were out of the crowd. No thanks unnecessary, replied Fix, but let us go. Where? To a tailor's. Such a visit was indeed a platoon. The clothing of both Mr. Fogg and Fix were in rags, as if they had themselves been actively engaged in the contest between Camerfield and Mandiboy. An hour after, they were once more suitably attired, and with Eoda returned to the international hotel. First part two was waiting for his master, armed with half a dozen sixth-barreled revolvers. When he perceived Fix, he knit his brows, but Eoda, having in a few words told him of their adventure, his countenance resumed its placid expression. Fix evidently was no longer an enemy, but an ally. He was faithfully keeping his word. Thener over, the coach which was to convey the passengers and their luggage to the station drew up the door. As he was getting in, Mr. Fogg said to Fix, you have not seen this Colonel Praktor again? No. I will come back to America to find him, said Philly's Fogg calmly. It would not be right for an Englishman to permit himself to be treated in that way without retaliating. The detective smiled, but did not reply. It was clear that Mr. Fogg was one of those Englishmen who, while they do not tolerate dueling at home, fight abroad when their honor is attacked. At a quarter before six, the travelers reached the station and found the train ready to depart. As he was about to enter it, Mr. Fogg called a porter and said to him, My friend, was there not some trouble today in San Francisco? It was a political meeting, sir, replied the porter, but I thought there was a great deal of disturbances in the streets. It was only a meeting assembled for an election. The election of a general-in-chief, no doubt, asked Mr. Fogg, no, sir, of a justice of the peace. Philly's Fogg got into the train, which started off at full speed. End of Chapter 25 This has been a TBOLS reproduction. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit thebrivox.org. That's L-I-B-R-I-V-O-X.org. Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne Chapter 26 In which Philly's Fogg and Fogg traveled by the Pacific Railroad. From ocean to ocean, so say the Americans, and these four words compose the general designation of the Great Trunk Line, which crossed the entire width of the United States. The Pacific Railroad is, however, really divided into two distinct lines. The Central Pacific between San Francisco and Ogden, and the Union Pacific between Ogden and Omaha. Five main lines connect Omaha with New York. New York and San Francisco are thus united by an uninterrupted metal ribbon, which measures no less than 3,786 miles. Between Omaha and the Pacific, the railway crosses a territory which is still infested by Indians and wild beasts. And a large tract, which the Mormons, after they were divided from Illinois in 1845, began to colonize. The journey from New York to San Francisco consumed formally under the most favorable conditions, at least six months. It is now accomplished in seven days. It was in 1862 that, in spite of the Southern members of Congress who wished a more southerly route, it was decided to lay the road between the 41st and 42nd parallels. President Lincoln himself fixed the end of the line at Omaha in Nebraska. The work was at once commenced and pursued with true American energy, nor did the rapidity with which it went on injuriously affect its good execution. The road grew on the prairies a mile and a half a day. A locomotive running on the rails laid down the evening before brought the rails to be laid on the marrow and advanced upon them as fast as they were put in position. The Pacific Railroad is joined by several branches in Iowa, Kansas, Colorado and Oregon. On leaving Omaha, it passes along the left bank of the Platea River. As far as the junction of its northern branch follows its southern branch crosses the Larmy territory and the Wessach Mountains turn the Great Salt Lake and reaches Salt Lake City. The Mormon's capital plunges into the Tula Valley across the American Desert, Cedar and Humboldt Mountains, the Sierra Nevada and descends via Sacramento to the Pacific. It's grade, even on the Rocky Mountains, never exceeding 112 feet to the mile. Such was the road to be traveled in seven days, which would enable Philly's Fog at least, so he hoped, to take the Atlantic Steamer at New York on the 11th Forliver Pool. The car, which he occupied, was a sort of long omnibus on eight wheels and with no compartments in the interior. It was supplied with two rows of seats perpendicular to the direction of the train on either side of an aisle which conducted to the front and rear platforms. These platforms were found throughout the train and the passengers were able to pass from one end of the train to the other. It was supposedly with saloon cars, balcony cars, restaurants and smoking cars. Theater cars alone were wanting and they will have these someday. Book and news dealers, sellers of edibles, drinkables and cigars, who seemed to have plenty of customers were continually circulating in the aisles. The train left Oakland Station at six o'clock. It was already night, cold and cheerless. The heavens being overcast with clouds, which seemed to threaten snow. The train did not proceed rapidly, containing the stoppages. It did not run more than twenty miles an hour, which was a sufficient speed, however, to enable it to reach Omaha within its designated time. There was but little conversation in the car and soon many of the passengers were overcome with sleep. Puspartu found himself beside the detective, but he did not talk to him. After recent events, their relations with each other had grown somewhat cold. There could no longer be mutual sympathy or intimacy between them. Fix's manner had not changed, but Puspartu was very reserved and ready to strangle his former friend on the slightest provocation. Snow began to fall an hour after they started, a fine snow, however, which happily could not obstruct the terrain. Nothing could be seen from the windows but a vast white street against which the smoke of the locomotive had a grayish aspect. At eight o'clock a steward entered the car and announced that the time for going to bed had arrived and in a few minutes the car was transformed into a dormitory. The banks of seats were thrown back, bedsteads carefully packed were ruled out by an ingenious system. Births were suddenly improved and each traveler had soon at his disposition a comfortable bed, protecting from curious eyes by thick curtains. The sheets were clean and the pillow soft. It only remained to go to bed and sleep, which everybody did, while the train sped on across the state of California. The country between San Francisco and Sacramento is not very hilly. The Central Pacific, taking the Sacramento for its starting point, extends eastward to meet the road from Omaha. The line from San Francisco to Sacramento runs in a north-easternly direction along the American River, which empties into San Pueblo Bay. The 120 miles between these cities were accomplished in six hours and towards midnight, while fast asleep, the travelers passed through Sacramento so that they saw nothing of the important place. The sea of the state government with its fine quays, its broad streets, its noble hotels, squares, and churches. The terrain on leaving Sacramento and passing the junction, Rockland, Auburn, and Colfax, entered the range of the Sierra Nevada. Cisco was reached at 7 in the morning and an hour later the dormitory was transformed into an ordinary car and the travelers could observe the picturesque beauties of the mountain region through which they were steaming. The railway track wound in and out among the passes, now approaching the mountain sides. Now suspended over precipes, avoiding abrupt angles by bold curves, plunging into narrow defiles which seemed to have no outlet. The locomotive, its great funnel emitting a weird light with its sharp bell and its cow catcher extended like a spur, mingled its spurks and bellowings with the noise of torrents and cascades, and twined its smoke among the branches of the gigantic pines. There were few or no bridges or tunnels on the route. The railway turned around the sides of the mountains and did not attempt to violate nature by taking the shortest cut from one point to another. The train entered the state of Nevada through the Carson Valley about 9 o'clock going always northeast, certainly, and at midday reached Reno where there was a delay of 20 minutes for breakfast. From this point the road running along Humboldt River passed northward for several miles by its banks. Then it turned eastward and kept by the river until it reached the Humboldt Range, nearly at this extreme eastern limit of Nevada. Having breakfasted, Mr. Fogg and his companions resumed their places in the car and