"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."