“Fog, I’m sorry, but we’ve burnt all the coal.” The Captain stated grimly to the man. “But,” He declared as he looked down despondently, “The crew and I have agreed that we are willing to…

Burn our shoes.”

Fog looked the captain in the eyes. “I have 6 hours to get to London. Even shoes won’t help me now.”

He looked around at the crew in defeat, then up at the sky, as if finally beaten, ready to accept what was to follow. When he saw the seagulls, however, a thought sprung to his head. Of course, the inventor thought, the flying machine…

“The birds…” He said in discovery.

“Excellent idea, Fog.” Said the captain triumphantly. “We’ll burn the birds!”


Scenario taken from "Around the World in 80 Days."