observed the varied landscape which unfolded itself as they passed along the vast priories, the mountains lining the horizon and the creeks with their forthy foaming streams. Sometimes a great herd of buffaloes massing together in the distance seemed like a movable dam. These multitudes of reminitating beasts often form an insurmountable obstacle to the passage of the trains. Thousands of them had been seen passing over the track for hours together in compact ranks. The locomotive is then forced to stop and wait until the road is once more clear. This happened indeed to the train in which Mr. Fogg was traveling. About 12 o'clock a troop of 10 or 12,000 had a buffalo and cumbered the track. The locomotive, slackening its speed, tried to clear the way with its cowcatcher. But the mass of animals was too great. The buffaloes marched along with the tranquil gait, uttering now and then deafening bellows. There was no use of interrupting them. For having taken a particular direction, nothing can moderate and change their course. It is a torrent of living flesh which no dam could contain. The travelers gazed on this curious spectacle from the platforms, but Philly's Fogg, who had the most reason of all to be in a hurry, remained in his seat and waited philosophically until it should please the buffaloes to get out of the way. Paspartou was furious at the delay they occasioned and longed to discharge his arsenal of revolvers upon them. What a country, cried he. Mere cattle stopped the trains and go by in procession just as if there was no impending traveler. Parbleu, I should like to know if Mr. Fogg foresaw this mishap in the program. And here's an engineer who doesn't dare to run the locomotive into this herd of beasts. The engineer did not try to overcome the obstacle, and he was wise. He would have crushed the first buffalo, no doubt, with the cowcatcher. But the locomotive, however, powerful, would soon have been checked. The train would inevitably have been thrown off the track and would then have been helpless. The best course was to wait patiently and regain the lost time by greater speed when the obstacle was removed. The precision of buffaloes lasted three full hours, and it was night before the track was clear. The last ranks of the herd were now passing over the rails while the first had already disappeared below the southern horizon. It was now eight o'clock when the train passed through the defiles of the Humboldt Range and half past nine when it penetrated Utah, the region of the Great Salt Lake, the singular colony of the Mormons. End of Chapter 26. This has been a TBOL3 production. This is a LibriVolks recording. All LibriVolks recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVolks.org. That's L-I-B-R-I-V-O-X.org. Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne. Chapter 27 In which Pespartu undergoes at a speed of twenty miles an hour a course of Mormon history. During the night of the fifth of December, the train ran south-easterly for about fifty miles, then rose an equal distance in a north-easterly direction towards the Great Salt Lake. Pespartu, about nine o'clock, went out upon the platform to take the air. The weather was cold, the heavens grey, but it was not snowing. The sun's disc, enlarged by the mist, seemed an enormous ring of gold, and Pespartu was amusing himself by calculating its value in pound sterling. When he was diverted from his interesting study by a strange-looking personage who made his appearance on the platform. This personage, who had taken the train of Elko, was tall and dark with black moustache, black stockings, a black silk hat, a black waistcoat, black trousers, a white carpet, and dog-skin gloves. He might have been taken for a clergyman. He went from one end of the train to the other and affixed to the door of each car a notice written in manuscript. Pespartu approached and read one of these notices, which stated that Elder William Hitch, Mormon missionary, taking advantage of his presence on train number forty-eight, would deliver a lecture on Mormonism in car number one-one-seven, from eleven to twelve o'clock. And that he invited all who were at desires of being instructed concerning the mysteries of the religion of the latter-day Saints to attend. Ogo, said Pespartu to himself, he knew nothing of Mormonism except the custom of polygamy, which is its foundation. The news quickly spread through the train, which contained about one hundred passengers, thirty of whom, at most, attracted by the notice and counted themselves in car number one-one-seven. Pespartu took one of the front seats, neither Mr. Fogg nor Fix cared to attend. At the appointed hour, Elder William Hitch rose, and in an irritated voice, as if he had already been contradicted, said, I tell you that Joe Smith is a martyr, that his brother Hiram is a martyr, and that the persecutions of the United States government against the prophets will also make a martyr of Brigham Young, who dares to say the contrary. No one ventured to gaincy the missionary, whose excited tone contrasted curiously with his natural calm visage. No doubt his anger arose from the hardships to which the Mormons were actually subjected. The government had just succeeded with some difficulty in reducing these independent factions to its rule. It had made itself master of Utah and subjected that territory to the laws of the Union. After imprisoning Brigham Young on a charge of rebellion and polygamy, the disciples of the prophet had since redoubled their efforts and resisted by what's at least the authority of Congress. Elder Hitch, as is seen, was trying to make proselytes on the very railway trains. Then, emphasizing his words with his loud voice and frequent gestures, he related the history of the Mormons from biblical times. How that, in Israel, a Mormon prophet of the tribe of Joseph published the Annals of the New Religion and bequest them to his son Mormon. How many centuries later, a translation of this precious book, which was written in Egyptian, was made by Joseph Smith Jr., a Vermont farmer who revealed himself as a mystical prophet in 1825 and how, in short, the celestial messenger approached to him in an illuminated forest. And gave him the Annals of the Lord. Several of the audiences not being much interested in the missionary's narrative here left the car, but Elder Hitch, continuing his lecture related how Smith Jr., with his father, two brothers, and a few disciples, found the Church of the Latter-day Saints, which adopted not only in America, but in England, Norway, and Sweden, and Germany, counts may artisans, as well as men engaged in the liberal professions, among its members. How a colony was established in Ohio, a temple erected there at a cost of $200,000, and a town built in Kirkland. How Smith became an enterprising banker and received from a simple mummy showman a papyrus scroll written by Abraham and several famous Egyptians. The Elder's story became somewhat wearysome, and his audience grew gradually less, until it was reduced to 20 passengers, but this did not discard the enthusiasm who proceeded with the story of Joseph Smith's bankruptcy in 1837, and how his ruined creditors gave him a coat of tar and feathers, his reappearance some years afterwards more honorable and honored than ever at Independence, Missouri, the chief of the flourishing colony of 3,000 disciples, and his pursuit sensed by outraged gentiles, and retirement into the far west. Ten years only were now left, among them Honis Pespatu, who was listening with all his ears. Thus he learned that after long persecutions Smith reappeared in Illinois and in 1839 founded a community at Nauvoo, on the Mississippi numbering 25,000 souls, of which he became mayor, chief justice, and general-in-chief. That he announced himself in 1843 as a candidate for the presidency of the United States, and that finally being drawn into absolute at costage, he was thrown into prison and assassinated by a band of men disguised in masks. Pespatu was now the only person left in the car, and the elder looking him fall in the face reminded him that two years after the ascension of Joseph Smith, the inspired prophet Brigham Young, his successor, left Nauvoo for the banks of Great Salt Lake, where in the midst of the fertile region, directly on the route of immigrants who crossed Utah on their way to California, the new colony, thanks to the polygamy practiced by the Mormons, had flourished beyond expectations. And this, I did Elder William Hitch, this is why jealousy of Congress has been aroused against us. Why have the soldiers of the Union evaded the soil of Utah? Why has Brigham Young, our chief, been imprisoned in contempt of all justice? Shall we yield to force? Never. Driven from Vermont, driven from Illinois, driven from Ohio, driven from