Boots and shoes went whirling through the air, and Mr.Fogg thought he even heard the crack of revolvers mingling in the din, the rout approached the stairway, and flowed over the lower step.

One of the parties had evidently been repulsed; but the mere lookers-on could not tell whether Mandiboy or Camerfield had gained the upper hand.
"It would be prudent for us to retire," said Fix, who was anxious that Mr.Fogg should not receive any injury, at least until they got back to London.

"If there is any question about England in all this, and we were recognised, I fear it would go hard with us." "An English subject--" began Mr.Fogg.
He did not finish his sentence; for a terrific hubbub now arose on the terrace behind the flight of steps where they stood, and there were frantic shouts of, "Hurrah for Mandiboy! Hip, hip, hurrah!" It was a band of voters coming to the rescue of their allies, and taking the Camerfield forces in flank.

Mr.Fogg, Aouda, and Fix found themselves between two fires; it was too late to escape.

The torrent of men, armed with loaded canes and sticks, was irresistible.