noon
`` I will stay , '' he said . A few moments later , Mr. Fogg pressed the young woman 's hand , and , having confided to her his precious carpetbag , went off with the sergeant and his little squad . But , before going , he had said to the soldiers , `` My friends , I will divide five thousand dollars among you , if we save the prisoners . '' It was then a little past noon . Aouda retired to a waiting-room , and there she waited alone , thinking of the simple and noble generosity , the tranquil courage of Phileas Fogg . He had sacrificed his fortune , and was now risking his life , all without hesitation , from duty , in silence . Fix did not have the same thoughts , and could scarcely conceal his agitation .