"Very much so," replied Mr. Fogg.
The pilot took a turn up and down the wharf; he looked out to sea, and was evidently struggling between his wish to get the money and his fear of venturing so far. Fix, all this time, was on tenter-hooks.
Mr. Fogg turned to Mrs. Aouda, and asked her if she were afraid.
"Not with you, Mr. Fogg," replied the young lady.
Just then the pilot returned, twirling his hat in his hands.
"Well, pilot?" said Mr. Fogg.
"Well, your honour," replied the pilot; "I cannot risk my life, or my men, or even you in such a voyage, in so small a ship, at this time of year. Besides, we could not get to Yokohama in time. It is one thousand six hundred and fifty miles away."
"Only one thousand six hundred," said Mr. Fogg.
"Oh, it is all the same." Fix breathed again. "But," continued the pilot, "we might manage it in another way."
Fix scarcely dared to breathe.