It was to one of these dens that Fix and Passe-partout had come for refreshment; the latter had no money, but accepted his companion's treat, hoping to return the civility at some future time. Fix ordered two bottles of port, to which the Frenchman paid considerable attention, while Fix, more cautious, watched his companion narrowly. They talked upon many subjects, and particularly respecting Fix's happy determination to sail in the _Carnatic_; and that put Passe-partout in mind that he ought to go and inform his master respecting the alteration in the time of the steamer's departure, which, as the bottles were empty, he proceeded to do. "Just one moment," said Fix, detaining him. "What do you want, Mr. Fix?" "I want to speak to you seriously." "Seriously!" exclaimed Passe-partout. "Well, then, let us talk to-morrow, I have no time to-day." "You had better wait," said Fix; "it concerns your master." Passe-partout looked closely at his companion, and as the expression of his face was peculiar he sat down again. "What have you got to say to me?" he said. Fix placed his hand on his companion's arm, and said, in a low voice, "You have guessed who I am, eh?" "Rather," replied Passe-partout. "Well, then, I am going to tell you everything." "Yes, now that I know everything, my friend. That's pretty good. However, go on; but first let me tell you that those gentlemen have sent you on a wild-goose chase." "It is evident that you do not know how large the sum in question is," said Fix. "Oh yes, but I do," said Passe-partout, "it is twenty thousand pounds." "Fifty-five thousand," replied Fix, shaking the Frenchman's hand. "What!" exclaimed Passe-partout, "has Mr. Fogg risked fifty-five thousand pounds? Well, then, all the more reason we should not lose any time," he added, as he rose from his chair. "Fifty-five thousand pounds," continued Fix, pressing his companion into his seat again, as a flask of brandy was placed before them; "and if I succeed I shall get a percentage of two thousand pounds. If you will assist me I will give you five hundred." "Assist you!" exclaimed Passe-partout, as he stared wildly at the detective. "Yes, assist me to keep Mr. Fogg here for some hours longer." "What is that you say?" said Passe-partout. "Not content with tracking my master, do these gentlemen suspect his good face and wish to put obstacles in his way? I am ashamed of them." "What are you talking about?" said Fix. "I say it is a piece of meanness; they might just as well pick Mr. Fogg's pocket." "That is just the very thing we want to do." "Then it is a conspiracy, is it?" exclaimed Passe-partout, who was getting excited by the brandy which he unconsciously had swallowed, "a regular conspiracy; and they call themselves gentlemen and friends!" Fix began to feel very puzzled.