e this woman?"

"Save her!" exclaimed the general.

"I have still twelve hours to spare," continued Fogg; "I can devote
that time to the purpose."

"Well, I declare you are a man with a heart in the right place," cried
Sir Francis.

"Sometimes it is," replied Mr. Fogg, smiling grimly, "when I have
time!"

CHAPTER XIII.

Showing how Passe-partout perceives once again that Fortune favours
the Brave.

The project was a difficult one and a bold, almost impossible to carry
out. Mr. Fogg was about to risk his life, or at least his liberty, and
consequently the success of his undertaking; but, nevertheless, he
hesitated not a moment. Besides, he found in Sir Francis Cromarty a
sturdy ally. Passe-partout also was at their disposal; he was quite
ready, and his opinion of his master was rising every moment. He
possessed a heart, after all, beneath that cold exterior.
Passe-partout was beginning to love Mr. Fogg.

The guide remained. What course would he take in this business? He
would probably side with the natives. At any rate, if he would not
assist, his neutrality must be assured.

Sir Francis put the question to him plainly.

"Your honour," replied the man, "I am a Parsee. The woman is a Parsee
also. You may dispose of me as you wish."

"Good," replied Sir Francis.

"But," continued the guide, "you must remember that not only do we
risk our lives in this affair, but we may be horribly tortured if we
are taken alive. So take care."

"We have made up our minds to run the risk," said Mr. Fogg. "I think
we had better wait till nightfall before we act."

"I think so too," said the guide, who then proceeded to give his
employers some information respecting the lady. He said she was a
Parsee, a celebrated Indian beauty, daughter of one of the richest
merchants in Bombay. She had received a complete English education;
her manners and tastes were all European. Her name was Aouda. She was,
moreover, an orphan, and had been married against her will to the
rajah. She had only been three months wed. Knowing the fate that
awaited her, she had attempted to escape, but was immediately retaken;
and the rajah's relatives, who were desirous, from motives of
interest, for her death, had devoted her to the suttee, which now
appeared inevitable.

These particulars only served to confirm Mr. Fogg and his companions
in their generous resolve. It was then decided that the guide should
take them as near to the pagoda