# In which Fix, the detective, considerably furthers the interests of Phileas Fogg explained — Around the World in Eighty Days

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

## What happens

Phileas Fogg is twenty hours behind schedule after the Sioux attack. Detective Fix, now cooperating, suggests using a sail-sledge to cross the frozen plains from Fort Kearney to Omaha. Fogg hires Mudge and his sledge, and the party—including Aouda and Passepartout—travels at high speed across the snow. They reach Omaha in time to catch a train to Chicago, then to New York, but upon arrival they find that the Cunard steamer China has already departed three-quarters of an hour earlier.

## Themes in this chapter

### Determination and Resilience

Fogg's relentless pursuit of his schedule, even after a major delay, and his willingness to adopt an unconventional sledge to regain lost time exemplify determination.

### Adventure and Exploration

The perilous sail-sledge ride across the frozen prairie, with wolves and extreme cold, highlights the adventurous spirit of the journey.

### Technology and Progress

The sail-sledge, a hybrid of traditional sledding and sailing technology, represents innovative travel solutions in the 19th century.

## Character check-ins

### Phileas Fogg

Fogg is determined to regain lost time, accepts Fix's suggestion of a sail-sledge, and negotiates with Mudge for the journey to Omaha.

### Fix

Fix actively helps Fogg by proposing the sail-sledge and pointing out Mudge; his conviction about Fogg's guilt may be wavering, but he remains focused on hastening the return to England.

### Passepartout

Passepartout feels desperate about causing the delay but is grateful for Fogg's rescue from the Sioux; he refrains from fully trusting Fix despite the detective's help.

### Aouda

Aouda refuses to be left behind at Fort Kearney and insists on accompanying Fogg on the sledge journey.

### Mudge

Mudge is the American who owns the sail-sledge; he pilots the vehicle skillfully across the frozen prairie to Omaha.

## Key lines

> Seriously, sir, are you in great haste?

Fix asks Fogg if he is truly in a hurry.

_Fix initiates the conversation that leads to the sail-sledge plan._

> If nothing breaks, we shall get there!

Mudge expresses confidence that the sledge will reach Omaha if no mishap occurs.

_Mudge's optimism reflects the high stakes of the journey._

> Those chords give the fifth and the octave.

Fogg comments on the musical pitch of the sledge's vibrating lashings.

_Fogg's characteristic calm and analytical observation even in extreme conditions._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/around_the_world_in_eighty_days_se/chapters/xxxi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/around_the_world_in_eighty_days_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/around_the_world_in_eighty_days_se/chapters