Part 26 (2/2)
”That's impossible The creek is swelled by the rains It is a rapid, and we shall have to make a circuit of ten miles to the north to find a ford”
The colonel launched a volley of oaths, denouncing the railway company and the conductor Passepartout, as furious, could not help but agree with him Here was an obstacle, indeed, which all his eneral disappoint the delay, saw thee fifteen rumbled and protested, and would certainly have thus attracted Phileas Fogg's attention if he had not been coa hishead, he was turning towards the car, when the engineer--a true Yankee, named Forster--called out, ”Gentleet over”
”On the bridge?” asked a passenger
”On the bridge”
”With our train?”
”With our train”
Passepartout stopped short, and eagerly listened to the engineer
”But the bridge is unsafe,” urged the conductor
”Noon the very highest speed weover”
”The devil!” ers were at once attracted by the engineer's proposal, and Colonel Proctor was especially delighted, and found the plan a very feasible one He told stories about engineers leaping their trains over rivers without bridges, by putting on full steaineer'sover,” said one
”Eighty! ninety!”
Passepartout was astounded, and, though ready to atteht the experiht he, ”there's a still more simple way, and it does not even occur to any of these people!
Sir,” said he aloud to one of the passengers, ”the engineer's plan seehty chances!” replied the passenger, turning his back on hi to another passenger, ”but a simple idea--”
”Ideas are no use,” returned the Aineer assures us that we can pass”
”Doubtless,” urged Passepartout, ”we can pass, but perhaps it would be more prudent--”
”What! Prudent!” cried Colonel Proctor, whoiously ”At full speed, don't you see, at full speed!”
”I know--I see,” repeated Passepartout; ”but it would be, if not more prudent, since that word displeases you, at least more natural--”
”Who! What! What's the matter with this fellow?” cried several
The poor fellow did not knohom to address himself
”Are you afraid?” asked Colonel Proctor