"Mr. Fix," he stammered, "even if you have told the truth, supposing my master is the thief you are searching for--which I deny--I have been, I am still in his service; he is kind and generous to me, and I will never betray him for all the gold in the world." "You refuse, then?" "Absolutely." "Well, then," said Fix, "forget all I have said. And now let us have a drink." "Yes, let us have another glass." Passe-partout felt that the liquor was overcoming him more and more. Fix having made up his mind that he must be separated from his master at any price, determined to finish the matter. On the table were some pipes of opium. Fix handed one of these to Passe-partout, who took a few puffs and fell back perfectly insensible. "At last," muttered Fix, as Passe-partout collapsed. "Mr. Fogg will not hear of the change of time for the sailing of the _Carnatic_, and if so, he will have to go without this infernal Frenchman." Then paying the score, he quitted the tavern. CHAPTER XX. Showing how Fix and Fogg come face to face. While these events, which gravely compromised Mr. Fogg's future, were passing, that gentleman and Mrs. Aouda were walking through the town. Since she had accepted Mr. Fogg's escort to England, she wished to make some purchases for the voyage, for a lady could not travel with a hand-bag, as a gentleman might do. So she bought some necessary clothing, etc., and Mr. Fogg overcame all her excuses with his characteristic generosity. "It is in my own interest," he invariably replied; "a part of my programme." Having purchased what they required, they returned to dinner at the hotel Mrs. Aouda subsequently retired to rest, leaving Mr. Fogg reading _The Times_ and _Illustrated News_. Had Mr. Fogg been a man likely to be astonished at anything, he would have been surprised at the absence of his servant at bedtime; so believing that the steamer did not start for Yokohama till the following morning, he did not trouble himself; but Passe-partout did not appear when Mr. Fogg rang for him next morning, and then he learnt that his servant had not come in during the night. Without a word Mr. Fogg packed his bag, and sent to call Mrs. Aouda and for a palanquin. It was eight o'clock, and the _Carnatic_ was to sail at high-water at half-past nine. Mr. Fogg and his companion got into the palanquin and reached the quay. Then, and not till then, they were informed that the _Carnatic_ had left the previous evening. Mr. Fogg, who had made up his mind to find the steamer and the servant both awaiting him, was obliged to go without either. He showed no anxiety, merely remarking to Mrs. Aouda, "An incident of travel, madam, nothing more." At this moment, a man who had been watching them approached. It was Fix. He approached Mr. Fogg, and said: "Were you not one of the passengers on board the _Rangoon_ yesterday, as well as myself?" "Yes, sir," replied Mr. Fogg coldly; "but I have not the honour--"