Ateighto\'clockastewardenteredthecarandannouncedthatthetimeforgoingtobedhadarrived；andinafewminutesthecarwastransformedintoadormitory。Thebacksoftheseatswerethrownback，bedsteadscarefullypackedwererolledoutbyaningenioussystem，berthsweresuddenlyimprovised，andeachtravellerhadsoonathisdispositionacomfortablebed，protectedfromcuriouseyesbythickcurtains。Thesheetswerecleanandthepillowssoft。Itonlyremainedtogotobedandsleep-whicheverybodydid-whilethetrainspedonacrosstheStateofCalifornia。
ThecountrybetweenSanFranciscoandSacramentoisnotveryhilly。
TheCentralPacific，takingSacramentoforitsstarting-point，extendseastwardstomeettheroadfromOmaha。ThelinefromSanFranciscotoSacramentorunsinanorth-easterlydirection，alongtheAmericanRiver，whichemptiesintoSanPabloBay。Theonehundredandtwentymilesbetweenthesecitieswereaccomplishedinsixhours，andtowardsmidnight，whilefastasleep，thetravellerspassedthroughSacramento；sothattheysawnothingofthatimportantplace，theseatoftheStategovernment，withitsfinequays，itsbroadstreets，itsnoblehotels，squaresandchurches。
Thetrain，onleavingSacramento，andpassingthejunction，Roclin，Auburn，andColfax，enteredtherangeoftheSierraNevada。Ciscowasreachedatseveninthemorning；andanhourlaterthedormitorywastransformedintoanordinarycar，andthetravellerscouldobservethepicturesquebeautiesofthemountainregionthroughwhichtheyweresteaming。Therailwaytrackwoundinandoutamongthepasses，nowapproachingthemountainsides，nowsuspendedoverprecipices，avoidingabruptanglesbyboldcurves，plungingintonarrowdefiles，whichseemedtohavenooutlet。Thelocomotive，itsgreatfunnelemittingaweirdlight，withitssharpbell，anditscow-catcherextendedlikeaspur，mingleditsshrieksandbellowingswiththenoiseoftorrentsandcascades，andtwineditssmokeamongthebranchesofthegiganticpines。
Therewerefewornobridgesortunnelsontheroute。Therailwayturnedaroundthesidesofthemountains，anddidnotattempttoviolatenaturebytakingtheshortestcutfromonepointtoanother。
ThetrainenteredtheStateofNevadathroughtheCarsonvalleyaboutnineo\'clock，goingalwaysnorth-easterly；andatmiddayreachedReno，wheretherewasadelayoftwentyminutesforbreakfast。
Fromthispointtheroad，runningalongHumboldtRiver，passednorthwardforseveralmilesbyitsbanks；thenitturnedeastward，andkeptbytheriveruntilitreachedtheHumboldtRange，nearlyattheextremeeasternlimitofNevada。
Havingbreakfasted，MrFoggandhiscompanionsresumedtheirplacesinthecar，andobservedthevariedlandscapewhichunfoldeditselfastheypassedalong；thevastprairies，themountainsliningthehorizon，andthecreekswiththeirfrothy，foamingstreams。Sometimesagreatherdofbuffaloes，massingtogetherinthedistance，seemedlikeamovabledam。
Theseinnumerablemultitudesofruminatingbeastsoftenformaninsurmountableobstacletothepassageofthetrains；thousandsofthemhavebeenseenpassingoverthetrackforhourstogether，incompactranks。Thelocomotiveisthenforcedtostopandwaittilltheroadisoncemoreclear。
Thishappened，indeed，tothetraininwhichMrFoggwastravelling。
Abouttwelveo\'clockatroopoftenortwelvethousandheadofbuffaloencumberedthetrack。Thelocomotive，slackeningitsspeed，triedtoclearthewaywithitscow-catcher；butthemassofanimalswastoogreat。Thebuffaloesmarchedalongwithatranquilgait，utteringnowandthendeafeningbellowings。Therewasnouseofinterruptingthem，for，havingtakenaparticulardirection，nothingcanmoderateandchangetheircourse；itisatorrentoflivingfleshwhichnodamcouldcontain。
Thetravellersgazedonthiscuriousspectaclefromtheplatforms；butPhileasFogg，whohadthemostreasonofalltobeinahurry，remainedinhisseat，andwaitedphilosophicallyuntilitshouldpleasethebuffaloestogetoutoftheway。
Passepartoutwasfuriousatthedelaytheyoccasioned，andlongedtodischargehisarsenalofrevolversuponthem。
`Whatacountry！\'criedhe。`Merecattlestopthetrains，andgobyinaprocession，justasiftheywerenotimpedingtravel！Parbleu！IshouldliketoknowifMrFoggforesawthismishapinhisprogramme！Andhere\'sanengineerwhodoesn\'tdaretorunthelocomotiveintothisherdofbeasts！\'
Theengineerdidnottrytoovercometheobstacle，andhewaswise。
Hewouldhavecrushedthefirstbuffaloes，nodoubt，withthecow-catcher；
butthelocomotive，howeverpowerful，wouldsoonhavebeenchecked，thetrainwouldinevitablyhavebeenthrownoffthetrack，andwouldthenhavebeenhelpless。
Thebestcoursewastowaitpatiently，andregainthelosttimebygreaterspeedwhentheobstaclewasremoved。Theprocessionofbuffaloeslastedthreefullhours，anditwasnightbeforethetrackwasclear。Thelastranksoftheherdwerenowpassingovertherails，whilethefirsthadalreadydisappearedbelowthesouthernhorizon。
Itwaseighto\'clockwhenthetrainpassedthroughthedefilesoftheHumboldtRange，andhalf-pastninewhenitpenetratedUtah，theregionoftheGreatSaltLake，thesingularcolonyoftheMormons。
CHAPTERXXVIIINWHICHPASSEPARTOUTUNDERGOES，ATASPEEDOFTWENTYMILESANHOUR，A
COURSEOFMORMONHISTORY。
Duringthenightofthe5thofDecember，thetrainransouth-easterlyforaboutfiftymiles；thenroseanequaldistanceinanorth-easterlydirection，towardstheGreatSaltLake。
Passepartout，aboutnineo\'clock，wentoutupontheplatformtotaketheair。Theweatherwascold，theheavensgray，butitwasnotsnowing。
