The Special Correspondent · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Special Correspondent by Jules Verne.
Chapter 1
I
Claudius Bombarnac, a special correspondent for the Twentieth Century, receives a telegram in Tiflis ordering him to abandon his planned three-week stay in Georgia and instead travel to Uzun Ada on the Caspian Sea to board the Grand Transasiatic train to China. He spends a few hours exploring Tiflis, noting its customs, clothing, and bazaars, before reluctantly departing by train for Baku. A late German traveler barely catches the train as it leaves.
Chapter 2
II
Claudius Bombarnac continues his journey on the Transgeorgian railway, observing his traveling companions including the American Fulk Ephrinell and a mysterious lady who takes his seat. He reflects on the brief stop at Elisabethpol, the landscape, and his growing curiosity about Ephrinell's business with Strong, Bulbul & Co. The chapter ends with the train's arrival at Baku.
Chapter 3
Chapter III
Claudius Bombarnac arrives in Baku and explores the city before boarding the steamer Astara to cross the Caspian Sea. He observes the bustling port, the cosmopolitan crowd, and the commercial significance of Baku. He meets the American Fulk Ephrinell, who is frantically loading forty-two cases of artificial teeth from Strong, Bulbul & Co. onto the ship. Claudius also encounters a young Englishwoman and a French couple among the passengers. The chapter highlights Baku's unique blend of Russian and Persian culture, its naphtha-rich soil, and the eternal fire sanctuary of Atesh Gah.
Chapter 4
IV
Claudius Bombarnac reflects on the subjectivity of impressions as the steamer Astara crosses the Caspian Sea. He observes his fellow passengers, including Fulk Ephrinell, Miss Horatia Bluett, Major Noltitz, the Caternas, and Baron Weissschnitzerdörfer. He discovers a mysterious case addressed to Mademoiselle Zinca Klork in Peking, marked 'Glass—Fragile,' but hears a sneeze from within, suspecting a human is hidden inside. The chapter ends with the arrival at Uzun Ada.
Chapter 5
Uzun Ada and the Grand Transasiatic
Claudius Bombarnac arrives at Uzun Ada, the new terminus of the Transcaspian Railway, and describes its founding by General Annenkof. He explores the station and train, noting the engineering marvels and the diverse passengers. He telegraphs his newspaper, catalogs his fellow travelers, and investigates the mysterious box, preparing for the journey ahead.
Chapter 6
VI
Claudius Bombarnac describes the Transcaspian railway's construction and low cost, the monotony of the Kara Koum desert, and the use of naphtha for fuel. He then tours the train cars, observing passengers: Sarthes, two Chinese (one reading a small book), Ephrinell and Miss Horatia Bluett absorbed in figures, Baron Weissschnitzerdörfer studying the timetable, the affectionate Caternas, Major Noltitz, and second-class Kirghizes and Nogais. He notes the mysterious case guarded by Popof, and reflects on how speed affects thought. The train passes stations and sandhills, heading toward Kizil Arvat.
Chapter 7
Kizil Arvat and the Transcaspian Railway
The train arrives at Kizil Arvat, where Claudius Bombarnac meets Major Noltitz. They explore the town while Noltitz recounts the history of the Russian conquest of Turkestan and the construction of the Transcaspian railway under General Annenkof. The chapter also introduces the mysterious passenger in the luggage van and ends with the train hitting a dromedary.
Chapter 8
Chapter VIII
At Douchak station, Claudius Bombarnac discusses the safety of the Grand Transasiatic with Major Noltitz, who warns of the bandit Ki-Tsang. A mysterious van carrying a dead mandarin is attached to the train, and the Mongol Faruskiar and his companion Ghangir board. The Baron Weissschnitzerdörfer loses his hat in a gust of wind, causing comic chaos. The train departs, and Bombarnac observes the landscape and the new passengers.
Chapter 9
IX
The train departs on time, and Claudius Bombarnac observes his fellow passengers, including the Caternas, Faruskiar, Ghangir, and Dr. Tio-King. He learns about Dr. Tio-King's reading of Louis Cornaro's work on longevity, and engages in a lively conversation with the actor Caterna and his wife, who share their theatrical background and marital harmony. Claudius also notes the mysterious mandarin's mortuary parcel and plans to investigate further.
