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[Graph-support] , the servant taking up
Leva
2009-08-30 10:31:04 UTC
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soldiers. The whole company started forward at once. The captain had
only to pick his men. Thirty were chosen, and an old sergeant placed at
their head. "Thanks, captain," said Mr. Fogg. "Will you let me go with
you?" asked Fix. "Do as you please, sir. But if you wish to do me a
favour, you will remain with Aouda. In case anything should happen to
me--" A sudden pallor overspread the detective's face. Separate himself
from the man whom he had so persistently followed step by step! Leave
him to wander about in this desert! Fix gazed attentively at Mr. Fogg,
and, despite his suspicions and of the struggle which was going on
within him, he lowered his eyes before that calm and frank look. "I will
stay," said he. A few moments after, Mr. Fogg pressed the young woman's
hand, and, having confided to her his precious carpet-bag, went off with
the sergeant and his little squad. But, before going, he had said to the
soldiers, "My friends, I will divide five thousand dollars among you, if
we save the prisoners." It was then a little past noon. Aouda retired to
a waiting-room, and there she waited alone, thinking of the simple and
noble generosity, the tranquil courage of Phileas Fogg. He had
sacrificed his fortune, and was now risking his life, all without
hesitation, from duty, in silence. Fix did not have the same thoughts,
and could scarcely conceal his agitation. He walked feverishly up and
down the platform, but soon resumed his outward composure. He now saw
the folly of which he had been guilty in letting Fogg go alone. What!
This man, whom he had just followed around the world, was permitted now
to separate himself from him! He began to accuse and abuse himself, and,
as if he were director of police, administered to himself a sound
lecture for his greenness. "I have been an idiot!" he thought, "and this
man will see it. He has gone, and won't come back! But how is it that I,
Fix, who have in my pocket a warrant for his arrest, have been so
fascinated by him? Decidedly, I am nothing but an ass!" So reasoned the
detective, while the hours crept by all too slowly. He did not know what
to do. Sometimes he was tempted to tell Aouda all; but he could not
doubt how the young woman would receive his confidences. What course
should he take? He thought of pursuing Fogg across the vast white
plains; it did not seem impossible that he might overtake him. Footsteps
wer

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