India is a massive country, and the British empire controlled most of it. Thanks to a new railway, travelers could now cross the vast peninsula from Bombay to Calcutta in just three days.
Phileas Fogg had no interest in exploring the beautiful city of Bombay. He simply updated his travel documents, went to the train station, and ordered dinner while waiting for his evening departure. The restaurant manager proudly served him a dish, claiming it was native jungle rabbit.
Fogg tasted the meat. Despite the spicy sauce, he looked up and stared at the manager. "Is this really rabbit, sir?"
"Yes, my lord," the man lied boldly. "Rabbit from the jungles."
"And this rabbit did not meow when it was killed?" Fogg asked calmly.
"Meow? A rabbit? I swear to you—"
"Do not swear," Fogg interrupted smoothly. "Just remember this: in the past, cats were considered sacred animals in India. That was a good time."
"For the cats, my lord?"
"Perhaps for the travelers as well," Fogg replied, and quietly continued eating his dinner.
Meanwhile, Detective Fix rushed to the local police headquarters. He hoped his official arrest warrant had finally arrived from London. Unfortunately, the paperwork was missing, and the local police refused to hold Fogg without it. Frustrated, the detective realized he would have to follow his suspect onto the train.
At the same time, Passepartout was wandering the busy streets. He bought a few new shirts and shoes, finally realizing with shock that his master truly intended to keep traveling across the entire globe. While walking, he noticed a magnificent Hindu temple. The architecture was so beautiful that he decided to step inside.
He did not know that his actions were highly disrespectful. It was strictly forbidden for Christians to enter certain Indian temples, and even local believers had to leave their shoes outside the door.
Passepartout walked in like a simple tourist. Suddenly, three furious priests rushed at him. They pushed him to the stone floor, tore off his shoes, and began to beat him while shouting angrily. The athletic Frenchman quickly jumped back to his feet. He punched two of the priests, kicked his way out of the temple, and ran for his life into the crowded streets.
He arrived at the train station just minutes before departure. He had lost his new clothes in the fight and was completely barefoot. Hiding in the shadows, Detective Fix watched as the exhausted servant had to confess his embarrassing mistake to his cold, uncaring master.
"I hope this will not happen again," Fogg said coldly, stepping onto the train.
Hearing this gave the detective a brilliant new plan. The servant had committed a serious religious offense on Indian soil. The police could legally arrest him for it! Fix smiled and decided to stay in Bombay, letting the train disappear into the dark night.