The Adventures of a Special Correspondent Among the Various Races and Countries of Central Asia / Being the Exploits and Experiences of Claudius Bombarnac of "The Twentieth Century"

by Jules Verne

“Do not betray me—do not betray me.”

“Betray you, my boy? Did not the French newspapers sympathize with that little Austrian tailor, with those two Spanish sweethearts, who sent themselves by train in the way you are doing? Were not subscriptions opened in their favor? And can you believe that I, a journalist——”

“You are a journalist?”

“Claudius Bombarnac, special correspondent of the Twentieth Century.”

“A French journal——”

“Yes, I tell you.”

“And you are going to Pekin?”

“Through to Pekin.”

“Ah! Monsieur Bombarnac, Providence has sent you onto my road.”

“No, it was the managers of my journal, and they delegated to me the powers they hold from Providence, courage and confidence. Anything I can do for you I will.”