"Well, it is a bargain. Are you the owner?"
"Yes; my name is John Bunsby, owner of the Tankadere."
"Would you like something on account?"
"If convenient to your honour."
"Here are two hundred pounds. Sir," continued Fogg, turning to Fix, "if you would like to take advantage of this opportunity—"
"Thank you, sir," replied Fix. "I was about to beg the favour of you."
"Well, then, we shall be ready in half an hour."
"But what shall we do about the servant?" said Mrs. Aouda, who was much distressed at Passe-partout's absence.
"I will do all I can for him," replied Fogg; and while they directed their steps towards the police-office. Fix went on board the pilot-boat. Phileas left the description of his servant with the police, and a sum of money to be spent in seeking him. The same formality was gone through at the French Consulate; and then procuring their luggage, which had been sent back to the hotel, they went down to the wharf.
Three o'clock struck; the pilot-boat No. 43 was ready to start. She was a pretty little schooner, about twenty tons, built for speed, like a racing-yacht. She was as bright and clean as possible, and Bunsby evidently took a pride in his little craft. Her masts raked rather. She carried foresail and the usual sails for a ship of her tonnage. She could evidently make good way, as indeed she had proved by winning several prizes.