Missouri, driven from Utah, we shall yet find some independent territory on which to plant our tents. And you, my brother, continued the elder, fixing his angry eyes upon his single auditor. Will you not plant yours there, too, under the shadow of our flag? No! replied Puspart 2, courageously, in his turn retaliating from the car, and leaving the elder to preach to vacancy. During the lecture, the train had been making good progress, and towards half past twelve, it reached the northwest border of the Great Salt Lake. Hence, the passengers could observe the vast extent of this interior sea, which is also called the Dead Sea, and into which flows an American Jordan. It is a picturesque expanse, framed in lofty crags in large strata, encrusted with white salt and a superb stream of water, which was formerly of larger extent than now, its shores having encroached with the lapse of time, and thus at once reduced its breadth and increased its depth. The Salt Lake, 70 miles long and 35 wide, is situated three miles 800 feet above the sea, quite different from Lake Espleti, whose depression is 1200 feet below the sea. It contains considerable salt, and one-quarter of the way of its water is solid matter. Its specific weight being 1170, and after being distilled 1000, fishes are of course unable to live in it, and those which descended through the Jordan and Weaver and other streets soon perish. The country around the lake was well cultivated, for the moments are mostly farmers, while ranchers and pens for domesticated animals, fields of wheat, corn and other cereals, luxuriant priories, hedges of wild bros, clumps of ashals, and milk work would have been seen six months later. Now the ground was covered with thin powdering of snow. The train reached Ogden at two o'clock, where it rested for six hours. Mr. Fogg and his party had time to pay a visit to Salt Lake City, connected with Ogden by a branch road, and they spent two hours in the strikingly American town built on the pattern of other cities of the Union, like a checkerboard with the somber sadness of right angles, where the Hugo expresses it. The founder of the city, of the saints, could not escape from the taste of symmetry, which distinguished the Anglo-Saxons. In this strange country where the people are certainly not up to the level of their institutions, everything is done squarely, cities, houses and follies. The travelers then were commanding at three o'clock about the streets of the town built between the banks of the Jordan and the Spurs of the Wasatch Range. They saw few or no churches, but the prophet's mansion, the call house and the arsenal blue brick houses with virendes and porches surrounded by gardens bordered with acres, palms and locusts. A clay and pebble wall built in 1853 surrounded the town and in the principal street where the market and several hotels adored with pavilions. The place did not seem thickly populated. The streets were almost deserted except in the vicinity of the temple, after having traversed several quarters surrounded by palisades. There were many women which was easily accounted for by the peculiar institution of the Mormons, but it must not be supposed that all Mormons are polygamists. They are free to marry or not as they please, but it is worth noting that this is mainly the female citizens of Utah who are anxious to marry as according to the Mormon religion, mated ladies are not admitted to the position of its highest joy. These poor creatures seemed to be neither well off nor happy. Some, the more well to do, no doubt, were sure open black silk dresses under a hood or modest shawl. They were directed in Indian fashion. Part 2 could not be without a certain fright these women charged in groups with conferring happiness on a single Mormon. His common sense pitied above all the husband. It seems to him a terrible thing to have to guide so many wives at once across the vicinitudes of life and to conduct them as it were in a body to the Mormon paradise with the prospect of seeing them in the company of the glorious Smith who doubtless was the chief ornament of that delightful place to all eternity. He felt desidately repelled from such a vocation and he imagined perhaps he was mistaken that the fair ones of Salt Lake City cast rather alarming glances on his person. Happily, his stay there was but brief. At four, the party found themselves again at the station, took their places in the train and the whistle sounded for the starting. Just at the moment, however, that the locomotive wheels began to move, cries of Stop! Stop! were heard. Trains like time and tide stop for no one. The gentleman who uttered the cries was evidently a belted Mormon. He was breathless with running. Happily for him, the station had neither gates nor barriers. He rushed along the track, jumped on the rear platform of the train and fell exhausted into one of the seats. But part two, who had been anxiously waiting this amateur gymnast approached him with lively interest and learning that he had taken flight after an unpleasing domestic scene. When the Mormon had recovered his breath but part two ventured to ask him politely how many wives he had for from the manner in which he de-camped, it might be thought that he had twenty at least one, sir, replied the Mormon, raising his arms heavenward. One. And that was enough. End of chapter 27. This has been a TVOL3 production. This is a LibriVolks recording. All LibriVolks recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVolks.org That's L-I-B-R-I-V-O-X .org Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne Chapter 28 in which part two does not succeed in making anybody listen to a reason. The train on leaving Great Salt Lake at Ogden passed northwards for an hour as far as Weaver River having completed nearly 900 miles from San Francisco. From this point it took an easternly direction towards the jagged Wasatch Mountains. It was in the direction included between this range and the Rocky Mountains that the American engineers found that most formidable difficulties in laying the road and that the government granted a subsidiary of $48,000 per mile. Instead of $16,000 allowed for the work done on the planes. But the engineers of violating nature avoided its difficulties by winding around instead of penetrating the rocks. One tunnel only 14,000 feet in length was pierced in order to arrive at the Great Basin. The track up to this time had reached its highest elevation at the Great Basin Salt Lake. From this point it described a long curve descending towards Bitter Creek Valley to rise again to the dividing ridge of the waters between the Atlantic and the Pacific. There were many creeks in this mountainous region and it was necessary to cross Muddy Creek on cultivars. This part too grew more and more impatient as they went on while creeks long to get out of this difficult region and was more anxious that Philly's fog himself to be beyond the danger of delays and accidents and set foot on English soil. At 10 o'clock at night the train stopped at Fort Bridger Station and 20 minutes later entered Wyoming territory following the valley of Bitter Creek throughout. The next day, 7th December they stopped for a quarter of an hour at Green River Station. Snow had fallen abundantly during the night but being mixed with rain it had half melted and did not interrupt their progress. The bad weather, however annoyed Pispatu for the accumulation of snow by blocking the wheels of the cars would certainly have been fatal to Mr. Fogg's tour. What an idea! he said to himself Why did my master make this journey in winter? Couldn't he have waited for the good season to increase his chances? While the worthy Frenchman was absorbed in the state of the sky and the depression of the temperature, Eoda was experiencing fears from a totally different cause. Several passengers had got off at Green River and were walking up and down the platforms. Among these, Eoda recognized Colonel Stamp Proctor the same who had so grossly insulted Philly's Fogg at the San Francisco meeting. Not wishing to be recognized the young woman drew back from the window feeling much alarm at her discovery. She was attached to this man who, however coldly, gave her daily evidences of the most absolute devotion. She did not comprehend perhaps the depth of the sentiment with which her protector inspired her, which she called gratitude. But which, though she was unconscious of it, was really more than that. Her heart sank within her when she recognized the man whom Mr. Fogg desired. Sooner or later, to call to account for his conduct, chance alone, he was clear, had brought Colonel Proctor on this train. But there he was and it was necessary at all hazards that Philly's Fogg should not perceive his adversary. Eoda seized a moment when Mr. Fogg was asleep