Reading Help Around the world in eighty days Ch.VII-XIII
from the Celestial Empire in a toy-box. Sombreros and red shirts `
` and plumed Indians were rarely to be seen; but there were silk hats `
` and black coats everywhere worn by a multitude of nervously active, `
` gentlemanly-looking men. Some of the streets--especially Montgomery Street, `
` which is to San Francisco what Regent Street is to London, `
` the Boulevard des Italiens to Paris, and Broadway to New York-- `
` were lined with splendid and spacious stores, which exposed `
` in their windows the products of the entire world. `
` `
` When Passepartout reached the International Hotel, `
` it did not seem to him as if he had left England at all. `
` `
` The ground floor of the hotel was occupied by a large bar, `
` a sort of restaurant freely open to all passers-by, who might `
` partake of dried beef, oyster soup, biscuits, and cheese, `
` without taking out their purses. Payment was made only for the ale, `
` porter, or sherry which was drunk. This seemed "very American" `
` to Passepartout. The hotel refreshment-rooms were comfortable, `
` and Mr. Fogg and Aouda, installing themselves at a table, `
` were abundantly served on diminutive plates by negroes of darkest hue. `
` `
` After breakfast, Mr. Fogg, accompanied by Aouda, started for `
` the English consulate to have his passport visaed. As he was `
` going out, he met Passepartout, who asked him if it would not be well, `
` before taking the train, to purchase some dozens of Enfield rifles `
` and Colt's revolvers. He had been listening to stories of attacks `
` upon the trains by the Sioux and Pawnees. Mr. Fogg thought it `
` a useless precaution, but told him to do as he thought best, `
` and went on to the consulate. `
` `
` He had not proceeded two hundred steps, however, when, "by the `
` greatest chance in the world," he met Fix. The detective seemed `
` wholly taken by surprise. What! Had Mr. Fogg and himself `
` crossed the Pacific together, and not met on the steamer! `
` At least Fix felt honoured to behold once more the gentleman `
` to whom he owed so much, and, as his business recalled him to Europe, `
` he should be delighted to continue the journey in such pleasant company. `
` `
` Mr. Fogg replied that the honour would be his; and the detective-- `
` who was determined not to lose sight of him--begged permission `
` to accompany them in their walk about San Francisco--a request `
` which Mr. Fogg readily granted. `
` `
` They soon found themselves in Montgomery Street, where a great `
` crowd was collected; the side-walks, street, horsecar rails, `
` the shop-doors, the windows of the houses, and even the roofs, `
` were full of people. Men were going about carrying large posters, `
` and flags and streamers were floating in the wind; while loud cries `
` were heard on every hand. `
` `
` "Hurrah for Camerfield!" `
` `
` "Hurrah for Mandiboy!" `
` `
` It was a political meeting; at least so Fix conjectured, who said to Mr. Fogg, `
` "Perhaps we had better not mingle with the crowd. There may be danger in it." `
` `
` "Yes," returned Mr. Fogg; "and blows, even if they are political `
` are still blows." `
` `
` Fix smiled at this remark; and, in order to be able to see without `
` being jostled about, the party took up a position on the top of a flight `
` of steps situated at the upper end of Montgomery Street. Opposite them, `
` on the other side of the street, between a coal wharf and a petroleum warehouse, `
` a large platform had been erected in the open air, towards which the current `
` of the crowd seemed to be directed. `
` `
` For what purpose was this meeting? What was the occasion of this `
` excited assemblage? Phileas Fogg could not imagine. Was it to nominate `
` some high official--a governor or member of Congress? It was not improbable, `
` so agitated was the multitude before them. `
` `
` Just at this moment there was an unusual stir in the human mass. `
` All the hands were raised in the air. Some, tightly closed, `
` seemed to disappear suddenly in the midst of the cries--an energetic way, `
` no doubt, of casting a vote. The crowd swayed back, the banners and flags `
` wavered, disappeared an instant, then reappeared in tatters. `
` The undulations of the human surge reached the steps, `
` while all the heads floundered on the surface like a sea `
` agitated by a squall. Many of the black hats disappeared, `
` and the greater part of the crowd seemed to have diminished in height. `
` `
` "It is evidently a meeting," said Fix, "and its object must be `
` an exciting one. I should not wonder if it were about the Alabama, `
` despite the fact that that question is settled." `
` `
` "Perhaps," replied Mr. Fogg, simply. `
` `
` "At least, there are two champions in presence of each other, `
` the Honourable Mr. Camerfield and the Honourable Mr. Mandiboy." `
` `
` Aouda, leaning upon Mr. Fogg's arm, observed the tumultuous scene `
