The Special Correspondent · Chapter
Chapter XVIII explained
The train continues through Chinese Turkestan, passing stations like Keria, Nia, and Tchertchen.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Travel and Adventure
The train crosses the Gobi desert and passes through remote stations; the journey is described as potentially uninteresting but with journalistic elements.
Commerce and Enterprise
Ephrinell discusses insurance risks due to the treasure; the wedding is arranged with businesslike efficiency.
Marriage and Partnership
Fulk Ephrinell and Horatia Bluett decide to marry in the train, with witnesses and a minister arranged.
Technology and Progress
Details of railway construction across flat deserts and the engineering challenges near Lan Tcheou.
Characters to notice
- Claudius Bombarnac
Narrator; arranges witnesses for the wedding; visits Kinko at night.
- Fulk Ephrinell
Announces his intention to marry Horatia Bluett in the train; asks Claudius to be a witness.
- Miss Horatia Bluett
Fiancée of Fulk Ephrinell; agrees to the train wedding.
- Major Noltitz
Agrees to be a witness for Miss Bluett's wedding.
- Pan-Chao
Agrees to be a witness for Miss Bluett's wedding.
- Monsieur Caterna
Agrees to be a witness; jokes about the wedding as a vaudeville.
- Reverend Nathaniel Morse
Will officiate the wedding; remarks that the treasure van is like a powder magazine.
- Kinko
Visited by Claudius at night; in high spirits, getting fat in his box.
Key passages
“It is never comfortable to be dragging a powder magazine after one!”
The Reverend Morse compares the treasure van to a dangerous powder magazine.
Highlights the risk of carrying the imperial treasure.
“We should never put off until tomorrow what we can do today.”
Ephrinell insists on marrying without delay.
Reflects the American's pragmatic and impatient character.
“Time is time, simply, and I do not care to lose a minute of it.”
Ephrinell values time for its own sake, not as money.
Shows his determination to proceed quickly with the wedding.