"Like yourself, to Bombay."
"All the better. Have you ever made this voyage before?"
"Frequently. I am an agent of the P. and O. Company."
"Oh, then you know India very well, no doubt?"
"Well, yes," replied Fix, who did not wish to commit himself.
"It is a curious part of the world, isn't it?"
"Very much so. There are mosques, minarets, temples, fakirs, pagodas, tigers, serpents, and dancing-girls. It is to be hoped that you will have time to see the country."
"I hope so too, Mr. Fix. You must be aware that a man can hardly be expected to pass his whole existence in jumping from the deck of a steamer into a train, and from the train to another steamer, under the pretence of going round the world in eighty days. No; all these gymnastics will end at Bombay, I trust."
"Is Mr. Fogg quite well?" asked Fix, politely.
"Quite well, thank you. So am I. I eat like an ogre. I suppose that is the effect of the sea-air."