Around the World in Eighty Days Chapters 12-13

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Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne A public domain recording for librivox.org by alexfoster.me.uk Chapter 12 In which Phileas Fogg and his companions venture across the Indian forests and what ensued. In order to shorten the journey, the guide passed to the left of the line where the railway was still in process of being built. This line, owing to the capricious turnings of the Vindier Mountains, did not pursue a straight course. The Parsi, who was quite familiar with the roads and paths in the district, declared that they would gain twenty miles by striking directly through the forest.
Phileas Fogg and Sir Francis Crommety, plunged to the neck in the peculiar howders provided for them, were horribly jostled by the swift trotting of the elephant, spurred on as he was caught by the skilful Parsi, but they endured the discomfort with true British phlegm, talking little, and scarcely able to catch a glimpse of each other. As for Passepartout, who was mounted on the beast's back, and received the direct force of each concussion as he trot along, he was very careful, in accordance with his master's advice, to keep his tongue from between his teeth, as it would otherwise have been bitten off short. The worthy fellow bounced from the elephant's back to his rump, and vaulted like a clown on a springboard, yet he laughed in the midst of his bouncing, and from time to time took a piece of sugar out of his pocket, and inserted it in Keowney's trunk, who received it without in the least slackening his regular trot.
After two hours the guide stopped the elephant, and gave him an hour for rest, during which Keowney, after quenching his thirst at a neighbouring spring, set to devouring the branches and shrubs around about him. Neither Sir Francis nor Mr. Fogg regretted the delay, and both descended with a feeling of relief. Why, he's made of iron! exclaimed the general, gazing admiringly on Keowney. Of fulg'd iron, replied Passepartout, as he set about preparing a hasty breakfast. At noon the Parsi gave the signal of departure. The country soon presented a very savage aspect. Copses of dates and dwarf palms succeeded the dense forests, then vast dry plains dotted with scanty shrubs, and sown with great blocks of cyanite. All this portion of Bundelkund, which is little frequented by travellers, is inhabited by a fanatical population hardened in the most horrible practices of the Hindu faith. The English have not been able to secure complete dominion over this territory, which is subjected to the influence of Rajahs, whom it is almost impossible to reach in their inaccessible mountain fastnesses. The travellers several times saw bands of ferocious Indians, who when they perceived the elephants striding across country, made angry and threatening motions. The Parsi avoided them as much as possible. Few animals were observed on the route. Even the monkeys hurried from their path with contortions and grimaces, which convulsed Paspatu with laughter.
In the midst of his gaiety, however, one thought troubled the worthy servant. What would Mr. Fogg do with the elephant once he got to Al-Alabad? Would he carry on with him? Impossible! The cost of transporting him would make him ruinously expensive. Would he sell him or set him free? The Estimal beast certainly deserved some consideration. Should Mr. Fogg choose to make him, Passepartout, a president of Keownie, he would be very much embarrassed, and these thoughts did not cease worrying him for a very long time. The principal train of the Vindiers was crossed by eight in the evening, and another halt was made on the northern slope in a ruined bungalow. They had gone nearly twenty-five miles that day, and an equal distance still separated them from the station of Al Arabad. The night was cold. The Passe lit a fire in the bungalow with a few dry branches, and the warmth was very welcome. Provisions purchased at Colby sufficed for supper, and the travellers ate ravenously. The conversation, beginning with a few disconnected phrases, soon gave place to loud and steady snores. The guide watched Keownie, who slept standing, bolstering himself against the trunk of a large tree.
Nothing occurred during the night to disturb the slumberers, although occasional growls from panthers and chatterings of monkeys broke the silence. The more formidable beasts made no cries or hostile demonstration against the occupants of the bungalow. Sir Francis slept heavily, like an honest soldier overcome with fatigue. Passepartout was wrapped in uneasy dreams with the bouncing of the day before. As for Mr. Fogg, he slumbered as peacefully as if he had been in his serene mansion in Savile Row.
The journey was resumed at six in the morning. The guide hoped to reach El Alabad by evening. In that case Mr. Fogg would only lose a part of the forty-eight hours saved since the beginning of the tour. Keowney, resuming his rapid gait, soon descended the lower spurs of the Vindhias, and towards noon they passed by the village of Kalanjha, on the Kani, one of the branches of the Ganges. The guide avoided inhabited places, thinking it safer to keep the open country, which lies along the first depressions of the basin of the Great River. Al-Alabad was now only twelve miles to the north-east. They stopped under a clump of bananas, the fruit of which, as healthy as bread and as succulent as cream, was amply partaken of and appreciated. At two o'clock the guide entered a thick forest which extended several miles. He preferred to travel under cover of the woods. They had not as yet had any unpleasant encounters, and the journey seemed on the point of being successfully accomplished, where the elephant, becoming restless, suddenly stopped. It was then four o'clock. What's the matter? asked Sir Francis, putting out his head. They don't know, officer, replied the Parsi, listening attentively to a confused murmur which came through the thick branches.