# In which Phileas Fogg secures a curious means of conveyance at a fabulous price explained — Around the World in Eighty Days

> Chapter companion for Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne.

## What happens

The train from Bombay stops unexpectedly at Kholby because the railway is unfinished, leaving a fifty-mile gap to Allahabad. After failing to find any other transport, Fogg purchases an elephant named Kiouni for an exorbitant price from an Indian owner. With a Parsee guide, Fogg, Sir Francis Cromarty, and Passepartout set off through the forest.

## Themes in this chapter

### Determination and Resilience

Fogg's calm persistence in the face of the railway's unexpected end and his willingness to pay any price for the elephant demonstrate his unwavering determination to continue his journey.

### Time and Punctuality

Fogg constantly calculates hours and days, noting that he has two days in hand, and the chapter emphasizes the importance of timing to his wager.

### Cultural Encounter and Imperialism

The chapter highlights British colonial presence in India, the incomplete railway as a symbol of imperial infrastructure, and the negotiation with an Indian elephant owner and a Parsee guide.

## Character check-ins

### Phileas Fogg

Remains calm and methodical when the railway ends, calculating that he has two days in hand. He negotiates persistently and pays a huge sum for the elephant Kiouni.

### Passepartout

Discovers the elephant for hire, is shocked by the price, and rides astride the saddlecloth between the howdahs.

### Sir Francis Cromarty

Travels with Fogg and Passepartout, warns about the pagoda incident, and is furious at the railway's incomplete state. He accepts Fogg's offer to ride the elephant to Allahabad.

### The Parsee

A young Parsee with an intelligent face who is hired as the elephant driver and guide.

### Kiouni

The elephant purchased by Fogg; half-domesticated, naturally gentle, and capable of rapid travel.

## Key lines

> The train had started punctually.

The train departed exactly on time.

_Emphasizes Fogg's obsession with punctuality._

> I have constantly foreseen the likelihood of certain obstacles.

I always anticipated that there would be some difficulties along the way.

_Fogg's preparedness and foresight._

> What a price, good heavens! for an elephant.

Good heavens, what an enormous sum for an elephant!

_Passepartout's shock at the extravagant purchase._

## Links

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