rations. That was what puzzled the gallant
soldier. None of the many original characters which it had been his
fortune to encounter had, in any way, resembled this product of the
action of exact science upon humanity.

Phileas Fogg had not concealed from Sir Francis the object of his
journey round the world, nor the conditions under which he had
undertaken it. The general saw nothing in this wager but the
eccentricity of its surroundings, and the want of _transire
benefaciendo_ which ought to guide any reasonable man. If this
extraordinary man went on in this manner all his life, he would
finally quit the world, having done absolutely nothing for his own
benefit or for that of others.

An hour after leaving Bombay, the train crossed the viaduct carrying
the line from Salsette to the mainland. At Callyan station they left
the branch-line to Kandallah and Poona on the right, and proceeded to
Panwell. Here they traversed the gorges of the Western Ghauts,
composed of trap and basaltic rocks, the highest summits of which are
crowned with thick trees.

Sir Francis Cromarty and Phileas Fogg occasionally exchanged a few
words, and at one time the general picked up the thread of
conversation by remarking:

"A few years ago, Mr. Fogg, you would have experienced a considerable
impediment to your journey here, and would most likely have
compromised your success."

"How do you mean, Sir Francis?"

"Because the railway did not go beyond the base of these mountains,
and it was then necessary to make the journey in palanquins or on
ponies as far as Kandallah on the opposite slope."

"Such an interruption would not in any way have disarranged my plans,"
replied Mr. Fogg. "I have taken precautions against certain
obstacles."

"Nevertheless, Mr. Fogg, you very nearly had an awkward bit of
business on hand in consequence of yonder fellow's adventure."

Passe-partout was fast asleep, with his feet well muffled up in the
railway-rug, and was quite unconscious that he was the subject of
conversation.

"The British Government is extremely strict, and with reason, upon any
such offences," continued Sir Francis. "Above everything, it considers
that the religious feelings of the native races should be respected,
and if your servant had been arrested--"

"Well," interrupted Mr. Fogg, "well. Sir Francis, suppose he had been
taken and condemned and punished, he might have returned quietly to
Europe afterwards. That would not have bee