to tell Fix and Paspartou whom she had seen. The Proctor on this train cried Fix, well, Mr. yourself, madame, before he settles with Mr. Fogg, he has got to deal with me. It seems to me that I was the more insulted of the two. And besides, added Paspartou, I'll take charge of him, Colonel, as he is. Mr. Fix, resumed Eoda, Mr. Fogg will allow no one to avenge him. He said that he would come back to America to find this man. Should he perceive Colonel Proctor, we could not prevent a collision which might have terrible results. He must not see him. You are right, madame," replied Fix. A meeting between them must ruin all. Whether he were victorious or beaten, Mr. Fogg would be delayed and, added Paspartou, that would play the game of the gentlemen of the reform club. In four days, we shall be in New York. Well, if my master just won't leave this car during these four days, we may hope that chance will not bring him face to face with this confounded American. We must, if possible, prevent his stirring out of it. The conversation dropped. Mr. Fogg had just woke up and was looking out of the window. Soon after Paspartou, without being heard by his master, Euda, whispered to the detective, would you really fight for him? I would do anything, replied Fix, in a tone which betrayed determined will to get him back, living to Europe. Paspartou felt something like a shudder shoot from his frame, but his confidence in his master remained unbroken. Was there any means of detaining Mr. Fogg in the car to avoid a meeting between him and the Colonel? It ought not to be a difficult task since that gentleman was neutrally sedentary and little curious. The detective, at last, seemed to have found a way for afar a few moments, he said to Mr. Fogg, these are long and slow hours, sir, that we are passing on the railway. Yes, replied Mr. Fogg, but they pass. You are in the habit of playing with Zoom Fix on the steamer? Yes, but it would be difficult to do so here. I have neither cards nor partners. Oh, but we can easily buy some cards, for they are sold on all the American trains. And as for partners, if Madone plays, certainly, sir, Eoda quickly replied, I understand, it is part of an English education. I myself have some practice in playing a good game, well, here are three of us and a dummy. As he pleased, sir, replied Philly's Fogg, hardly glad to resume his favorite pastime, even on the railway, because part two was dispatched in search of the steward and soon returned with two packs of cards, some pins, counters, and shelf covered with cloth. The game commenced, Eoda understood with sufficiently well and even received some compliments on her playing from Mr. Fogg. As for the detective, he was simply an adept and worthy of being matched against his present opponent. Now, thought this part two, we've got him, he won't budge. At eleven in the morning the train had reached the dividing ridge of Waters. At Bridge Pass, 7,524 feet above the level of sea, one of the highest points attained by the track crossing the Rocky Mountains. After going about 200 miles, the travelers at last found themselves on one of the vast plains, which extended to the Atlantic, and which nature has made so propitious for laying the Iron Road. On the declivity of the Atlantic Basin the first streams, branched of the North Plateau River already appeared. The whole northern and eastern horizon was bounded by the immense semi-circular curtain, which is formed by the southern portion of the Rocky Mountains, the highest being Lamy Peak. Between this and the railway extended vast plains, plentifully irrigated. On the right rose the lowest of the mountainous mass which extends southward to the sacres of the Arkansas River, one of the great tributes of the misery. At half past twelve, the travelers caught sight of an instant of Folk Helk, which commands that station, and in a few more hours the Rocky Mountains were crossed. There was reason to hope then that no accident would mark the journey through the difficult country. The snow had ceased falling and the air became crisp and cold. Long birds frightened by the locomotive rose and flew off in the distance. No wild beast appeared on the plane. It was a desert in its vast nakedness. After a comfortable breakfast served in the car, Mr. Folk and his partners had just resumed wist, when a violent whistling was heard, and the train stopped because part two put his head out of the door and saw nothing to cause the delay. No station was in view. Eoda and Fix feared that Mr. Folk might take it into his head to get out, but that gentleman continued himself with a whistling to his servant. See what is the matter. Mr. Folk too rushed out of the car, 30 or 40 passengers had already descended amongst them Colonel Stamp Proctor. The train had stopped before a red signal which blocked the way. The engineer and conductor were talking excitedly with a signalman whom the station master the next stopping place had sent on before. The passengers drew around and took part in the discussion in which Colonel Proctor with his insolent manner was conspicuous. Part two joined the group heard the signalman say no you can't pass the bridge at medicine bow is shaky and would not bear the way of the train. This was a suspension bridge thrown over some rapids about a mile from the place where they now were. According to a signalman it was in a runer's condition several of the iron wires being broken and it was impossible to risk the passage. He did not in any way exaggerate the condition of the bridge. It may be taken for granted that rash as the Americans usually are when they are prudent there is good information for it. This part two not daring to surprise his master of what he heard listened with set teeth immovable as a statue. Huh? cried Colonel Proctor but we are not going to stay here I imagine and take root in the snow. Colonel applied the conductor we have telegraphed the Omaha for a train but it is not likely that it will reach medicine bow six hours cried his part two certainly returned the conductor besides it will take us as long as that to reach medicine bow on foot. But it is only a mile from here said one of the passengers yes it's on the other side of the river and can't we cross that in a boat? asked the Colonel that's impossible the creek is swelled by the rains it is rapid and we shall have to make a circuit of ten miles to the north to find a Ford the Colonel launched a volley of oath denouncing the railway company and the conductors and his part two who was furious was not disinclined to make common cause with him here was an obstacle indeed which all his master's banknotes could not remove there was a general disappointment among the passengers who without reckoning the delay saw themselves compelled to trudge 15 miles over a plain covered with snow they grumbled and protested and would certainly have thus attracted Philly's fog's attention if he had not been completely absorbed in his game this part two found that he could not avoid telling his master what had occurred with hanging head he was turned towards the car when the engineer a true Yankee named Foster called out gentlemen perhaps there is a way after all to get over on the bridge as the passenger on the bridge with our train with our train this part two stopped short and eagerly listened to the engineer but the bridge is unsafe urged the conductor no matter replied Foster I think that by putting on the very high speed we might have a chance of getting over the devil but a number of passengers were once attracted by the engineer's proposal and Colonel Praktor was especially delighted and found the plant a very feasible one he told stories about engineers leaving the trains over rivers without bridges by putting on full steam and many of those present around themselves of the engineer's mind we have 50 chances out of 100 of getting over said one 80, 90 cause part two was astounded and though ready to attempt anything to get over medicine creek thought the experiment proposed a little too American besides thought he there's a still more simple way and it does not even occur to any of these people sir said he allowed to one of these passengers the engineer's plan seems to be a little dangerous but 18 chances replied the passenger turning his back on him I know it said to spot to turning to another passenger but a simple idea ideas are no use return the American shrugging his shoulders as the engineer assures us that we can pass doubtless urges us to we can pass but perhaps it would be more prudent what prudent cried Pearl Practor whom this word seemed to excite progistically at full speed don't you see at full speed I know I see it repeated part two but it would be if not more prudent suit that would displease you at least more natural whoa what's the matter