Thesun\'sdisc，enlargedbythemist，seemedanenormousringofgold，andPassepartoutwasamusinghimselfbycalculatingitsvalueinpoundssterling，whenhewasdivertedfromthisinterestingstudybyastrange-lookingpersonagewhomadehisappearanceontheplatform。
Thispersonage，whohadtakenthetrainatElko，wastallanddark，withblackmoustaches，blackstockings，ablacksilkhat，ablackwaistcoat，blacktrousers，awhitecravat，anddogskingloves。Hemighthavebeentakenforaclergyman。Hewentfromoneendofthetraintotheother，andaffixedtothedoorofeachcaranoticewritteninmanuscript。
Passepartoutapproachedandreadoneofthesenotices，whichstatedthatElderWilliamHitch，Mormonmissionary，takingadvantageofhispresenceontrainNo。48，woulddeliveralectureonMormonismincarNo。117，fromeleventotwelveo\'clock；andthatheinvitedallwhoweredesirousofbeinginstructedconcerningthemysteriesofthereligionofthe`LatterDaySaints\'toattend。
`I\'llgo，\'saidPassepartouttohimself。HeknewnothingofMormonismexceptthecustomofpolygamy，whichisitsfoundation。
Thenewsquicklyspreadthroughthetrain，whichcontainedaboutonehundredpassengers，thirtyofwhom，atmost，attractedbythenotice，ensconcedthemselvesincarNo。117。Passepartouttookoneofthefrontseats。NeitherMrFoggnorFixcaredtoattend。
AttheappointedhourElderWilliamHitchrose，and，inanirritatedvoice，asifhehadalreadybeencontradicted，said，`ItellyouthatJoeSmithisamartyr，thathisbrotherHiramisamartyr，andthatthepersecutionsoftheUnitedStatesGovernmentagainsttheprophetswillalsomakeamartyrofBrighamYoung。Whodarestosaythecontrary？\'
Nooneventuredtogainsaythemissionary，whoseexcitedtonecontrastedcuriouslywithhisnaturallycalmvisage。NodoubthisangerrosefromthehardshipstowhichtheMormonswereactuallysubjected。Thegovernmenthadjustsucceeded，withsomedifficulty，inreducingtheseindependentfanaticstoitsrule。IthadmadeitselfmasterofUtah，andsubjectedthatterritorytothelawsoftheUnion，afterimprisoningBrighamYoungonachargeofrebellionandpolygamy。Thedisciplesoftheprophethadsinceredoubledtheirefforts，andresisted，bywordsatleast，theauthorityofCongress。ElderHitch，asisseen，wastryingtomakeproselytesontheveryrailwaytrains。
Then，emphasizinghiswordswithhisloudvoiceandfrequentgestures，herelatedthehistoryoftheMormonsfromBiblicaltimes：howthat，inIsrael，aMormonprophetofthetribeofJosephpublishedtheannalsofthenewreligion，andbequeathedthemtohissonMormon；how，manycenturieslater，atranslationofthispreciousbook，whichwaswritteninEgyptian，asmadebyJosephSmith，junior，aVermontfarmer，whorevealedhimselfasamysticalprophetin1825；andhow，inshort，thecelestialmessengerappearedtohiminanilluminatedforest，andgavehimtheannalsoftheLord。
Severaloftheaudience，notbeingmuchinterestedinthemissionary\'snarrative，hereleftthecar；butElderHitch，continuinghislecture，relatedhowSmith，Junior，withhisfather，twobrothers，andafewdisciples，foundedthechurchofthe`LatterDaySaints\'，which，adoptednotonlyinAmerica，butinEngland，NorwayandSweden，andGermany，countsmanyartisans，aswellasmenengagedintheliberalprofessions，amongitsmembers；howacolonywasestablishedinOhio，atempleerectedthereatacostoftwohundredthousanddollars，andatownbuiltatKirkland；howSmithbecameanenterprisingbanker，andreceivedfromasimplemummyshowmanapapyrusscrollwrittenbyAbrahamandseveralfamousEgyptians。
TheElder\'sstorybecamesomewhatwearisome，andhisaudiencegrewgraduallyless，untilitwasreducedtotwentypassengers。Butthisdidnotdisconcerttheenthusiast，whoproceededwiththestoryofJosephSmith\'sbankruptcyin1837，andhowhisruinedcreditorsgavehimacoatoftarandfeathers；
hisreappearancesomeyearsafterwards，morehonourableandhonouredthanever，atIndependence，Missouri，thechiefofaflourishingcolonyofthreethousanddisciples，andhispursuitthencebyoutragedGentiles，andretirementintotheFarWest。
Tenhearersonlywerenowleft，amongthemhonestPassepartout，whowaslisteningwithallhisears。Thushelearnedthat，afterlongpersecutions，SmithreappearedinIllinois，andin1839foundedacommunityatNauvoo，ontheMississippi，numberingtwenty-fivethousandsouls，ofwhichhebecamemayor，chiefjustice，andgeneral-in-chief；thatheannouncedhimself，in1843，asacandidateforthePresidencyoftheUnitedStates；andthatfinally，beingdrawnintoambuscadeatCarthage，hewasthrownintoprison，andassassinatedbyabandofmendisguisedinmasks。
Passepartoutwasnowtheonlypersonleftinthecar，andtheElder，lookinghimfullintheface，remindedhimthat，twoyearsaftertheassassinationofJosephSmith，theinspiredprophet，BrighamYoung，hissuccessor，leftNauvooforthebanksoftheGreatSaltLake，where，inthemidstofthatfertileregion，directlyontherouteoftheemigrantswhocrossedUtahontheirwaytoCalifornia，thenewcolony，thankstothepolygamypractisedbytheMormons，hadflourishedbeyondexpectation。
`Andthis，\'addedElderWilliamHitch，`thisiswhythejealousyofCongresshasbeenarousedagainstus！WhyhavethesoldiersoftheUnioninvadedthesoilofUtah？WhyhasBrighamYoung，ourchief，beenimprisoned，incontemptofalljustice？Shallweyieldtoforce？Never！DrivenfromVermont，drivenfromIllinois，drivenfromOhio，drivenfromMissouri，drivenfromUtah，weshallyetfindsomeindependentterritoryonwhichtoplantourtents。Andyou，mybrother，\'continuedtheElder，fixinghisangryeyeuponhissingleauditor，`willyounotplantyoursthere，too，undertheshadowofourflag？\'
