LnR the World in Eighty Days 14

Around

"Certainly," returned Ralph. "I agree with Mr. Fogg. The world has grown smaller, since a man can now go round it ten times more quickly than a hundred years ago. And that is why the search for this thief will be more likely to succeed."

"And also why the thief can get away more easily."

"Be so good as to play, Mr. Stuart," said Phileas Fogg.

But the incredulous Stuart was not convinced, and when the hand was finished, said eagerly: "You have a strange way, Ralph, of proving that the world has grown smaller. So, because you can go round it in three months—"

"In eighty days," interrupted Phileas Fogg.

"That is true, gentlemen," added John Sullivan. "Only eighty days, now that the section between Rothal and Allahabad, on the Great Indian Peninsula Railway, has been opened. Here is the estimate made by the Daily Telegraph:

     From London to Suez via Mont Cenis and

       Brindisi, by rail and steamboats .................  7 days

     From Suez to Bombay, by steamer .................... 13  "

     From Bombay to Calcutta, by rail ...................  3  "

     From Calcutta to Hong Kong, by steamer ............. 13  "

     From Hong Kong to Yokohama (Japan), by steamer .....  6  "

     From Yokohama to San Francisco, by steamer ......... 22  "

     From San Francisco to New York, by rail ............. 7  "

     From New York to London, by steamer and rail ........ 9  "

                                                          -------

       Total ............................................ 80 days."

"Yes, in eighty days!" exclaimed Stuart, who in his excitement made a false deal. "But that doesn't take into account bad weather, contrary winds, shipwrecks, railway accidents, and so on."

"All included," returned Phileas Fogg, continuing to play despite the discussion.

"But suppose the Hindoos or Indians pull up the rails," replied Stuart; "suppose they stop the trains, pillage the luggage-vans, and scalp the passengers!"

"All included," calmly retorted Fogg; adding, as he threw down the cards, "Two trumps."