Calico Illustrated Classics: The Count of Monte Cristo
1 The Arrival On February 24 1815 the platform was covered with spectators It was always an event at Marseille for a ship to come into port One man did not wait for the vessel to arrive but jumped into a small boat When the boat approached the Pharaon a fine tall young fellow with black eyes and hair as dark as a raven’s wing came to the ship’s side Ah is it you Dantes cried the man in the boat Why have you such an air of sadness aboard A great misfortune Monsieur Morrel replied the young man We lost our brave Captain Leclere to brain fever 4
Turning to the crew he said Look out there All ready to drop anchor All hands obeyed Edmond Dantes’s orders promptly as if they were on board a man-of war The cargo asked the owner Is all safe and I think you will be satisfied Now if you will come aboard I must dress the ship in mourning Your cargo officer Monsieur Danglars will furnish you with the particulars The owner seized a rope and climbed up the side of the ship as Monsieur Danglars approached Danglars was as much disliked by the crew as Dantes was beloved Monsieur Morrel said Danglars you have heard of the tragedy that has befallen us Yes poor Captain Leclere He was a brave and honest man Yes said Danglars casting an envious look toward Dantes And scarcely was the captain’s breath out of his body than Dantes assumed the 5
command without consulting anyone He caused us to lose a day and a half by stopping at the Isle of Elba Taking command of the vessel was his duty as captain’s mate As for losing time the shipowner paused to turn toward the young man Dantes come this way You hailed me Monsieur Morrel Danglars retreated a step or two I wish to inquire as to why you stopped at the Isle of Elba Morrel said I do not know sir Dantes replied It was to fulfill a last instruction of Captain Leclere who gave me a packet to deliver to the marshal there You did right Dantes to follow Captain Leclere’s instructions and touch at the Isle of Elba Although if it were known you carried a packet to the marshal it might bring you trouble But don’t let me keep you You have managed my ship so well 6