`No！\'repliedPassepartoutcourageously，inhisturnretiringfromthecar，andleavingtheEldertopreachtovacancy。
Duringthelecturethetrainhadbeenmakinggoodprogress，andtowardshalf-pasttwelveitreachedthenorth-westborderoftheGreatSaltLake。
Thencepassengerscouldobservethevastextentofthisinteriorsea，whichisalsocalledtheDeadSea，andintowhichflowsanAmericanJordan。Itisapicturesqueexpanse，framedinloftycragsinlargestrata，encrustedwithwhitesalt，-asuperbsheetofwater，whichwasformerlyoflargerextentthannow，itsshoreshavingencroachedwiththelapseoftime，andthusatoncereduceditsbreadthandincreaseditsdepth。
TheSaltLake，seventymileslongandthirty-fivewide，issituatedthreemileseighthundredfeetabovethesea。QuitedifferentfromLakeAsphaltite，whosedepressionistwelvehundredfeetbelowthesea，itcontainsconsiderablesalt，andonequarteroftheweightofitswaterissolidmatter，itsspecificweightbeing1170，and，afterbeingdistilled，1000。
Fishesareofcourseunabletoliveinit，andthosewhichdescendthroughtheJordan，theWeber，andotherstreams，soonperish。
Thecountryaroundthelakewaswellcultivated，fortheMormonsaremostlyfarmers；whileranchesandpensfordomesticatedanimals，fieldsofwheat，corn，andothercereals，luxuriantprairies，hedgesofwildrose，clumpsofacaciasandmilk-wort，wouldhavebeenseensixmonthslater。
Nowthegroundwascoveredwithathinpowderingofsnow。
ThetrainreachedOgdenattwoo\'clock，whereitrestedforsixhours。
MrFoggandhispartyhadtimetopayavisittoSaltLakeCity，connectedwithOgdenbyabranchroad；andtheyspenttwohoursinthisstrikinglyAmericantown，builtonthepatternofothercitiesoftheUnion，likeachecker-board，`withthesombresadnessofrightangles\'asVictorHugoexpressesit。ThefounderoftheCityoftheSaintscouldnotescapefromthetasteforsymmetrywhichdistinguishestheAnglo-Saxons。Inthisstrangecountry，wherethepeoplearecertainlynotuptotheleveloftheirinstitutions，everythingisdone`squarely\'，-cities，houses，andfollies。
Thetravellers，then，werepromenading，atthreeo\'clock，aboutthestreetsofthetownbuiltbetweenthebanksoftheJordanandthespursoftheWahsatchRange。Theysawfewornochurches，buttheprophet\'smansion，thecourt-house，andthearsenal，blue-brickhouseswithverandasandporches，surroundedbygardensborderedwithacacias，palms，andlocusts。Aclayandpebblewall，builtin1853，surroundedthetown；andintheprincipalstreetwerethemarketandseveralhotelsadornedwithpavilions。Theplacedidnotseemthicklypopulated。Thestreetswerealmostdeserted，exceptinthevicinityoftheTemple，whichtheyonlyreachedafterhavingtraversedseveralquarterssurroundedbypalisades。Thereweremanywomen，whichwaseasilyaccountedforbythe`peculiarinstitution\'oftheMormons；
butitmustnotbesupposedthatalltheMormonsarepolygamists。Theyarefreetomarryornot，astheyplease；butitisworthnotingthatitismainlythefemalecitizensofUtahwhoareanxioustomarry，as，accordingtotheMormonreligion，maidenladiesarenotadmittedtothepossessionofitshighestjoys。Thesepoorcreaturesseemedtobeneitherwelloffnorhappy。Some-themorewell-to-do，nodoubt-woreshort，openblacksilkdresses，underahoodormodestshawl；otherswerehabitedinIndianfashion。
Passepartoutcouldnotbeholdwithoutacertainfrightthesewomen，charged，ingroups，withconferringhappinessonasingleMormon。Hiscommonsensepitied，aboveall，thehusband。Itseemedtohimaterriblethingtohavetoguidesomanywivesatonceacrossthevicissitudesoflife，andtoconductthem，asitwere，inabodytotheMormonparadise，withtheprospectofseeingtheminthecompanyofthegloriousSmith，whodoubtlesswasthechiefornamentofthatdelightfulplace，toalleternity。Hefeltdecidedlyrepelledfromsuchavocation，andheimagined-perhapshewasmistaken-thatthefaironesofSaltLakeCitycastratheralarmingglancesathisperson。Happily，hisstaytherewasbutbrief。Atfourthepartyfoundthemselvesagainatthestation，tooktheirplacesinthetrain，andthewhistlesoundedforstarting。Justatthemoment，however，thatthelocomotivewheelsbegantomove，criesof`Stop！Stop！\'wereheard。
Trains，liketimeandtide，stopfornoone。ThegentlemanwhoutteredthecrieswasevidentlyabelatedMormon。Hewasbreathlesswithrunning。
Happilyforhim，thestationhadneithergatesnorbarriers。Herushedalongthetrack，jumpedontherearplatformofthetrain，andfellexhaustedintooneoftheseats。
Passepartout，whohadbeenanxiouslywatchingthisamateurgymnast，approachedhimwithlivelyinterest，andlearnedthathehadtakenflightafteranunpleasantdomesticscene。
WhentheMormonhadrecoveredhisbreath，Passepartoutventuredtoaskhimpolitelyhowmanywiveshehad；for，fromthemannerinwhichhehaddecamped，itmightbethoughtthathehadtwentyatleast。
`One，sir，\'repliedtheMormon，raisinghisarmsheavenward，-`one，andthatwasenough！\'
CHAPTERXXVIIIINWHICHPASSEPARTOUTDOESNOTSUCCEEDINMAKINGANYBODYLISTENTOREASON。
Thetrain，onleavingGreatSaltLakeatOgden，passednorthwardforanhourasfarasWeberRiver，havingcompletednearlyninehundredmilesfromSanFrancisco。FromthispointittookaneasterlydirectiontowardsthejaggedWahsatchMountains。ItwasinthesectionincludedbetweenthisrangeandtheRockyMountainsthattheAmericanengineersfoundthemostformidabledifficultiesinlayingtheroad，andthatthegovernmentgrantedasubsidyofforty-eightthousanddollarspermile，insteadofsixteenthousandallowedfortheworkdonetheplains。Buttheengineers，insteadofviolatingnature，avoideditsdifficultiesbywindingaround，insteadofpenetratingtherocks。Onetunnelonly，fourteenthousandfeetinlength，waspiercedinordertoarriveatthegreatbasin。