with this fellow cried several the poor fellow did not know to whom to address himself are you afraid at Pearl Practor I afraid very well I will show these people that a Frenchman can be an American as they all aboard cried the conductor yes all aboard repeated his part two and immediately but they can't prevent me from thinking that it would be more natural for us to cross the bridge on foot and let the train come after but no one heard that the siege reflection nor would anyone have acknowledged its justice the passengers resumed their places in the cars this part two took his seat without telling what had passed the whisk players were quite absorbed in the game the locomotive whistled vigorously the engineer reversing the steam back in the train for nearly a mile retiring like a jumper in order to take a longer leap then with another whistle he began to move forward the train increased its speed and soon its rapidity became frightful a prolonged screech issued from the locomotive the piston worked up and down 20 strokes at the second they perceived that the whole train rushing on at the rate of 100 miles an hour barely bore upon the rails at all and they passed over it was like a flash no one saw the bridge the train leaped so to speak from one bank to the other and the engineer could not stop it until it had gone 5 miles beyond the station but scarcely had the train pass the river when the bridge completely ruined fell with a crash into the rapids of the medicine bow end of chapter 28 this has been a TBO L3 production this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org that's LibriVox.org around the world in 80 days by Jules Fern chapter 29 in which certain incidents are narrated which are only to be met with on American railroads the train pursued its course that evening without interruption passing four sunders crossing Shane Pass and reaching Evans Pass the road here attained the highest elevation of the journey 8,092 feet above the level of the sea the travelers had now only to descend to the Atlantic by limitless planes leveled by nature a branch of the ground trunk led off southward to Denver the capital of Colorado the country roads about is rich in gold and silver and more than 50,000 inhabitants are already settling there 1382 miles had been passed over from San Francisco in three days and three nights four days and nights more would probably bring them to New York Philly's fog was not as yet behind hand during the night Camp Wildback was passed on the left large Polk Creek ran parallel with the road marking the boundary between the territories of Wyoming and Colorado they entered Nebraska at 11 passed near Sedgwick and turned at Julesburg on the southern branch of the Platte River it was here that the Union Pacific Railroad was inaugurated on the 23rd of October 1863 by the chief engineer General Dodge two powerful locomotives carrying nine cars of invited guests amongst whom was Thomas C. Durant Vice President of the road at this point cheers were given the Sykes and Ponies performed an imitation Indian battle fireworks were let off and the first number of the railway pioneer was printed by a press brought on the train thus was celebrated the inauguration of this great railroad a mighty instrument of progress and civilization thrown across the desert and destined to link together cities and towns which do not yet exist the whistle of the locomotive more powerful than Amphion's Liar was about to bit them rise from American soil for McPherson was left behind at eight in the morning and 357 miles had yet to be traversed before reaching Omaha the road followed the capricious windings of the southern branch of the Plateau river on its left bank at Noine the train stopped at the important town of North Plateau built between the two arms of the river which rejoined each other and formed a single artery a large tributary whose waters empty into the Missouri a little above Omaha the 100 and first Meridian was passed Mr. Fogg and his partners had resumed the game no one, nor even the dummy complained of the length of the trip Fiks had begun by winning four guineas which he seemed likely to lose but he showed himself a not less eager whist player than Mr. Fogg during the morning chance distinctly favored that gentleman trumps and honors were showered upon his hands once having resolved on a bold stroke he was on the point of playing a spade when a voice behind him said I should play a diamond Mr. Fogg aoda and Fiks raised the heads and beheld Colonel Proctor Stomp Proctor and Philly's Fogg recognized each other at once ah, it's you is it? Englishmen cried the Colonel it's you who are going to play a spade and who plays it replied Philly's Fogg coldly throwing down the ten of spades well it pleases me to have it diamonds replied Colonel Proctor in an insolent tone he made a movement as if to seize the card which had just been played adding you don't understand anything about whist perhaps I do as well as another said Philly's Fogg rising you have only to try son of Jombole replied the Colonel the turning pale and her blood ran cold she seized Mr. Fogg's arm and gently pulled him back Ms. Part 2 was ready to pounce upon the American who was starting insolently at his opponent but Fiks got up and going to Colonel Proctor said you forget that it is I with whom you have to deal sir for it was I whom you not only insulted Mr. Ruck Mr. Fiks said Mr. Fogg pardon me but this affair is mine and mine only the Colonel has again insulted me by insulting that I should not play spade and he shall give me satisfaction for it when and where you will replied the American and with whatever weapon you choose Ioda and Vane attempted to retain Mr. Fogg as Vanity did the detective endeavor to make the coral his because Part 2 wished to throw the Colonel out of the window but a sign from his master checked him Philly's Fogg left the car and the American followed him up the platform sir said Mr. Fogg to his adversary I am in a great hurry to get back to Europe and any delay whatever will be greatly to my disadvantage well what's that to me replied Colonel Proctor sir said Philly's Fogg very politely after all meeting at San Francisco I determined to return to America and find you as soon as I had completed the business which called me to England really will you appoint a meeting for six months hence why not ten years hence I say six months returned Philly's Fogg and I shall be at the place of the meeting promptly all this is an evasion cried stamp Proctor now or never very good you are going to New York no to Chicago no to Omaha what difference is it to you do you know Plum Creek no replied Philly's Fogg it's the next station the train will be there in an hour and will stop that in ten minutes in ten minutes several revolver shots could be exchanged very well said Mr. Fogg I will stop at Plum Creek and I guess you'll stay there too added the American insultly who knows replied Mr. Fogg returning to the car as truly as usual he began to reassure Eora telling her that blusters were never to be feared and begged fixed to be his second at the approaching duel a request which the detective could not refuse Mr. Fogg resumed the interrupted game with perfect calmness at eleven o'clock the locomotive whistle announced that they were approaching Plum Creek station Mr. Fogg rose and followed by Fix went out upon the platform because part two accompanied him carrying a pair of revolvers that remained in the car as pale as death the door of the next car opened and Colonel Proctor appeared on the platform attended by a Yankee of his own stamp as his second but just as the combats were about to step from the train the conductor hurried up and shouted you can't get off gentlemen why not? asked the Colonel we have twenty minutes late stop but I'm going to fight a duel with this gentleman I'm sorry said the conductor but we shall be off at once there's the bell ringing now the train started I'm really very sorry gentlemen said the conductor under any other circumstances I should have been happy to oblige you but after all as you have not had time to fight here why not fight as we go along that wouldn't be convenient perhaps for the gentleman said the Colonel in a jeering tone it would be perfectly so replied Philly Fogg well we really are in America thought this part too and the conductor is a gentleman of the first order so muttering he followed his master the two combatants the seconds and the conductor passed through the cars to the rear of the train the last car was only occupied by a dozen passengers whom the conductor politely asked if they would not be so kind as to leave it vacant for a few moments as two gentlemen had an affair of honor to settle the passengers granted the request with alacrity and straightway disappeared on