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`Yes, in eighty days!' exclaimed Stuart, who in his excitement made a false deal. `But that doesn't take into account bad weather, contrary winds, ship-wrecks, railway accidents, and so on.' `All included,' returned Phileas Fogg, continuing to play despite the discussion. `But suppose the Hindoos or Indians pull up the rails,' replied Stuart; `suppose they stop the trains, pillage the luggage-vans, and scalp the passengers!' `All included,' calmly retorted Fogg; adding, as he threw down the cards, `Two trumps.' Stuart, whose turn it was to deal, gathered them up, and went on: `You are right, theoretically, Mr Fogg, but practically--' `Practically also, Mr Stuart.' `I'd like to see you do it in eighty days.' `It depends on you. Shall we go?' `Heaven preserve me! But I would wager four thousand pounds that such a journey, made under these conditions, is impossible.' `Quite possible, on the contrary,' returned Mr Fogg. `Well, make it, then!' `The journey round the world in eighty days?' `Yes.' `I should like nothing better.' `When?' `At once. Only I warn you that I shall do it at your expense.' `It's absurd!' cried Stuart, who was beginning to be annoyed at the persistency of his friend. `Come, let's go on with the game.' `Deal over again, then,' said Phileas Fogg. `There's a false deal.' Stuart took up the pack with a feverish hand; then suddenly put them down again. |
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