ThetrackuptothistimehadreacheditshighestelevationattheGreatSaltLake。Fromthispointitdescribedalongcurve，descendingtowardsBitterCreekValley，toriseagaintothedividingridgeofthewatersbetweentheAtlanticandthePacific。Thereweremanycreeksinthismountainousregion，anditwasnecessarytocrossMuddyCreek，GreenCreekandothers，uponculverts。
Passepartoutgrewmoreandmoreimpatientastheywenton，whileFixlongedtogetoutofthisdifficultregion，andwasmoreanxiousthanPhileasFogghimselftobebeyondthedangerofdelaysandaccidents，andsetfootonEnglishsoil。
Atteno\'clockatnightthetrain，stoppedatFortBridgerstation，andtwentyminuteslaterenteredWyomingTerritory，followingthevalleyofBitterCreekthroughout。Thenextday，December7th，theystoppedforaquarterofanhouratGreenRiverstation。Snowhadfallenabundantlyduringthenight，but，beingmixedwithrain，ithadhalfmelted，anddidnotinterrupttheirprogress。Thebadweather，however，annoyedPassepartout；
fortheaccumulationofsnow，byblockingthewheelsofthecars，wouldcertainlyhavebeenfataltoMrFogg\'stour。
`Whatanidea！\'hesaidtohimself。`Whydidmymastermakethisjourneyinwinter？Couldn\'thehavewaitedforthegoodseasontoincreasehischances？\'
WhiletheworthyFrenchmanwasabsorbedinthestateoftheskyandthedepressionofthetemperature，Aoudawasexperiencingfearsfromatotallydifferentcause。
SeveralpassengershadgotoffatGreenFiver，andwerewalkingupanddowntheplatforms；andamongtheseAoudarecognizedColonelStampProctor，thesamewhohadsogrosslyinsultedPhileasFoggattheSanFranciscomeeting。Notwishingtoberecognized，theyoungwomandrewbackfromthewindow，feelingmuchalarmatherdiscovery。Shewasattachedtothemanwho，howevercoldly，gaveherdailyevidencesofthemostabsolutedevotion。
Shedidnotcomprehend，perhaps，thedepthofthesentimentwithwhichherprotectorinspiredher，whichshecalledgratitude，butwhich，thoughshewasunconsciousofit，wasreallymorethanthat。HerheartsankwithinherwhensherecognizedthemanwhomMrFoggdesired，soonerorlater，tocalltoaccountforhisconduct。Chancealone，itwasclear，hadbroughtColonelProctoronthistrain；buttherehewas，anditwasnecessary，atallhazards，thatPhileasFoggshouldnotperceivehisadversary。
AoudaseizedamomentwhenMrFoggwasasleeptotellFixandPassepartoutwhomshehadseen。
`ThatProctoronthistrain！\'criedFix。`Well，reassureyourself，madam：
beforehesettleswithMrFogg，hehasgottodealwithme！ItseemstomethatIwasthemoreinsultedofthetwo。\'
`Andbesides，\'addedPassepartout，`I\'lltakechargeofhim，colonelasheis。\'
`MrFix，\'resumedAouda，`MrFoggwillallownoonetoavengehim。HesaidthathewouldcomebacktoAmericatofindthisman。ShouldheperceiveColonelProctor，wecouldnotpreventacollisionwhichmighthaveterribleresults。Hemustnotseehim。\'
`Youareright，madam，\'repliedFix；`ameetingbetweenthemmightruinall。Whetherhewerevictoriousorbeaten，MrFoggwouldbedelayed，and——\'
`And，\'addedPassepartout，`thatwouldplaythegameofthegentlemenoftheReformClub。InfourdaysweshallbeinNewYork。Well，ifmymasterdoesnotleavethiscarduringthosefourdays，wemayhopethatchancewillnotbringhimfacetofacewiththisconfoundedAmerican。Wemust，Ifpossible，preventhisstirringoutofit。\'
Theconversationdropped。MrFogghadjustwokenup，andwaslookingoutofthewindow。SoonafterPassepartout，withoutbeingheardbyhismasterorAouda，whisperedtothedetective，`Wouldyoureallyfightforhim？\'
`Iwoulddoanything，\'repliedFix，inatonewhichbetrayeddeterminedwill，`togethimbacklivingtoEurope！\'
Passepartoutfeltsomethinglikeashuddershootthroughhisframe，buthisconfidenceinhismasterremainedunbroken。
WasthereanymeansofdetainingMrFogginthecar，toavoidameetingbetweenhimandthecolonel？Itoughtnottobeadifficulttask，sincethatgentlemanwasnaturallysedentaryandlittlecurious。Thedetective，atleast，seemedtohavefoundaway；for，afterafewmoments，hesaidtoMrFogg，`Thesearelongandslowhours，sir，thatwearepassingontherailway。\'
`Yes，\'repliedMrFogg；`buttheypass。\'
`Youwereinthehabitofplayingwhist，\'resumedFix，`onthesteamers。\'
`Yes；butitwouldbedifficulttodosohere。Ihaveneithercardsnorpartners。\'
`Oh，butwecaneasilybuysomecards，fortheyaresoldonalltheAmericantrains。Andasforpartners，ifmadamplays——\'
`Certainly，sir，\'Aoudaquicklyreplied；`Iunderstandwhist。ItispartofanEnglisheducation。\'
`Imyselfhavesomepretensionstoplayingagoodgame。Well，herearethreeofus，andadummy——\'
`Asyouplease，sir，\'repliedPhileasFogg，heartilygladtoresumehisfavouritepastime-evenontherailway。
Passepartoutwasdespatchedinsearchofthesteward，andsoonreturnedwithtwopacksofcards，somepins，counters，andashelfcoveredwithcloth。
Thegamecommenced。Aouda，understoodwhistsufficientlywell，andevenreceivedsomecomplimentsonherplayingfromMrFogg。Asforthedetective，hewassimplyanadept，andworthyofbeingmatchedagainsthispresentopponent。
`Now，\'thoughtPassepartout，`we\'vegothim。Hewon\'tbudge。\'
AteleveninthemorningthetrainhadreachedthedividingridgeofthewatersatBridgerPass，seventhousandfivehundredandtwenty-fourfeetabovethelevelofthesea，oneofthehighestpointsattainedbythetrackincrossingtheRockyMountains。Aftergoingabouttwohundredmiles，thetravellersatlastfoundthemselvesononeofthosevastplainswhichextendtotheAtlantic，andwhichnaturehasmadesopropitiousforlayingtheironroad。
