‘To Chicago?

’
‘No.’ ‘To Omaha?’ ‘What difference is it to you? Do you know Plum
Creek?’ ‘No,’ replied Mr. Fogg. ‘It’s the next station. The train will be there in an
hour, and will stop there ten minutes. In ten minutes several revolver-shots could
be exchanged.’ ‘Very well,’ said Mr. Fogg. ‘I will stop at Plum Creek.’
‘And I guess you’ll stay there too,’ added the American insolently. ‘Who
knows?’ replied Mr. Fogg, returning to the car as coolly as usual. He began to
reassure Aouda, telling her that blusterers were never to be feared, and begged Fix
to be his second at the approaching duel, a request which the detective could not
refuse. Mr. Fogg resumed the interrupted game with perfect calmness. At eleven
o’clock the locomotive’s whistle announced that they were approaching Plum
Creek station. Mr. Fogg rose, and, followed by Fix, went out upon the platform.
Passepartout accompanied him, carrying a pair of revolvers. Aouda remained in the
car, as pale as death.

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