ise_ it
all the same."

"Why not? If the passport is all regular I have no right to refuse my
_visa_," replied the Consul.

"Nevertheless, I must keep the fellow here until I have received the
warrant of arrest from London."

"Ah, Mr. Fix, that is _your_ business," said the Consul; "for my part
I must--"

The Consul did not conclude the sentence. At that moment a knock was
heard, and the servant introduced two strangers, one of whom was the
servant who had lately interviewed the detective on the quay. The
newcomers were master and servant. The former handed his passport to
the Consul, and laconically requested him to attach his _visa_.

The Consul took the passport and examined it narrowly, while Fix from
a corner devoured the stranger with his eyes. When the Consul had
perused the document, he said:

"You are Phileas Fogg?"

"Yes," replied that gentleman.

"And this man is your servant?"

"Yes; he is a Frenchman named Passe-partout."

"You have come from London?"

"Yes."

"And you are bound--whither?"

"To Bombay."

"Very well, sir. You are aware, perhaps, that this formality is
unnecessary, even useless. We only require to see the passport."

"I know that," replied Fogg; "but I want you to testify to my presence
at Suez."

"Very well, sir, so be it," replied the Consul, who thereupon attested
the passport. Mr. Fogg paid the fee, and bowing formally, departed,
followed by his servant.

"Well, what do you think, sir?" said the detective.

"I think he looks a perfectly honest man," replied the Consul.

"That may be," said Fix; "but that is not the point. Do you not
perceive that this cool gentleman answers in every particular to the
description of the thief sent out?"

"I grant you that; but you know all descriptions--"

"I will settle the business," replied Fix. "It strikes me that the
servant is more get-at-able than the master. Besides, he is a
Frenchman, and cannot help chattering. I will return soon, sir." As he
finished speaking, the detective left the Consul's office in search of
Passe-partout.

Meanwhile, Mr. Fogg, having left the Consul's house, proceeded down to
the quay. There he gave his servant some instructions, and then put
off in a boat to the Mongolia, and descended to his cabin. Taking out
his note-book, he made the following entries:

Left London, Wednesday, 2nd October, at 8.45 p.m.

Reached Paris, Thursday, at 8.40 a.m.

Arrived at Turin, _via_ Mont Cenis, Frid