the platform the car which was some fifty feet long was very convenient for the purpose the adversaries might march on each other in the aisle and fire at ease never was a duel more easily arranged Mr. Fogg and Colonel Proctor each provided with two six barrel revolvers entered the car the second remaining outside shut them in they were to begin firing at the first whistle of the locomotive after an interval of remaining of the two gentlemen will be taken from the car nothing could be more simple indeed it was all so simple that Fogg and Proctor felt their hearts beating as if they would crack they were listening for the whistle agreed upon when suddenly savage cries resounded in the air accompanied by reports which certainly did not issue the car where the duelists were the reports continued in front and the whole length of the train cries of terror proceeded from the interior of the cars Colonel Proctor and Mr. Fogg revolvers in hand hastily quitted their prison and rushed forward where the noise was most clamorous they then perceived that the train was attacked by a band of Seahawks this was not the first attempt of these daring Indians for more than once they had waylaid trains on the road a hundred of them had according to their habit jumped upon the steps without stopping the train with the ease of a clown mounting horse at full gall the Seahawks were armed with guns from which came the reports to which the passengers who were almost all armed were surrounded by revolver shorts the Indians had first mounted the engine and half stunned the engineers and stoker with blows from their muskets a Seahawks chief whistling to stop the train but not knowing how to work the regulator had opened wide instead of closing the steam valve and the locomotive was plunging forward with terrific velocity the Seahawks had at the same time invaded the cars skipping like energized monkeys over the roofs rusting open the doors and fighting hand to hand with the passengers penetrating the baggage car they pillaged it throwing the trunks out of the train the cries and shouts were constant the travelers defended themselves bravely the cars were barricaded and sustained a siege like moving forts carriers along at a speed of 100 miles an hour Eoda behaved courageously from the first she defended herself like a true heroine with a revolver which she shot through the broken windows wherever a savage made his appearance 20 Seahawks had far mortally wounded to the ground and the wheels crushed those who fell upon the rails as if they had been worms several passengers shot or stunned lay on the seats it was necessary to put an end to this struggle which had lasted for 10 minutes and which would result in the triumph of the Seahawks if the trains were not stopped fought Kearney station where there was a garrison was only 2 miles distant but that once passed the Seahawks would be masters of the train between Fort Kearney and the station beyond the conductor was fighting beside Mr. Fogg when he was shot and fell at the same moment he cried unless the train is stopped in 5 minutes we are lost it shall be stopped said Philly's Fogg preparing to rush for the car stay moncier I will go Mr. Fogg had not time to stop the brave fellow who opening a door unperceived by the Indians succeeded in slipping under the car and while the struggle continued and the balls whizzed across each other over his head he made use of his old acrobatic experience and with amazing agility walked his way under the cars holding on the chains aiding himself by the brakes and edges of the sashes creeping from one car to another with marvelous skill and thus gained the forward end of the train there suspended by one hand between the baggage car and the tender with the other he loosed the safety chains owing to the attraction he would never have succeeded in unscrewing the yoking bar had not a violent concession jolted this bar out the train now detached from the engine remained a little behind whilst the locomotive rushing forward with increased speed carried on by the force already acquired the train still moved for several minutes but the brakes were worked and at last they stopped less than 100 feet from counting station the soldiers of the four attracted by the shots hurried up, the Seahawks had not expected them and decomped in a porty before the train entirely stopped but when the passengers counted each other on the station platform found missing among others the courageous Frenchman whose devotion had just saved them Chapter 29 this has been a TBO3 production this is a LibriVolks recording all LibriVolks recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVolks.org that's L-I-B-R-I at LibriVolks.org Around the world in 80 days by Jules Sverne Chapter 30 in which Philly's fog simply does his duty three passengers including Pispartu had disappeared had they been killed in the struggle where they taken prisoners by the Seahawks it's possible to tell there were many wounded but none mortally Colonel Praktor was one of the most seriously hurt he had fought bravely and a ball had entered his groin he was carried into the station with the other wounded passengers to receive such attention as he could be avail Eoda was safe and Philly's fog who had been in the thickest had not received a scratch Vix was slightly wounded in the arm but Pispartu was not to be found and tears coursed down Eoda's cheeks all the passengers had gone out of the train the wills of which were stained with blood from the trays and spokes hung ragged pieces of flesh as far as the eye could reach the white planes behind red trails were visible the last Seahawks were disappearing in the south along the banks of Republican river Mr. Fogg with folded arms remained motionless he had a serious decision to make Eoda standing near him looked at him without speaking and he understood her look if his servant were a prisoner or he not to risk everything to rescue him from the Indians I will find him living or dead said he quietly to Eoda Mr. Mr. Fogg cried she claps in his hands and covered them with tears living at a Mr. Fogg if we do not lose a moment Philly's fog by this resolution inevitably sacrificed himself it pronounced his own doom the delay of a single day would make him lose the steamer at New York and his bet would be certainly lost but as he thought it is my duty he did not hesitate the commanding officer of Fort Canary was there a hundred of his soldiers had placed themselves in a position to defend the station should the Seahawks attack it sir said Mr. Fogg to the captain three passengers have disappeared dead asked the captain dead were prisoners that is the uncertainty which must be solved do you propose to pursue the Seahawks that's a serious thing to do sir return the captain these Indians may retreat beyond the Arkansas and I cannot leave the fort unprotected the lives of three men are in question sir Philly's fog doubtless but I can risk the lives of 50 men to save three I don't know whether you can sir but you ought to do so nobody here returned the other has a right to teach me my duty very well said Mr. Fogg Colby I will go alone you sir you go along in pursuit of the Indians would you have me leave this poor fellow to perish him to whom everyone present owes his life I shall go no sir you shall not go alone cried the captain touched in spite of himself no you are a brave man 30 volunteers he added turning to the soldiers the whole company started forward at once the captain had only to pick his men 30 were chosen sergeant placed at their head thanks captain said Mr. Fogg will you let me go with you ask fix do as you please sir but if you wish to do me a favor you will remain with Eoda in case anything should happen to me a sudden pillar overspread the detective's face separate himself from the man whom he had so persistently followed step by step leave him to wander about in this desert fakes gazed attentively at Mr. Fogg and despite his suspicions and of the struggle which was going on within him he lowered his eyes before that calm and frank look I will stay said he a few moments after Mr. Fogg pressed the young woman's hand and having confided to her his precious carpet bag went off with the sergeant and his little squad before going he had said to the soldiers my friends I will divide $5,000 among you if we save the prisoners it was then a little past noon Eoda retired to a waiting room and there she waited alone thinking of the simple and noble generosity that tranquil courage of Philly's Fogg he had sacrificed his fortune and was now risking his life all without hesitation from duty Ficks did not have the same thoughts and could scarcely conceal his agitation he walked feverishly up and down the platform but soon resumed his outward composure he now saw the folly of which