OnthedeclivityoftheAtlanticbasinthefirststreams，branchesoftheNorthPlatteRiver，alreadyappeared。ThewholenorthernandeasternhorizonwasboundedbytheimmensesemicircularcurtainwhichisformedbythesouthernportionoftheRockyMountains，thehighestbeingLaramiePeak。Betweenthisandtherailwayextendedvastplains，plentifullyirrigated。
OntherightrosethelowerspursofthemountainousmasswhichextendssouthwardtothesourcesoftheArkansasRiver，oneofthegreattributariesoftheMissouri。
Athalf-pasttwelvethetravellerscaughtsightforaninstantofFortHalleck，whichcommandsthatsection；andinafewmorehourstheRockyMountainswerecrossed。Therewasreasontohope，then，thatnoaccidentwouldmarkthejourneythroughthisdifficultcountry。Thesnowhadceasedfalling，andtheairbecamecrispandcold。Largebirds，frightenedbythelocomotive，roseandflewoffinthedistance。Nowildbeastappearedontheplain。Itwasadesertinitsvastnakedness。
Afteracomfortablebreakfast，servedinthecar，MrFoggandhispartnershadjustresumedwhist，whenaviolentwhistlingwasheard，andthetrainstopped。Passepartoutputhisheadoutofthedoor，butsawnothingtocausethedelay；nostationwasinview。
AoudaandFixfearedthatMrFoggmighttakeitintohisheadtogetout；butthatgentlemancontentedhimselfwithsayingtohisservant，`Seewhatisthematter。\'
Passepartoutrushedoutofthecar。Thirtyorfortypassengershadalreadydescended，amongstthemColonelStampproctor。
Thetrainhadstoppedbeforearedsignalwhichblockedtheway。Theengineerandconductorweretalkingexcitedlywithasignal-man，whomthestation-masteratMedicineBow，thenextstoppingplace，hadsentonbefore。
Thepassengersdrewaroundandtookpartinthediscussion，inwhichColonelProctor，withhisinsolentmanner，wasconspicuous。
Passepartout，joiningthegroup，heardthesignalmansay，`No！youcan\'tpass。ThebridgeatMedicineBowisshaky，andwouldnotbeartheweightofthetrain。\'
Thiswasasuspension-bridgethrownoversomerapids，aboutamilefromtheplacewheretheynowwere。Accordingtothesignal-man，itwasinaruinouscondition，severaloftheironwiresbeingbroken；anditwasimpossibletoriskthepassage。Hedidnotinanywayexaggeratetheconditionofthebridge。Itmaybetakenforgrantedthat，rashastheAmericansusuallyare，whentheyareprudentthereisgoodreasonforit。
Passepartout，notdaringtoapprisehismasterofwhatheheard，listenedwithsetteeth，immovableasastatue。
`Hum！\'criedColonelProctor；`butwearenotgoingtostayhere，I
imagine，andtakerootinthesnow？\'
`Colonel，\'repliedtheconductor，`wehavetelegraphedtoOmahaforatrain，butitisnotlikelythatitwillreachMedicineBowinlessthansixhours。
`Sixhours！\'criedPassepartout。
`Certainly，\'returnedtheconductor。`Besides，itwilltakeusaslongasthattoreachMedicineBowonfoot。\'
`Butitisonlyamilefromhere，\'saidoneofthepassengers。
`Yes，butit\'sontheothersideoftheriver。\'
`Andcan\'twecrossthatinaboat？\'askedthecolonel。
`That\'simpossible。Thecreekisswelledbytherains。Itisarapid，andweshallhavetomakeacircuitoftenmilestothenorthtofindaford。\'
Thecolonellaunchedavolleyofoaths，denouncingtherailwaycompanyandtheconductor；andPassepartout，whowasfurious，wasnotdisinclinedtomakecommoncausewithhim。Herewasanobstacle，indeed，whichallhismaster\'sbank-notescouldnotremove。
Therewasageneraldisappointmentamongthepassengers，who，withoutreckoningthedelay，sawthemselvescompelledtotrudgefifteenmilesoveraplaincoveredwithsnow。Theygrumbledandprotested，andwouldcertainlyhavethusattractedPhileasFogg\'sattentionifhehadnotbeencompletelyabsorbedinhisgame。
Passepartoutfoundthathecouldnotavoidtellinghismasterwhathadoccurred，and，withhangingheadhewasturningtowardsthecar，whentheengineer-atrueYankee，namedForster-calledout，`Gentlemen，perhapsthereisaway，afterall，togetover。\'
`Onthebridge？\'askedapassenger。
`Onthebridge。\'
`Withourtrain？\'
`Withourtrain。\'
Passepartoutstoppedshort，andeagerlylistenedtotheengineer。
`Butthebridgeisunsafe，\'urgedtheconductor。
`Nomatter，\'repliedForster；`Ithinkthatbyputtingontheveryhighestspeedwemighthaveachanceofgettingover。\'
`Thedevil！\'mutteredPassepartout。
Butanumberofthepassengerswereatonceattractedbytheengineer\'sproposal，andColonelProctorwasespeciallydelighted，andfoundtheplanaveryfeasibleone。Hetoldstoriesaboutengineersleapingtheirtrainsoverriverswithoutbridges，byputtingonfullsteam；andmanyofthosepresentavowed。themselvesoftheengineer\'smind。
`Wehavefiftychancesoutofahundredofgettingover，\'saidone。
`Eighty！Ninety！\'
Passepartoutwasastounded，and，thoughreadytoattemptanythingtogetoverMedicineCreek，thoughttheexperimentproposedalittletooAmerican。
`Besides，\'thoughthe，`there\'sastillmoresimpleway，anditdoesnotevenoccurtoanyofthesepeople！Sir，\'saidhealoudtooneofthepassengers，`theengineer\'splanseemstomealittledangerous，but——\'
`Eightychances！\'repliedthepassenger，turninghisbackonhim。
`Iknowit，\'saidPassepartout，turningtoanotherpassenger，`butasimpleidea——\'
`Ideasarenouse，\'returnedtheAmerican，shrugginghisshoulders，`astheengineerassuresusthatwecanpass。\'
`Doubtless，\'urgedPassepartout，`wecanpass，butperhapsitwouldbemoreprudent——\'
`What！Prudent！\'criedColonelProctor，whomthiswordseemedtoexciteprodigiously。`Atfullspeed，don\'tyousee，atfullspeed！\'
