brought before Judge
Obadiah." He then went out and locked the door.

"So we are prisoners," exclaimed Passe-partout, dropping into a chair.

Mrs. Aouda, turning to Mr. Fogg, said tearfully: "Oh sir, pray do not
think of me any longer. It is on my account that you have been
arrested. It is for having saved me."

Phileas Fogg calmly replied that such a thing was not possible. It was
quite out of the question that they could be arrested on account of
the suttee. The complainants would not dare to present themselves.
There must be some mistake, and Mr. Fogg added that in any case he
would see the young lady safe to Hong Kong.

"But the steamer starts at twelve o'clock," said Passe-partout.

"We shall be on board before that," replied the impassible Fogg.

This was said so decidedly that Passe-partout could not help
muttering, "That's all right then, we shall be on board in time no
doubt." But in his soul he was not so very certain of it.

At half-past eight the door opened, the policeman entered, and
conducted the friends into an adjoining room. This was the court, and
was pretty well filled by Europeans and natives. The three companions
were allotted seats on a bench lacing the magistrate's desk. Judge
Obadiah, followed by the clerk, entered almost immediately. He was a
fat, round-faced man. He took down a wig from a nail and put it on.

"Call the first case," he began, but immediately putting his hand to
his head he said, "This is not my wig."

"The fact is, your honour, it is mine," replied the clerk.

"My dear Mr. Oysterpuff, how can you expect a judge to administer
justice in a clerk's wig?"

The exchange was made. All this time Passe-partout was boiling over
with impatience, for the hands of the clock were getting on terribly
fast towards noon.

"Now, then, the first case," said the judge.

"Phileas Fogg," called out the clerk.

"Here I am."

"Passe-partout."

"Here."

"Good," said the judge.

"For two days we have been awaiting you."

"But of what do you accuse us?" cried Passe-partout impatiently.

"You are going to hear," said the judge quietly.

"Your honour," said Mr. Fogg, "I am a British citizen, and I have the
right--"

"Have you not been properly treated?" asked the judge,

"Oh yes, but--"

"Very well, then. Call the plaintiffs."

As the judge spoke the door opened, and three Hindoo priests were
introduced by an usher.

"It is that, after all," muttered Passe-partout. "Tho