excuse my
question, but you counted on leaving in that steamer?"

"Yes, sir."

"So did I, madam; and I am terribly disappointed. The fact is, the
_Carnatic_ was ready for sea twelve hours sooner than was expected, and
now we shall have to wait twelve days for another steamer."

Fix was delighted as he said this. In eight days the warrant would
arrive. His chances were good. But his disgust may be guessed when he
heard Fogg say, in his usual calm tone, "I suppose there are other
ships besides the _Carnatic_ in Hong Kong harbour;" and offering his
arm to Mrs. Aouda, he turned away towards the docks.

Fix followed him in a dogged sort of manner. He appeared to be
attached to Fogg by some invisible cord. But fortune had evidently
abandoned Phileas Fogg. For three mortal hours he wandered about the
docks, endeavouring to charter a vessel to take him to Yokohama; but
all the ships were either loading or unloading, and could not go. The
detective's spirits rose again.

But Mr. Fogg was not discouraged. He made up his mind to continue his
search, even if he had to cross to Macao. At length he was accosted by
a sailor.

"Is your honour looking for a boat?"

"Have you a boat ready to sail?" asked Mr. Fogg.

"I have. A pilot-boat, No. 43; the best in the harbour."

"Can she sail fast?"

"She can make eight or nine knots an hour, or more. Would you like to
see her?"

"Yes."

"You will be pleased, I am sure. Is it for a trip that you require
her?"

"Somewhat more than that; for a voyage."

"A voyage?"

"I want you to take me to Yokohama."

The sailor folded his arms and looked steadily at Mr. Fogg. "Is your
honour serious?" he said.

"Yes. I have lost the _Carnatic_, and I must be at Yokohama on the
14th, at latest, to catch the steamer for San Francisco."

"I am very sorry," replied the pilot, "but it is impossible."

"I will give you a hundred pounds a day and a bonus of two hundred
pounds, if you arrive in time."

"Are you in earnest?" asked the pilot.

"Very much so," replied Mr. Fogg.

The pilot took a turn up and down the wharf; he looked out to sea, and
was evidently struggling between his wish to get the money and his
fear of venturing so far. Fix, all this time, was on tenter-hooks.

Mr. Fogg turned to Mrs. Aouda, and asked her if she were afraid.

"Not with you, Mr. Fogg," replied the young lady.

Just then the pilot returned, twirling his hat in his hands.

"Well, pilot?" said Mr. Fogg