The steamship Mongolia sailed quickly across the Red Sea. The weather was sometimes rough, with strong winds pushing the heavy ship from side to side. While other passengers felt sick and hid in their cabins, Phileas Fogg remained completely calm. He did not care about the dangerous waves or the beautiful coastlines outside his window. He simply spent his time eating his four daily meals and playing cards with a few English gentlemen.
Passepartout was also enjoying the journey. He did not get seasick, and he loved looking at the ocean. One afternoon, he was surprised to see his new friend from the port in Egypt walking on the deck.
"Mr. Fix!" Passepartout smiled. "Are you traveling to India, too?"
"Yes," Fix lied smoothly. "I am an agent for the ship company."
Fix wanted to gain the servant's trust, so he bought him a drink at the ship's bar. They started talking, and Fix naturally brought the conversation to the mysterious Mr. Fogg.
"Is your master doing well?" Fix asked casually, pretending not to care very much.
"Perfectly," Passepartout answered. "But he never leaves his cabin. He has no interest in seeing the world. I still think this whole race is just a crazy excuse. I am sure all this running around will end in Bombay."
Fix smiled. This was exactly what he wanted to hear. He was sure the bank robber planned to hide in India, and the detective was ready to catch him there.
A few days later, the ship stopped in Aden to load more coal. Fogg stepped off the ship just long enough to get his passport stamped, then immediately returned to his cabin. Passepartout, however, explored the town. He was fascinated by the busy markets, the huge stone walls, and the lively mix of different cultures. Fix secretly followed them from a safe distance, making sure the criminal did not try to escape.
The rest of the voyage across the Indian Ocean was fast and easy. On Sunday, the 20th of October, the coast of India appeared on the horizon. The ship arrived in Bombay two full days ahead of schedule.
Phileas Fogg calmly finished his card game, won the final round, and returned to his room. He opened his notebook and quietly wrote down his two-day advantage. So far, his journey around the world was going perfectly.