arnatic_, and
if so, he will have to go without this infernal Frenchman."

Then paying the score, he quitted the tavern.

CHAPTER XX.

Showing how Fix and Fogg come face to face.

While these events, which gravely compromised Mr. Fogg's future, were
passing, that gentleman and Mrs. Aouda were walking through the town.
Since she had accepted Mr. Fogg's escort to England, she wished to
make some purchases for the voyage, for a lady could not travel with a
hand-bag, as a gentleman might do. So she bought some necessary
clothing, etc., and Mr. Fogg overcame all her excuses with his
characteristic generosity.

"It is in my own interest," he invariably replied; "a part of my
programme."

Having purchased what they required, they returned to dinner at the
hotel Mrs. Aouda subsequently retired to rest, leaving Mr. Fogg
reading _The Times_ and _Illustrated News_.

Had Mr. Fogg been a man likely to be astonished at anything, he would
have been surprised at the absence of his servant at bedtime; so
believing that the steamer did not start for Yokohama till the
following morning, he did not trouble himself; but Passe-partout did
not appear when Mr. Fogg rang for him next morning, and then he learnt
that his servant had not come in during the night. Without a word Mr.
Fogg packed his bag, and sent to call Mrs. Aouda and for a palanquin.
It was eight o'clock, and the _Carnatic_ was to sail at high-water at
half-past nine. Mr. Fogg and his companion got into the palanquin and
reached the quay. Then, and not till then, they were informed that the
_Carnatic_ had left the previous evening.

Mr. Fogg, who had made up his mind to find the steamer and the servant
both awaiting him, was obliged to go without either. He showed no
anxiety, merely remarking to Mrs. Aouda, "An incident of travel,
madam, nothing more."

At this moment, a man who had been watching them approached. It was
Fix. He approached Mr. Fogg, and said:

"Were you not one of the passengers on board the _Rangoon_ yesterday,
as well as myself?"

"Yes, sir," replied Mr. Fogg coldly; "but I have not the honour--"

"Excuse me, but I expected to find your servant here."

"Do you know where he is?" asked the young lady quickly.

"What!" exclaimed Fix, in feigned surprise, "is he not with you?"

"No," replied Mrs. Aouda, "he has been absent since yesterday. Perhaps
he has sailed in the _Carnatic_."

"Without you, madam?" said the detective. "You will