`Iknow-Isee，\'repeatedPassepartout；`butitwouldbe，ifnotmoreprudent，sincethatworddispleasesyou，atleastmorenatural——\'
`Who！What！What\'sthematterwiththisfellow？\'criedseveral。
Thepoorfellowdidnotknowtowhomtoaddresshimself。
`Areyouafraid？\'askedColonelProctor。
`Iafraid！Verywell；IwillshowthesepeoplethataFrenchmancanbeasAmericanasthey！\'
`Allaboard！\'criedtheconductor。
`Yes，allaboard！\'repeatedPassepartout，andimmediately。`Buttheycan\'tpreventmefromthinkingthatitwouldbemorenaturalforustocrossthebridgeonfoot，andletthetraincomeafter！\'
Butnooneheardthissagereflection，norwouldanyonehaveacknowledgeditsjustice。Thepassengersresumedtheirplacesinthecars。Passepartouttookhisseatwithouttellingwhathadpassed。Thewhist-playerswerequiteabsorbedintheirgame。
Thelocomotivewhistledvigorously；theengineer，reversingthesteam，backedthetrainfornearlyamile-retiring，likeajumper，inordertotakealongerleap。Then，withanotherwhistle，hebegantomoveforward；
thetrainincreaseditsspeed，andsoonitsrapiditybecamefrightful；
aprolongedscreechissuedfromthelocomotive；thepistonworkedupanddowntwentystrokestothesecond。Theyperceivedthatthewholetrain，rushingonattherateofahundredmilesanhour，hardlyboreupontherailsatall。
Andtheypassedover！Itwaslikeaflash。Noonesawthebridge。Thetrainleaped，sotospeak，fromonebanktotheother，andtheengineercouldnotstopituntilithadgonefivemilesbeyondthestation。Butscarcelyhadthetrainpassedtheriver，whenthebridge，completelyruined，fellwithacrashintotherapidsofMedicineBow。
CHAPTERXXIXINWHICHCERTAININCIDENTSARENARRATEDWHICHAREONLYTOBEMETWITHON
AMERICANRAILROADS。
Thetrainpursueditscourse，thatevening，withoutinterruption，passingFortSaunders，crossingCheyenePass，andreachingEvansPass。Theroadhereattainedthehighestelevationofthejourney，eightthousandandninety-onefeetabovethelevelofthesea。ThetravellershadnowonlytodescendtotheAtlanticbylimitlessplains，levelledbynature。Abranchofthe`grandtrunk\'ledoffsouthwardtoDenver，thecapitalofColorado。
Thecountryroundaboutisrichingoldandsilver，andmorethanfiftythousandinhabitantsarealreadysettledthere。
Thirteenhundredandeighty-twomileshadbeenpassedoverfromSanFrancisco，inthreedaysandthreenights；fourdaysandnightsmorewouldprobablybringthemtoNewYork。PhileasFoggwasnotasyetbehindhand。
DuringthenightCampWalbachwaspassedontheleft；LodgePoleCreekranparallelwiththeroad，markingtheboundarybetweentheterritoriesofWyomingandColorado。TheyenteredNebraskaateleven，passednearSedgwick，andtouchedatJulesburg，onthesouthernbranchofthePlatteRiver。
ItwasherethattheUnionPacificRailroadwasinauguratedonthe23rdofOctober，1867，bythechiefengineer，GeneralDodge。Twopowerfullocomotives，carryingninecarsofinvitedguests，amongstwhomwasThomasC。Durant，vice-presidentoftheroad，stoppedatthispoint；cheersweregiven，theSiouxandPawneesperformedanimitationIndianbattle，fireworkswereletoff，andthefirstnumberoftheRailwayPioneerwasprintedbyapressbroughtonthetrain。Thuswascelebratedtheinaugurationofthisgreatrailroad，amightyinstrumentofprogressandcivilization，thrownacrossthedesert，anddestinedtolinktogethercitiesandtownswhichdonotyetexist。Thewhistleofthelocomotive，morepowerfulthanAmphion\'slyre，wasabouttobidthemrisefromAmericansoil。
FortMcPhersonwasleftbehindateightinthemorning，andthreehundredandfifty-sevenmileshadyettobetraversedbeforereachingOmaha。TheroadfollowedthecapriciouswindingsofthesouthernbranchofthePlatteFiver，onitsleftbank。AtninethetrainstoppedattheimportanttownofNorthPlatte，builtbetweenthetwoarmsoftheriver，whichrejoineachotherarounditandformasingleartery，-alargetributarywhosewatersemptyintotheMissourialittleaboveOmaha。
Theonehundredandfirstmeridianwaspassed。
MrFoggandhispartnershadresumedtheirgame；noone-noteventhedummy-complainedofthelengthofthetrip。Fixhadbegunbywinningseveralguineas，whichheseemedlikelytolose；butheshowedhimselfanotlesseagerwhist-playerthanMrFogg。Duringthemorning，chancedistinctlyfavouredthatgentleman。Trumpsandhonourswereshowereduponhishands。
Once，havingresolvedonaboldstroke，hewasonthepointofplayingaspade，whenavoicebehindhimsaid，`Ishouldplayadiamond。\'
MrFogg，AoudaandFixraisedtheirheads，andbeheldColonelProctor。
StampProctorandPhileasFoggrecognizedeachotheratonce。
`Ah！it\'syou，isit，Englishman？\'criedthecolonel。`It\'syouwhoaregoingtoplayaspade！\'
`Andwhoplaysit，\'repliedPhileasFoggcoolly，throwingdownthetenofspades。
`Well，itpleasesmetohaveitdiamonds，\'repliedColonelProctor，inaninsolenttone。
Hemadeamovementasiftoseizethecardwhichhadjustbeenplayed，adding，`Youdon\'tunderstandanythingaboutwhist。\'
`PerhapsIdo，aswellasanother，\'saidPhileasFogg，rising。
`Youhaveonlytotry，sonofJohnBull，\'repliedthecolonel。
Aoudaturnedpale，andherbloodrancold。SheseizedMrFogg\'sarmandgentlypulledhimback。PassepartoutwasreadytopounceupontheAmerican，whowasstaringinsolentlyathisopponent。ButFixgotup，andgoingtoColonelProctorsaid，`YouforgetthatitisIwithwhomyouhavetodeal，sir；foritwasIwhomyounotonlyinsulted，butstruck！\'
`MrFix，\'saidMrFogg，`pardonme，butthisaffairismine，andmineonly。Thecolonelhasagaininsultedme，byinsistingthatIshouldnotplayaspade，andheshallgivemesatisfactionforit。\'
