"That is true, gentlemen," added John Sullivan. "Only eighty days, now that the section between Rothal and Allahabad, on the Great Indian Peninsula Railway, has been opened. Here is the estimate made by the Daily Telegraph:
From London to Suez via Mont Cenis and Brindisi by rail and
steamboats, 7 days
From Suez to Bombay, by steamer, 13 days
From Bombay to Calcutta, by rail, 3 days
From Calcutta to Hong Kong, by steamer, 13 days
From Hong Kong to Yokohama (Japan), by steamer, 6 days
From Yokohama to San Francisco, by steamer, 22 days
From San Francisco to New York, by rail, 7 days
From New York to London, by steamer and rail, 9 days
Total: 80 days"
"Yes, in eighty days!" exclaimed Stuart, who in his excitement made a false deal. "But that doesn't take into account bad weather, contrary winds, shipwrecks, railway accidents, and so on."
"All included," returned Phileas Fogg, continuing to play despite the discussion.
"But suppose the Hindoos or Indians pull up the rails," replied Stuart. "Suppose they stop the trains, pillage the luggage vans, and scalp the passengers!"
"All included," calmly retorted Fogg; adding, as he threw down the cards, "Two trumps."
Stuart, whose turn it was to deal, gathered them up, and went on:
"You are right, theoretically, Mr. Fogg, but practically—"
"Practically also, Mr. Stuart."
"I'd like to see you do it in eighty days."