he had been guilty in letting Fogg go alone what this man whom he had just followed around the world was permitted now to separate himself from him he begun to accuse and abuse himself and as if he were director of police administer to himself a sound lecture from his greenness I have been an idiot he thought and this man will see it he has gone and won't come back but how is it that I Ficks who have in my pocket a warrant for his arrest have been so fascinated by him decently I am nothing pranas so reasoned the detective while the hours crept by all too slowly he did not know what to do sometimes he was tempted to tell Aida all he could not doubt how the young woman would receive his confidences what course should he take he thought of pursuing Fogg across the vast white plains it did not seem impossible that he might overtake him footsteps were easily printed on the snow but soon under a new sheet every imprint would be effaced Ficks became discouraged he felt a sort of insurmountable longing to abandon the game all together he could now leave Fort Canary station and pursue his journey homeward in peace towards two o'clock in the afternoon while it was snowing hard long wisps were heard approaching from the east a great shadow preceded by a wild light slowly advanced still larger through the mist which gave it a fantastic aspect no train was expected from the east neither had there been time for the succour asked for by a telegraph to arrive the train from Omaha to San Francisco was not due till the next day the mystery was soon explained the locomotive which was slowly approaching with deafening whistles was that which having been detached from the train had continued its route with such terrific rapidity carrying off the unconscious engineer and stoker it had run several miles when the fire becoming low for want of fuel the steam had slackened and it had finally stopped an hour after some 20 miles beyond Fort Kenney neither the engineer nor the stoker was dead and after remaining for some time in their swoon had come to themselves the train had then stopped the engineer when he found himself in the desert and the locomotive without cars understood what had happened he could not imagine had become separated from the train but he did not doubt that the train left behind was in distress he did not hesitate what to do it would be prudent to continue on to Omaha for it would be dangerous to return to the train which the Indians might still be engaging in pillaging nevertheless he began to rebuild the fire in the furnace the pressure again mounted and the locomotive returned running backwards to Fort Kenney this it was which was whistling in the mist the travelers were glad to see the locomotive resume its place at the head of the train they could now continue the journey so terribly interrupted on seeing the locomotive come up read out of the station and ask the conductor are you going to start at once madam but the prisoners are unfortunate fellow travelers I cannot interrupt the trip replied the conductor we are already three hours behind time and when will another train pass here from San Francisco tomorrow evening madam tomorrow evening but then it will be too late it is impossible responded the conductor if you wish to go please get in I will not go said Eoda Vix had heard this conversation a little while before when there was no prospect of proceeding on the journey he had made up his mind to leave Fort Kenney but now the train was there ready to start and he had only to take his seat and irresistible influence held him back the station platform burned his feet and he could not stir the conflict in his mind again began anger and failure stifled him he wished to struggle on to the end meanwhile the passengers and some of the wounded among them Colonel Prater whose injuries were serious had taken their places in the train the buzzing of the overheated boiler was heard and the steam was escaping from the valves the engineer whistled the train started and soon disappeared mingled its white smoke with the eddies of the densely fallen snow the detective had remained behind several hours passed the weather was dismal and it was very cold fixed that motionless on a bench in the station he might have been thought asleep Eoda, despite the storm kept coming out of the waiting room going to the end of the platform and peering through the tempest of snow as if to pierce the mist which narrowed the horizon around her and to hear if possible she heard and saw nothing then she would return chilled through to issue out again after the lapse of a few moments but always in vain evening came and the little band had not returned where could they be had they found the Indians and were they having a conflict with them or were they still wandering amid the mist the thunder of the fort was anxious though he tried to conceal his apprehensions as night approached the snow fell less plentifully but it became instantly cold absolute silence rested on the plains neither flight of bird nor passing of beast troubled the perfect calm throughout the night sad forebodings her heart stiffened with anguish wandered about on the verge of the plains her imagination carried her far off and showing her innumerable dangers what she suffered through the long hours it would be impossible to describe Fitch remained stationary in the same place but did not sleep once a man approached and spoke to him and the detective merely replied by shaking his head thus the night passed at dawn the half extinguished disc of the sun rose above a misty horizon but it was now possible to recognize objects two miles off Philly's fog and the squad had gone southward in the south always still vacant it was then seven o'clock the captain who was really alarmed did not know what course to take should he send another detachment to the rescue of the first should he sacrifice more men with so few chances of saving those already sacrificed his hesitation did not last long however calling one of his lieutenants he was on the point of ordering the reconnaissance when gunshot were heard was it a signal the soldiers rushed out of the fort and half a mile off they perceived a little band returning in good order Mr. Fogg was marching at their head and just behind him were Pespartu and the other two travelers rescued from the Seahawks they had met and fought the Indians 10 miles south of Fort Kennery shortly before the detachment arrived Pespartu and his companions had begun to struggle with their captors three of whom the Frenchman had felled with his fists when his master and the soldiers hastened up to the relief all were welcome with joyful cries Philly's fog distributed the reward he had promised to the soldiers while Pespartu, not without reason muttered to himself it must certainly be confessed that I cost my master dear Fixed without saying a word looked at Mr. Fogg and it would have been difficult to analyze the thoughts which struggled within him as for Eoda she took her protector's hand and pressed it to her own too much moved to speak meanwhile Pespartu was looking about for the train he thought he should find it there ready to start for Omaha and he hoped that the time lost might be regained the train, the train! cried he gone, replied Fix and when does the next train pass here? said Philly's fog not till this evening ah, returned the impossible gentlemen quickly end of chapter 30 this has been a TBOL3 production this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to find out how you can volunteer please visit LibriVox.org that's L-I-B-R-I-V-O-X dot org around the world in 80 days by Jules Verne chapter 31 in which Fix, the detective considerably furthers the interests of Philly's fog Philly's fog found himself 20 hours behind time Pespartu the involuntary cause of this delay was desperate he had ruined his master at this moment the detective approached Mr. Fogg and looking him intently in the face said seriously sir, are you in great haste? quite seriously I have a purpose in asking resumed Fix is it absolutely necessary that you should be in New York on the 11th before 9 o'clock in the evening the time that the steamer leaves for Liverpool? it is absolutely necessary and if your journey had not been interrupted by these Indians you would have reached New York on the morning of the 11th yes with 11 hours to spare before the steamer left good! you are there for 20 hours behind 12 from 20 leaves 8 you must regain 8 hours do you wish to try to do so? on foot asked Mr. Fogg no, on sled replied Fix on a sled with sails a man has proposed such a method to me it was the man who had spoken to Fix during the night and whose offer he had refused Phillies Fogg did not reply at once but Fix having pointed out the man who was walking up and down in front of the station