` with surprise, while Fix asked a man near him what the cause of it all was. `
` Before the man could reply, a fresh agitation arose; hurrahs and excited `
` shouts were heard; the staffs of the banners began to be used `
` as offensive weapons; and fists flew about in every direction. `
` Thumps were exchanged from the tops of the carriages and omnibuses `
` which had been blocked up in the crowd. Boots and shoes went whirling `
` through the air, and Mr. Fogg thought he even heard the crack of revolvers `
` mingling in the din, the rout approached the stairway, and flowed over `
` the lower step. One of the parties had evidently been repulsed; `
` but the mere lookers-on could not tell whether Mandiboy or Camerfield `
` had gained the upper hand. `
` `
` "It would be prudent for us to retire," said Fix, who was anxious `
` that Mr. Fogg should not receive any injury, at least until `
` they got back to London. "If there is any question about England `
` in all this, and we were recognised, I fear it would go hard with us." `
` `
` "An English subject--" began Mr. Fogg. `
` `
` He did not finish his sentence; for a terrific hubbub now arose `
` on the terrace behind the flight of steps where they stood, `
` and there were frantic shouts of, "Hurrah for Mandiboy! Hip, hip, hurrah!" `
` `
` It was a band of voters coming to the rescue of their allies, `
` and taking the Camerfield forces in flank. Mr. Fogg, Aouda, `
` and Fix found themselves between two fires; it was too late to escape. `
` The torrent of men, armed with loaded canes and sticks, was irresistible. `
` Phileas Fogg and Fix were roughly hustled in their attempts to protect `
` their fair companion; the former, as cool as ever, tried to defend himself `
` with the weapons which nature has placed at the end of every Englishman's arm, `
` but in vain. A big brawny fellow with a red beard, flushed face, `
` and broad shoulders, who seemed to be the chief of the band, `
` raised his clenched fist to strike Mr. Fogg, whom he would have given `
` a crushing blow, had not Fix rushed in and received it in his stead. `
` An enormous bruise immediately made its appearance under the detective's `
` silk hat, which was completely smashed in. `
` `
` "Yankee!" exclaimed Mr. Fogg, darting a contemptuous look at the ruffian. `
` `
` "Englishman!" returned the other. "We will meet again!" `
` `
` "When you please." `
` `
` "What is your name?" `
` `
` "Phileas Fogg. And yours?" `
` `
` "Colonel Stamp Proctor." `
` `
` The human tide now swept by, after overturning Fix, who speedily `
` got upon his feet again, though with tattered clothes. Happily, `
` he was not seriously hurt. His travelling overcoat was divided `
` into two unequal parts, and his trousers resembled those of certain Indians, `
` which fit less compactly than they are easy to put on. `
` Aouda had escaped unharmed, and Fix alone bore marks `
` of the fray in his black and blue bruise. `
` `
` "Thanks," said Mr. Fogg to the detective, `
` as soon as they were out of the crowd. `
` `
` "No thanks are necessary," replied. Fix; "but let us go." `
` `
` "Where?" `
` `
` "To a tailor's." `
` `
` Such a visit was, indeed, opportune. The clothing of both Mr. Fogg `
` and Fix was in rags, as if they had themselves been actively engaged `
` in the contest between Camerfield and Mandiboy. An hour after, `
` they were once more suitably attired, and with Aouda returned `
` to the International Hotel. `
` `
` Passepartout was waiting for his master, armed with half a dozen `
` six-barrelled revolvers. When he perceived Fix, he knit his brows; `
` but Aouda having, in a few words, told him of their adventure, `
` his countenance resumed its placid expression. Fix evidently `
` was no longer an enemy, but an ally; he was faithfully keeping his word. `
` `
` Dinner over, the coach which was to convey the passengers and their luggage `
` to the station drew up to the door. As he was getting in, Mr. Fogg `
` said to Fix, "You have not seen this Colonel Proctor again?" `
` `
` "No." `
` `
` "I will come back to America to find him," said Phileas Fogg calmly. `
` "It would not be right for an Englishman to permit himself to be treated `
` in that way, without retaliating." `
` `
` The detective smiled, but did not reply. It was clear that Mr. Fogg `
` was one of those Englishmen who, while they do not tolerate duelling at home, `
` fight abroad when their honour is attacked. `
` `
` At a quarter before six the travellers reached the station, `
` and found the train ready to depart. As he was about to enter it, `
` Mr. Fogg called a porter, and said to him: "My friend, `
` was there not some trouble to-day in San Francisco?" `
` `
` "It was a political meeting, sir," replied the porter. `
` `
` "But I thought there was a great deal of disturbance in the streets." `
` `
` "It was only a meeting assembled for an election." `
` `
` "The election of a general-in-chief, no doubt?" asked Mr. Fogg. `
` `
` "No, sir; of a justice of the peace." `
` `
