Hong Kong was a busy, modern British port. Passepartout walked to the harbor and was not surprised to find Fix waiting there. The servant smiled brightly, still believing he knew the man's secret.
"Have you decided to come with us to America?" Passepartout joked.
"Yes," Fix answered tightly.
They went into the ticket office to buy their tickets for the Carnatic. The clerk informed them that the ship's engine was already repaired. Therefore, the ship would leave that very evening, instead of the next morning.
"That is great news!" Passepartout said. "I will go and tell my master immediately."
Fix panicked. He needed to keep Fogg in Hong Kong until his legal papers arrived. He decided he had to take a major risk and tell the servant the truth. He invited Passepartout to a nearby tavern for a quick drink.
They entered a dark, smoky room. Many customers were lying on beds in a deep sleep, smoking pipes filled with a powerful, dangerous drug called opium. Passepartout accepted a glass of wine, and they sat down at a table.
"I need to have a serious talk with you," Fix said, lowering his voice. "You have guessed who I am, haven't you?"
"Of course!" Passepartout smiled confidently. "You are a spy sent by the Reform Club to make sure my master really travels around the world. It is a shameful conspiracy! But do not worry, I haven't told Mr. Fogg."
Fix realized the servant was innocent. "Listen to me," Fix said abruptly. "I am not a spy for the club. I am a police detective from London."
Passepartout stared at him in shock. Fix placed his official police document on the table to prove his identity was genuine.
"Mr. Fogg's journey is just an excuse to escape," Fix explained. "He robbed the Bank of England of fifty-five thousand pounds. If you help me keep him in Hong Kong for a few days, I will share my reward money with you. If you don't, you will be arrested as his accomplice."
Passepartout held his head in his hands. Phileas Fogg, the brave man who had risked his life to save Aouda, a common thief? He completely refused to believe it.
"Well, what is your answer?" Fix demanded.
"Never!" Passepartout stammered. He tried to stand up, but the heavy wine was already making him weak. "I have seen his goodness. I will never betray him, not for all the gold in the world!"
"Fine. Let's forget I said anything," Fix replied smoothly. "Let's just drink."
Passepartout sat back down, his mind completely overwhelmed by the terrible accusation. Fix quickly pushed an opium pipe into the servant's hand. Confused and dizzy, Passepartout took a few deep breaths from the pipe. Almost instantly, his head fell onto the table, and he went completely unconscious.
"At last!" Fix whispered to himself. He paid the bill and left the dark tavern. Mr. Fogg would not know the ship was leaving early. And if he somehow found out, he would have to sail to Japan without his loyal servant.