Mr. Fogg went up to him an instant after Mr. Fogg and the American whose name was Mudge entered a hut built just below the fort there Mr. Fogg examined a curious vehicle a kind of frame on two long beams a little raised in front like the runners of a sled and upon which there was room for 5 or 6 persons a high mast was fixed on the frame held firmly by metallic lashings to which was attached a large frigantine sail this mast held an ironic stay upon which to host a jib sail behind a sort of rudder to guide the vehicle it was in short a sled rigged like a sloop during the winter when the trains are blocked up by the snow these sleds make extremely rapid journeys across the frozen planes from one station to another providing with more cells than a cutter and with the wind behind them they slip over the surface of the prairies with a speed equal if not superior to that of the express trains Mr. Fogg readily made a bargain with the owner of this landcraft the wind was favorable being fresh and blowing from the west the snow had hardened and Mudge was very confident of being able to transport Mr. Fogg in a few hours to Omaha since the trains eastward run frequently to Chicago and New York it was not impossible that the lost time might yet be recovered and such an opportunity was not to be rejected not wishing to expose Eoda to the discomforts of traveling in the open air Mr. Fogg proposed to leave her with Puspartou at Fort Kearney the servant taking upon himself to escort her to Europe by a better route and under more favorable conditions but Eoda refused to separate from Mr. Fogg and Puspartou was delighted with her decision for nothing could introduce him to leave his master while Figgs was with him it would be difficult to understand was this conviction shaken by Filius Fogg's return or did he still regard him as an exceedingly shrewd rascal who his journey around the world completed would think himself absolutely safe in England perhaps Figgs's opinion of Filius Fogg was somewhat modified but he was nevertheless resolved to take the opportunity and to hasten the return of the whole party to England as much as possible at 8 o'clock the sled was ready to start the passengers took their places on it and wrapped themselves up closely in their traveling cloaks the two great sails were hoisted and upon the pressure of the wind the sled slid over the hardened snow with a velocity 40 miles an hour the distance between Fort Kearney and Omaha as the birds fly is at most 200 miles if the wind held good the distance might be traversed in five hours if no accident happened the sled might reach Omaha by one o'clock what a journey the travelers huddled close together could not speak for the cold intensified by the rapidity at which they were going the sled sped on as lightly as a boat over the waves when the breeze came skimming the earth the sled seemed to be lifted off the ground by its sails Mudge who was at the rudder kept in a straight line and by a turn of his hand checked the lurches which the vehicle had a tendency all the sails were up and the jib was so arranged as not to screen the brigantine a top mast was hoisted and another jib held out to the wind added its force to the other sails although the speed could not be exactly estimated the sled could not be going at less than 40 miles an hour if nothing breaks said Mudge we shall get there Mr. Fogg had made it for Mudge's interest to reach Omaha within the time agreed on by the offer of a handsome reward the prairie across which the sled was moving in a straight line was as flat as a sea it seemed like a vast frozen lake the railroad which ran through this section ascended southwest to the northwest by Great Island Columbus an important Nebraska town skirly and fermant to Omaha it followed throughout the right bank of the Plateau River the sled shortening this route took a chord of the arc described by the railway Mudge was not afraid of being stopped by the Plateau River because it was frozen the road then was quite clear of obstacles and Philly's Fogg had two things to fear an accident to the sledge and a change or calm in the wind but the breeze far from lessening its force blew as if to bend the mass which however the metallic lashings held firmly these lashings like the chords of a stringed instrument resounded as if vibrated by a violin bow the sled slid along in the midst of a plaintively intense melody those chords give the fifth an octave said Mr. Fogg these were the only words he uttered during the journey Eoda coasily packed in furrows and cloaks was sheltered as much as possible from the attacks of the freezing wind as for his part two his face was as red as the sun's disc when it sets in the mist and he laboriously inhaled the biting air with his nostrils by and sea of spirits he began to hope again they would reach New York on the evening if not on the morning of the 11th and there was sitting some chasinth that it would be before he sailed for Liverpool his part two even felt a strong desire to grasp his ally fix by the hand he remembered that it was the detective who produced the sled the only means of reaching Omaha in time but checked by some presentment he kept his usual reserve one thing however his part two would never forget that was the sacrifice which Mr. Fogg had made without hesitation to rescue him from the Seaks Mr. Fogg had risked his fortune and his life, no his servant would never forget that while each of the party was absorbed in reflection so different the sled flew passed over the vast carpet of snow the creeks it passed over were not perceived fills and streams disappeared under the uniform witness the plane was absolutely deserted between the Union Pacific road and the branch which unites Kearney with St. Joseph it formed a great un-inhibitul island neither village station nor fore appeared from time to time they sped by some phantom like tree whose white skeleton twisted and rattled in the wind sometimes flocks of wild birds rose or bands of gaunt famished Farakies prairie wolves ran howling after the sled cause part two revolver in hand held himself ready to fire on those which came too near had an accident then happened to the sled the travelers attacked by these beasts would have been in the most terrible danger but it held on it's even course soon gained on the wolves and air long left the howling band at the safe distance behind about noon Mudge perceived by certain landmarks that he was crossing the Petu river he said nothing but he felt certain that he was now within 20 miles of Omaha in less than an hour he left the rudder and furled his cells whilst the sledge carried forward by the great impetus the wind had given it went on half a mile further with its cells unspread it stopped at last and Mudge pointed to a mass of roofs white with snow said we have got there arrived arrived at the station which is delayed communication by numerous trains with the Atlantic seaboard Pespartu and Figgs jumped off stretched their stiffened limbs and aided Mr. Fogg and the young woman to descend from the sled Philias Fogg generously rewarded Mudge whose hand Pespartu warmly grasped and the party directed their steps to the Omaha railway station the pacific railroad proper finds it terminus at the important Nebraska town Omaha is connected with Chicago by the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad which runs directly east and passes 15 stations a train was ready to start when Mr. Fogg and his party reached the station and they only had time to get into the cars they had seen nothing of Omaha but Pespartu confessed to himself that this was not to be regretted as they were not traveling to see the sights the train passed rapidly across the state of Iowa by council buffs Des Moines and Iowa City during the night it crossed the Mississippi at Devoport and by Rock Island entered Illinois the next day which was the 10th at 4 o'clock in the evening it reached Chicago already risen from its ruins and more proudly seated than ever on the borders of its beautiful Lake Michigan 900 miles separated Chicago from New York the trains are not waiting at Chicago Mr. Fogg passed at once from one to the other and the locomotive of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago Railway left at full speed as if it fully comprehended that the gentleman had no time to lose it traversed Indiana, Ohio Pennsylvania and New Jersey like a flash rushing through towns with antique names some of which had streets and car tracks but as yet no houses the Hudson came into view and a quarter past 11 in the evening of the 11th the train stopped in the station on the right bank of the river before the very pair of the Quannan Line China for Liverpool had started three quarters of an hour before end of chapter 31 this has been a TBOL3 production