` Phileas Fogg got into the train, which started off at full speed. `
` `
`
` and plumed Indians were rarely to be seen; but there were silk hats `
` and black coats everywhere worn by a multitude of nervously active, `
` gentlemanly-looking men. Some of the streets--especially Montgomery Street, `
` which is to San Francisco what Regent Street is to London, `
` the Boulevard des Italiens to Paris, and Broadway to New York-- `
` were lined with splendid and spacious stores, which exposed `
` in their windows the products of the entire world. `
` `
` When Passepartout reached the International Hotel, `
` it did not seem to him as if he had left England at all. `
` `
` The ground floor of the hotel was occupied by a large bar, `
` a sort of restaurant freely open to all passers-by, who might `
` partake of dried beef, oyster soup, biscuits, and cheese, `
` without taking out their purses. Payment was made only for the ale, `
` porter, or sherry which was drunk. This seemed "very American" `
` to Passepartout. The hotel refreshment-rooms were comfortable, `
` and Mr. Fogg and Aouda, installing themselves at a table, `
` were abundantly served on diminutive plates by negroes of darkest hue. `
` `
` After breakfast, Mr. Fogg, accompanied by Aouda, started for `
` the English consulate to have his passport visaed. As he was `
` going out, he met Passepartout, who asked him if it would not be well, `
` before taking the train, to purchase some dozens of Enfield rifles `
` and Colt's revolvers. He had been listening to stories of attacks `
` upon the trains by the Sioux and Pawnees. Mr. Fogg thought it `
` a useless precaution, but told him to do as he thought best, `
` and went on to the consulate. `
` `
` He had not proceeded two hundred steps, however, when, "by the `
` greatest chance in the world," he met Fix. The detective seemed `
` wholly taken by surprise. What! Had Mr. Fogg and himself `
` crossed the Pacific together, and not met on the steamer! `
` At least Fix felt honoured to behold once more the gentleman `
` to whom he owed so much, and, as his business recalled him to Europe, `
` he should be delighted to continue the journey in such pleasant company. `
` `
` Mr. Fogg replied that the honour would be his; and the detective-- `
` who was determined not to lose sight of him--begged permission `
` to accompany them in their walk about San Francisco--a request `
` which Mr. Fogg readily granted. `
` `
` They soon found themselves in Montgomery Street, where a great `
` crowd was collected; the side-walks, street, horsecar rails, `
` the shop-doors, the windows of the houses, and even the roofs, `
` were full of people. Men were going about carrying large posters, `
` and flags and streamers were floating in the wind; while loud cries `
` were heard on every hand. `
` `
` "Hurrah for Camerfield!" `
` `
` "Hurrah for Mandiboy!" `
` `
` It was a political meeting; at least so Fix conjectured, who said to Mr. Fogg, `
` "Perhaps we had better not mingle with the crowd. There may be danger in it." `
` `
` "Yes," returned Mr. Fogg; "and blows, even if they are political `
` are still blows." `
` `
` Fix smiled at this remark; and, in order to be able to see without `
` being jostled about, the party took up a position on the top of a flight `
` of steps situated at the upper end of Montgomery Street. Opposite them, `
` on the other side of the street, between a coal wharf and a petroleum warehouse, `
` a large platform had been erected in the open air, towards which the current `
` of the crowd seemed to be directed. `
` `
` For what purpose was this meeting? What was the occasion of this `
` excited assemblage? Phileas Fogg could not imagine. Was it to nominate `
` some high official--a governor or member of Congress? It was not improbable, `
` so agitated was the multitude before them. `
` `
` Just at this moment there was an unusual stir in the human mass. `
` All the hands were raised in the air. Some, tightly closed, `
` seemed to disappear suddenly in the midst of the cries--an energetic way, `
` no doubt, of casting a vote. The crowd swayed back, the banners and flags `
` wavered, disappeared an instant, then reappeared in tatters. `
` The undulations of the human surge reached the steps, `
` while all the heads floundered on the surface like a sea `
` agitated by a squall. Many of the black hats disappeared, `
` and the greater part of the crowd seemed to have diminished in height. `
` `
` "It is evidently a meeting," said Fix, "and its object must be `
` an exciting one. I should not wonder if it were about the Alabama, `
` despite the fact that that question is settled." `
` `
` "Perhaps," replied Mr. Fogg, simply. `
` `
` "At least, there are two champions in presence of each other, `
` the Honourable Mr. Camerfield and the Honourable Mr. Mandiboy." `
` `
` Aouda, leaning upon Mr. Fogg's arm, observed the tumultuous scene `
` with surprise, while Fix asked a man near him what the cause of it all was. `
