The detective smiled, but did not reply. It was clear that Mr Fogg was one of those Englishmen who, while they do not tolerate duelling at home, fight abroad when their honour is attacked.

At a quarter before six the travellers reached the station, and found the traready to depart. As he was about to enter it, Mr Fogg called a porter, and said to him: `My friend, was there not some trouble today in San Francisco?'

`It was a political meeting, sir,' replied the porter.

`But I thought there was a great deal of disturbance in the streets.'

`It was only a meeting assembled for an election.'

`The election of a general-in-chief, no doubt?' asked Mr Fogg.

`No, sir; of a justice of the peace.'

Phileas Fogg got into the train, which started off at full speed.