"Now," resumed Fix, "Mr. Fogg seems to be going
back to England. Well, I will follow him there. But
hereafter I will do as much to keep obstacles out of
his way as I have done up to this time to put them in
his path. I've changed my game, you see, and simply
because it was for my interest to change it. Your
interest is the same as mine; for it is only in England
that you will ascertain whether you are in the service
of a criminal or an honest man."

Passepartout listened very attentively to Fix, and
was convinced that he spoke with entire good faith.

"Are we friends?" asked the detective.

"Friends?--no," replied Passepartout; "but allies,
perhaps. At the least sign of treason, however, I'll
twist your neck for you."

"Agreed," said the detective quietly.

Eleven days later, on the 3rd of December, the
"General Grant" entered the bay of the Golden Gate
and reached San Francisco.

Mr. Fogg had neither gained nor lost a single day.

-199-