` Before the man could reply, a fresh agitation arose; hurrahs and excited `
` shouts were heard; the staffs of the banners began to be used `
` as offensive weapons; and fists flew about in every direction. `
` Thumps were exchanged from the tops of the carriages and omnibuses `
` which had been blocked up in the crowd. Boots and shoes went whirling `
` through the air, and Mr. Fogg thought he even heard the crack of revolvers `
` mingling in the din, the rout approached the stairway, and flowed over `
` the lower step. One of the parties had evidently been repulsed; `
` but the mere lookers-on could not tell whether Mandiboy or Camerfield `
` had gained the upper hand. `
` `
` "It would be prudent for us to retire," said Fix, who was anxious `
` that Mr. Fogg should not receive any injury, at least until `
` they got back to London. "If there is any question about England `
` in all this, and we were recognised, I fear it would go hard with us." `
` `
` "An English subject--" began Mr. Fogg. `
` `
` He did not finish his sentence; for a terrific hubbub now arose `
` on the terrace behind the flight of steps where they stood, `
` and there were frantic shouts of, "Hurrah for Mandiboy! Hip, hip, hurrah!" `
` `
` It was a band of voters coming to the rescue of their allies, `
` and taking the Camerfield forces in flank. Mr. Fogg, Aouda, `
` and Fix found themselves between two fires; it was too late to escape. `
` The torrent of men, armed with loaded canes and sticks, was irresistible. `
` Phileas Fogg and Fix were roughly hustled in their attempts to protect `
` their fair companion; the former, as cool as ever, tried to defend himself `
` with the weapons which nature has placed at the end of every Englishman's arm, `
` but in vain. A big brawny fellow with a red beard, flushed face, `
` and broad shoulders, who seemed to be the chief of the band, `
` raised his clenched fist to strike Mr. Fogg, whom he would have given `
` a crushing blow, had not Fix rushed in and received it in his stead. `
` An enormous bruise immediately made its appearance under the detective's `
` silk hat, which was completely smashed in. `
` `
` "Yankee!" exclaimed Mr. Fogg, darting a contemptuous look at the ruffian. `
` `
` "Englishman!" returned the other. "We will meet again!" `
` `
` "When you please." `
` `
` "What is your name?" `
` `
` "Phileas Fogg. And yours?" `
` `
` "Colonel Stamp Proctor." `
` `
` The human tide now swept by, after overturning Fix, who speedily `
` got upon his feet again, though with tattered clothes. Happily, `
` he was not seriously hurt. His travelling overcoat was divided `
` into two unequal parts, and his trousers resembled those of certain Indians, `
` which fit less compactly than they are easy to put on. `
` Aouda had escaped unharmed, and Fix alone bore marks `
` of the fray in his black and blue bruise. `
` `
` "Thanks," said Mr. Fogg to the detective, `
` as soon as they were out of the crowd. `
` `
` "No thanks are necessary," replied. Fix; "but let us go." `
` `
` "Where?" `
` `
` "To a tailor's." `
` `
` Such a visit was, indeed, opportune. The clothing of both Mr. Fogg `
` and Fix was in rags, as if they had themselves been actively engaged `
` in the contest between Camerfield and Mandiboy. An hour after, `
` they were once more suitably attired, and with Aouda returned `
` to the International Hotel. `
` `
` Passepartout was waiting for his master, armed with half a dozen `
` six-barrelled revolvers. When he perceived Fix, he knit his brows; `
` but Aouda having, in a few words, told him of their adventure, `
` his countenance resumed its placid expression. Fix evidently `
` was no longer an enemy, but an ally; he was faithfully keeping his word. `
` `
` Dinner over, the coach which was to convey the passengers and their luggage `
` to the station drew up to the door. As he was getting in, Mr. Fogg `
` said to Fix, "You have not seen this Colonel Proctor again?" `
` `
` "No." `
` `
` "I will come back to America to find him," said Phileas Fogg calmly. `
` "It would not be right for an Englishman to permit himself to be treated `
` in that way, without retaliating." `
` `
` The detective smiled, but did not reply. It was clear that Mr. Fogg `
` was one of those Englishmen who, while they do not tolerate duelling at home, `
` fight abroad when their honour is attacked. `
` `
` At a quarter before six the travellers reached the station, `
` and found the train ready to depart. As he was about to enter it, `
` Mr. Fogg called a porter, and said to him: "My friend, `
` was there not some trouble to-day in San Francisco?" `
` `
` "It was a political meeting, sir," replied the porter. `
` `
` "But I thought there was a great deal of disturbance in the streets." `
` `
` "It was only a meeting assembled for an election." `
` `
` "The election of a general-in-chief, no doubt?" asked Mr. Fogg. `
` `
` "No, sir; of a justice of the peace." `
` `
` Phileas Fogg got into the train, which started off at full speed. `
` `
`