`Whenandwhereyouwill，\'repliedtheAmerican，`andwithwhateverweaponyouchoose。\'
AoudainvainattemptedtoretainMrFogg；ashvainlydidthedetectiveendeavourtomakethequarrelhis。Passepartoutwishedtothrowthecoloneloutofthewindow，butasignfromhismastercheckedhim。PhileasFoggleftthecar，andtheAmericanfollowedhimupontheplatform。
`Sir，\'saidMrFoggtohisadversary，`IaminagreathurrytogetbacktoEurope，andanydelaywhateverwillbegreatlytomydisadvantage。\'
`Well，what\'sthattome？\'repliedColonelProctor。
`Sir，\'saidMrFogg，verypolitely；`afterourmeetingatSanFrancisco，IdeterminedtoreturntoAmericaandfindyouassoonasIhadcompletedthebusinesswhichcalledmetoEngland。\'
`Really！\'
`Willyouappointameetingforsixmonthshence？\'
`Whynottenyearshence？\'
`Isaysixmonths，\'returnedPhileasFogg；`andIshallbeattheplaceofmeetingpromptly。\'
`Allthisisanevasion，\'criedStampProctor。`Nowornever！\'
`Verygood。YouaregoingtoNewYork？\'
`No。\'
`ToChicago？\'
`No。\'
`ToOmaha？\'
`Whatdifferenceisittoyou？DoyouknowPlumCreek？\'
`No，\'repliedMrFogg。
`It\'sthenextstation。Thetrainwillbethereinanhour，andwillstoptheretenminutes。Intenminutesseveralrevolver-shotscouldbeexchanged。\'
`Verywell，\'saidMrFogg。`IwillstopatPlumCreek。\'
`AndIguessyou\'llstaytheretoo，\'addedtheAmericaninsolently。
`Whoknows？\'repliedMrFogg，returningtothecarascoollyasusual。
HebegantoreassureAouda，tellingherthatblustererswerenevertobefeared，andbeggedFixtobehissecondattheapproachingduel，arequestwhichthedetectivecouldnotrefuse。MrFoggresumedtheinterruptedgamewithperfectcalmness。
Ateleveno\'clockthelocomotive\'swhistleannouncedthattheywereapproachingPlumCreekstation。MrFoggrose，and，followedbyFix，wentoutupontheplatform。Passepartoutaccompaniedhim，carryingapairofrevolvers。Aoudaremainedinthecar，aspaleasdeath。
Thedoorofthenextcaropened，andColonelProctorappearedontheplatform，attendedbyaYankeeofhisownstampashissecond。Butjustasthecombatantswereabouttostepfromthetrain，theconductorhurriedup，andshouted，`Youcan\'tgetoff，gentlemen！\'
`Whynot？\'askedthecolonel。
`Wearetwentyminuteslate，andweshallnotstop。\'
`ButIamgoingtofightaduelwiththisgentleman。\'
`Iamsorry，\'saidtheconductor；`butweshallbeoffatonce。There\'sthebellringingnow。\'
Thetrainstarted。
`I\'mreallyverysorry，gentlemen，\'saidtheconductor。`UnderanyothercircumstancesIshouldhavebeenhappytoobligeyou。But，afterall，asyouhavenothadtimetofighthere，whynotfightaswegoalong？\'
`Thatwouldn\'tbeconvenient，perhaps，forthisgentleman，\'saidthecolonel，inajeeringtone。
`Itwouldbeperfectlyso，\'repliedPhileasFogg。
`Well，wearereallyinAmerica，\'thoughtPassepartout，`andtheconductorisagentlemanofthefirstorder！\'
Somuttering，hefollowedhismaster。
Thetwocombatants，theirseconds，andtheconductorpassedthroughthecarstotherearofthetrain。Thelastcarwasonlyoccupiedbyadozenpassengers，whomtheconductorpolitelyaskediftheywouldnotbesokindastoleaveitvacantforafewmoments，astwogentlemenhadanaffairofhonourtosettle。Thepassengersgrantedtherequestwithalacrity，andstraightawaydisappearedontheplatform。
Thecar，whichwassomefiftyfeetlong，wasveryconvenientfortheirpurpose。Theadversariesmightmarchoneachotherintheaisle，andfireattheirease。Neverwasduelmoreeasilyarranged。MrFoggandColonelProctor，eachprovidedwithtwosix-barrelledrevolvers，enteredthecar。
Theseconds，remainingoutside，shutthemin。Theyweretobeginfiringatthefirstwhistleofthelocomotive。Afteranintervaloftwominutes，whatremainedofthetwogentlemenwouldbetakenfromthecar。
Nothingcouldbemoresimple。Indeed，itwasallsosimplethatFixandPassepartoutfelttheirheartsbeatingasiftheywouldcrack。Theywerelisteningforthewhistleagreedupon，whensuddenlysavagecriesresoundedintheair，accompaniedbyreportswhichcertainlydidnotissuefromthecarwheretheduellistswere。Thereportscontinuedinfrontand~thewholelengthofthetrain。Criesofterrorproceededfromtheinteriorofthecars。
ColonelProctorandMrFogg，revolversinhand，hastilyquittedtheirprison，andrushedforwardwherethenoisewasmostclamorous。TheythenperceivedthatthetrainwasattackedbyabandofSioux。
ThiswasnotthefirstattemptofthesedaringIndians，formorethanoncetheyhadwaylaidtrainsontheroad。Ahundredofthemhad，accordingtotheirhabit，jumpeduponthestepswithoutstoppingthetrain，withtheeaseofaclownmountingahorseatfullgallop。
TheSiouxwerearmedwithguns，fromwhichcamethereports，towhichthepassengerswhowerealmostallarmed，respondedbyrevolver-shots。
TheIndianshadfirstmountedtheengine，andhalfstunnedtheengineerandstokerwithblowsfromtheirmuskets。ASiouxchief，wishingtostopthetrain，butnotknowinghowtoworktheregulator，hadopenedwideinsteadofclosingthesteam-valve，andthelocomotivewasplungingforwardwithterrificvelocity。
TheSiouxhadatthesametimeinvadedthecars，skippinglikeenragedmonkeysovertheroofs，thrustingopenthedoors，andfightinghandtohandwiththepassengers。Penetratingthebaggage-car，theypillagedit，throwingthetrunksoutofthetrain。Thecriesandshotswereconstant。
Thetravellersdefendedthemselvesbravely；someofthecarswerebarricaded，andsustainedasiege，likemovingforts，carriedalongataspeedofahundredmilesanhour。