Chapter 10
Merv and the Desert Crossing
The train arrives at Merv, where Claudius Bombarnac and Major Noltitz explore the new town, noting its transformation under Russian rule and its American-style layout. Claudius sends a telegram revealing that the mysterious corpse is that of the great mandarin Yen Lou. After dining poorly at the Hotel Slav, the train departs into the desert, passing old Merv in darkness. Claudius resolves to visit the Romanian stowaway that night, but at Tchardjoui the Romanian slips out of the van, prompting Claudius to follow him.
Chapter 11
XI
The train continues through the Khanates of Bokhara and Samarkand, with discussions about Russian influence in Central Asia, the safety of the Transasiatic railway, and the threat of the bandit Ki-Tsang. Claudius explores Bokhara briefly, noting its mosques, bazaars, and the presence of Russian officers. At breakfast, Pan-Chao and Doctor Tio-King discuss dietary rules, while conversation turns to Russian railway expansion and a hypothetical Transafrican line. Sir Francis Trevellyan remains silent and visibly uncomfortable with the pro-Russian talk.
Chapter 12
XII
The travelers explore Samarkand, visiting the bazaar, the square of Ribi-Khanym, and the mosque of Gour Emir, while reflecting on the city's history under Tamerlane. The Caternas view everything through a theatrical lens, and Claudius is jarred back to modernity by the sight of bicyclists in the ancient city.
Chapter 13
XIII
After dinner, Claudius Bombarnac plans to interview Kinko, the young Romanian hidden in a packing case. He waits until the other passengers are asleep, then visits the luggage van. Kinko explains his story: he is traveling to Peking to marry Mademoiselle Zinca Klork, having been shipped as freight due to lack of funds. Bombarnac promises to help and keep his secret, and they part as friends.
Chapter 14
XIV
The train stops at Tashkent and Khodjend, where Claudius observes the dual Russian-native towns, the fair, and the local customs. He reflects on Kinko's secret romance, enjoys dinner with the Caternas and Pan-Chao, and notes the growing intimacy between Ephrinell and Miss Horatia Bluett. Major Noltitz inquires about the mandarin Yen Lou.
Chapter 15
XV
The train stops at Kokhan for two hours. Claudius Bombarnac brings provisions to Kinko in the baggage van and advises him to remain hidden. The journey continues through Marghelan and Och station, entering the Pamir plateau. Major Noltitz and Claudius discuss the geography and history of the region. Later, the train suffers a coupling break, losing the last two vans including the mortuary van with the mandarin Yen Lou. Faruskiar behaves anxiously and insists on recovering the vans. The train retrieves them after an hour and arrives late at Kachgar.
Chapter 16
Chapter XVI
Claudius and Major Noltitz witness the dramatic revelation that Faruskiar is the General Manager of the Grand Transasiatic, not the bandit Ki-Tsang as suspected. Baron Weissschnitzerdörfer frantically searches for his papers but eventually finds them. The train is reorganized, and the corpse of mandarin Yen Lou is handed over to Chinese soldiers. Claudius observes the train's changes and worries about Kinko's hidden case. The party explores Kachgar, noting its history and trade, and enjoys a meal with the Caternas before police formalities begin.
Chapter 17
XVII
Claudius Bombarnac reflects on the monotony of the journey along the Grand Transasiatic Railway, lamenting the lack of excitement and the failure of his expected dramatic episodes. He observes the other passengers, including the Caternas rehearsing a duet, Ephrinell and Miss Bluett discussing commerce, and Dr. Tio-King reciting Cornaro. At Khotan, he receives a telegram revealing that the train is not carrying a mandarin's corpse but the imperial treasure worth fifteen million francs, correcting his earlier report.
