"Jules Verne. Around the World in 80 Days" - читать интересную книгу автора

route via India, which was less watched and more difficult
to watch than that of the Atlantic. But Fix's reflections were
soon interrupted by a succession of sharp whistles, which announced
the arrival of the Mongolia. The porters and fellahs rushed
down the quay, and a dozen boats pushed off from the shore to go
and meet the steamer. Soon her gigantic hull appeared passing
along between the banks, and eleven o'clock struck as she anchored
in the road. She brought an unusual number of passengers,
some of whom remained on deck to scan the picturesque panorama
of the town, while the greater part disembarked in the boats,
and landed on the quay.

Fix took up a position, and carefully examined each face
and figure which made its appearance. Presently one of
the passengers, after vigorously pushing his way through the
importunate crowd of porters, came up to him and politely asked if
he could point out the English consulate, at the same time showing
a passport which he wished to have visaed. Fix instinctively took
the passport, and with a rapid glance read the description
of its bearer. An involuntary motion of surprise nearly escaped him,
for the description in the passport was identical with that of the
bank robber which he had received from Scotland Yard.

"Is this your passport?" asked he.

"No, it's my master's."

"And your master is--"

"He stayed on board."

"But he must go to the consul's in person, so as to establish his identity."

"Oh, is that necessary?"

"Quite indispensable."

"And where is the consulate?"

"There, on the corner of the square," said Fix, pointing to
a house two hundred steps off.

"I'll go and fetch my master, who won't be much pleased, however,
to be disturbed."

The passenger bowed to Fix, and returned to the steamer.