Aoudabehavedcourageouslyfromthefirst。Shedefendedherselflikeatrueheroinewitharevolver，whichsheshotthroughthebrokenwindowswheneverasavagemadehisappearance。TwentySiouxhadfallenmortallywoundedtotheground，andthewheelscrushedthosewhofellupontherailsasiftheyhadbeenworms。Severalpassengers，shotorstunned，layontheseats。
Itwasnecessarytoputanendtothestruggle，whichhadlastedfortenminutes，andwhichwouldresultinthetriumphoftheSiouxifthetrainwasnotstopped。FortKearneystation，wheretherewasagarrison，wasonlytwomilesdistant；but，thatoncepassed，theSiouxwouldbemastersofthetrainbetweenFortKearneyandthestationbeyond。
TheconductorwasfightingbesideMrFogg，whenhewasshotandfell。
Atthesamemomenthecried，`Unlessthetrainisstoppedinfiveminutes，wearelost！\'
`Itshallbestopped，\'saidPhileasFogg，preparingtorushfromthecar。
`Stay，monsieur，\'criedPassepartout；`Iwillgo。\'
MrFogghadnottimetostopthebravefellow，who，openingadoorunperceivedbytheIndians，succeededinslippingunderthecar；andwhilethestrugglecontinued，andtheballswhizzedacrosseachotheroverhishead，hemadeuseofhisoldacrobaticexperience，andwithamazingagilityworkedhiswayunderthecars，holdingontothechains，aidinghimselfbythebrakesandedgesofthesashes，creepingfromonecartoanotherwithmarvellousskill，andthusgainingtheforwardendofthetrain。
There，suspendedbyonehandbetweenthebaggage-carandthetender，withtheotherheloosenedthesafetychains；but，owingtothetraction，hewouldneverhavesucceededinunscrewingtheyoking-bar，hadnotaviolentconcussionjoltedthisbarout。Thetrain，nowdetachedfromtheengine，remainedalittlebehind，whilstthelocomotiverushedforwardwithincreasedspeed。
Carriedonbytheforcealreadyacquired，thetrainstillmovedforseveralminutes；butthebrakeswereworked，andatlasttheystopped，lessthanahundredfeetfromKearneystation。
Thesoldiersofthefort，attractedbytheshots，hurriedup；theSiouxhadnotexpectedthem，anddecampedinabodybeforethetrainentirelystopped。
Butwhenthepassengerscountedeachotheronthestationplatformseveralwerefoundmissing；amongothersthecourageousFrenchman，whosedevotionhadjustsavedthem。
CHAPTERXXXINWHICHPHILEASFOGGSIMPLYDOESHISDUTY。
Threepassengers-includingPassepartout-haddisappeared。HadtheybeenkilledintheStruggle？WeretheytakenprisonersbytheSioux？Itwasimpossibletotell。
Thereweremanywounded，butnonemortally。ColonelProctorwasoneofthemostSeriouslyhurt；hehadfoughtbravely，andaballhadenteredhisgroin。Hewascarriedintothestationwiththeotherwoundedpassengers，toreceivesuchattentionascouldbeofavail。
Aoudawassafe；andPhileasFogg，whohadbeeninthethickestofthefight，hadnotreceivedascratch。Fixwasslightlywoundedinthearm。
ButPassepartoutwasnottobefound，andtearscourseddownAouda\'scheeks。
Allthepassengershadgotoutofthetrain，thewheelsofwhichwerestainedwithblood。Fromthetiresandspokeshungraggedpiecesofflesh。
Asfarastheeyecouldreachonthewhiteplainbehind，redtrailswerevisible。ThelastSiouxweredisappearinginthesouth，alongthebanksofRepublicanRiver。
MrFogg，withfoldedarms，remainedmotionless。Hehadaseriousdecisiontomake。Aouda，standingnearhim，lookedathimwithoutspeaking，andheunderstoodherlook。IfhisServantwasaprisoner，oughthenottoriskeverythingtorescuehimfromtheIndians？`Iwillfindhim，livingordead，\'saidhequietlytoAouda。
`Ah，Mr-MrFogg！\'criedshe，claspinghishandsandcoveringthemwithtears。
`Living，\'addedMrFogg，`ifwedonotloseamoment。\'
PhileasFogg，bythisresolution，inevitablysacrificedhimself；hepronouncedhisowndoom。ThedelayofasingledaywouldmakehimlosethesteameratNewYork，andhisbetwouldbecertainlylost。Butashethought，`Itismyduty，\'hedidnothesitate。
ThecommandingofficerofFortKearneywasthere。Ahundredofhissoldiershadplacedthemselvesinapositiontodefendthestation，shouldtheSiouxattackit。
`Sir，\'saidMrFoggtothecaptain，`threepassengershavedisappeared。\'
`Dead？\'askedthecaptain。
`Deadorprisoners；thatistheuncertaintywhichmustbesolved。DoyouproposetopursuetheSioux？\'
`That\'saseriousthingtodo，sir，\'returnedthecaptain。`TheseIndiansmayretreatbeyondtheArkansas，andIcannotleavethefortunprotected。\'
`Thelivesofthreemenareinquestion，sir，\'saidPhileasFogg。
`Doubtless；butcanIriskthelivesoffiftymentosavethree？\'
`Idon\'tknowwhetheryoucan，sir；butyououghttodoso。\'
`Nobodyhere，\'returnedtheother，`hasarighttoteachmemyduty。\'
`Verywell，\'saidMrFogg，coldly。`Iwillgoalone。\'
`You，sir！\'criedFixcomingup；`yougoaloneinpursuitoftheIndians？\'
`Wouldyouhavemeleavethispoorfellowtoperish-himtowhomeveryonepresentoweshislife？Ishallgo。\'
`No，Sir，youshallnotgoalone，\'criedthecaptain，touchedinspiteofhimself。`No！youareabraveman。Thirtyvolunteers！\'headded，turningtothesoldiers。
Thewholecompanystartedforwardatonce。Thecaptainhadonlytopickhismen。Thirtywerechosen，andanoldsergeantplacedattheirhead。
`Thanks，captain，\'saidMrFogg。
`Willyouletmegowithyou？\'askedMr，Fix。
`Doasyouplease，sir。Butifyouwishtodomeafavour，youwillremainwithAouda。Incaseanythingshouldhappentome——\'
Asuddenpalloroverspreadthedetective\'sface。Separatehimselffromthemanwhomhehadsopersistentlyfollowedstepbystep！Leavehimtowanderaboutinthisdesert！FixgazedattentivelyatMr，Fogg，and，despitehissuspicionsandofthestrugglewhichwasgoingonwithinhim，heloweredhiseyesbeforethatcalmandfranklook。
`Iwillstay，\'saidhe。
