"Yes, this evening," replied Fogg. Then, referring to a pocket almanack, he added: "This is Wednesday, the 2nd of October; I shall be due in London, in this room, on Saturday, the 21st of December, at a quarter to nine in the evening, or, in default, the twenty thousand at Baring's, to my credit, will be yours, gentlemen. Here is my cheque for that sum." A memorandum of the conditions of the bet was made and signed by all parties concerned. Phileas Fogg was as cool as ever. He had certainly not bet to win the money, and he had only bet twenty thousand pounds, half of his fortune, because he foresaw that he would probably have to spend the other half to enable him to carry out this difficult if not actually impossible feat. His opponents appeared quite agitated, not on account of the value of their stake, but because they had some misgivings and scruples about betting under such conditions. Seven o'clock struck, and it was suggested that the game should stop, while Mr. Fogg made his preparations for the journey. "I am always ready," replied this impassible gentleman, as he dealt the cards. "Diamonds are trumps," he added; "your lead, Mr. Stuart." CHAPTER IV. In which Phileas Fogg astonishes Passe-partout. At twenty-five minutes past seven, Phileas Fogg, having won twenty guineas at whist, took leave of his friends and left the club. At ten minutes to eight he reached home. Passe-partout, who had conscientiously studied his programme, was astonished to see Mr. Fogg appear at such an unusual hour, for, according to all precedent, he was not due in Saville Row till midnight. Phileas Fogg went straight up to his room and called for Passe-partout. Passe-partout did not reply. It was evident this could not refer to him, it was not time. "Passe-partout," cried Mr. Fogg again, but without raising his voice; "this is the second time I have called you," said Mr. Fogg. "But it is not midnight," replied Passe-partout, producing his watch. "I know that," replied Fogg, "and I do not blame you. We start for Dover and Calais in ten minutes." A sort of grimace contracted the Frenchman's round face; he evidently did not understand. "Are you going out, sir," he asked. "Yes," replied his master; "we are going around the world." Passe-partout at this announcement opened his eyes to their greatest extent, held up his arms, and looked the picture of stupefied astonishment. "Around the world!" he muttered. "In eighty days," replied Mr. Fogg; "so we have not a moment to lose." "But the luggage," said Passe-partout, who was wagging his head unconsciously from side to side. "We want no luggage; a carpet-bag will do. Pack up two night-shirts and three pairs of socks, and the same for yourself. We will buy what we want as we go along. Bring my mackintosh and travelling-cloak down with you, and a couple of pairs of strong boots, although we shall have little or no walking. Look alive."