Chapter 18
Chapter XVIII
The train continues through Chinese Turkestan, passing stations like Keria, Nia, and Tchertchen. Claudius learns that Fulk Ephrinell and Horatia Bluett plan to marry in the train the next morning, with the Reverend Nathaniel Morse officiating. Claudius arranges witnesses including Major Noltitz, Pan-Chao, and Monsieur Caterna. The treasure van remains guarded. Claudius visits Kinko at night, who is in good spirits. The chapter also describes the geography and construction of the Grand Transasiatic Railway.
Chapter 19
XIX
The chapter details the wedding of Fulk Ephrinell and Horatia Bluett aboard the train, which is interrupted by a sudden stop. Claudius Bombarnac observes the ceremony, the passengers, and the mysterious behavior of Faruskiar and Ghangir, while also recalling a dream about an attack by bandit chief Ki-Tsang.
Chapter 20
The Attack in the Gobi
The train is ambushed by bandits who have removed a section of rail, causing the engine to crash into a sandhill. Passengers, led by Faruskiar, Major Noltitz, and others, mount a desperate defense. After a fierce battle, Faruskiar kills the bandit chief Ki-Tsang, and the attackers flee.
Chapter 21
The Aftermath of the Attack
After Ki-Tsang's attack on the Grand Transasiatic, the passengers and crew assess the damage, tend to the wounded, and begin repairs. Faruskiar proposes a temporary fix to the railway line, which is accepted. The group works through the day, and by evening they stop to rest. The marriage of Fulk Ephrinell and Horatia Bluett is postponed. The train eventually reaches Tcharkalyk, thirty hours behind schedule.
Chapter 22
Chapter XXII
After the attack by Ki-Tsang's bandits, the train stops at Tcharkalyk for formalities and repairs. The journey resumes, and the marriage of Fulk Ephrinell and Horatia Bluett finally takes place in the dining car, officiated by Reverend Nathaniel Morse. A grand dinner follows, with entertainment by the Caternas. Claudius sends a telegram reporting the attack. The landscape transitions from desert to greener regions as they approach China Proper.
Chapter 23
XXIII
The train arrives at Lan-Tcheou, where the governor inspects the treasure van. Claudius and his companions explore the city, visiting a pagoda, cannon foundry, and the governor's house. A storm provides cover for Claudius to visit Kinko, who asks for his help in delivering the box to Zinca Klork. The chapter highlights cultural observations about Chinese attitudes toward time and progress.
Chapter 24
XXIV
The train travels through China, passing King-Tcheou and Si-Ngan, and encounters a thick fog that obscures the landscape. Claudius visits Kinko in the baggage van late at night, but overhears Faruskiar and Ghangir plotting to divert the train onto the unfinished Nanking branch line toward the Tjon viaduct, which is under construction and ends in an abyss. Realizing the danger, Claudius alerts Kinko, who climbs onto the engine and deliberately causes a boiler explosion to stop the train just short of the viaduct, saving the passengers.
Chapter 25
XXV
Claudius Bombarnac reflects on the dramatic turn of events as the train is saved from plunging into the Tjon valley thanks to Kinko's sacrifice. Faruskiar is revealed as the mastermind behind the attempted robbery and destruction, having switched the train onto a branch line leading to an unfinished viaduct. Claudius recounts his observations and denounces Faruskiar and his accomplices. A group of volunteers, including Major Noltitz, Caterna, and Pan-Chao, sets out to the Fuen Choo station to telegraph for a relief engine. The train is eventually coupled in reverse and returned to the main line, but Kinko's body is not found.
Chapter 26
XXVI
Claudius Bombarnac visits Zinca Klork to inform her of Kinko's death, but Kinko unexpectedly appears alive after being thrown from the train during the explosion. Despite his survival, Kinko is arrested by Chinese police when his fraudulent travel in a box is discovered. The chapter also depicts the arrival in Peking, the departure of various passengers, and a final encounter with the silent Sir Francis Trevellyan.
Chapter 27
XXVII
Claudius and his companions work to free Kinko from Chinese prison after his arrest for defrauding the Grand Transasiatic Company, despite his heroism in saving the train. Pan-Chao acts as interpreter and advocate in court, but Kinko is sentenced to six months in prison. However, the next day Kinko is triumphantly freed and joins the group at Madame Caterna's home.
