Calico Illustrated Classics: The Count of Monte Cristo
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
I must ask your leave of absence for some days Dantes replied To marry the lovely Mercedes Yes first and then to go to Paris Dantes said blushing Have what time you require Dantes only be back again in three months The Pharaon cannot sail without her captain Monsieur Morrel exclaimed the young seaman I thank you in the name of my father and Mercedes May I have the use of your boat Certainly Good luck to you The smiling shipowner watched Dantes until he disappeared into the crowd on land Danglars also watched the sailor but he was not smiling 8
2 Conspiracy Later that day Danglars and his neighbor Caderousse sat sharing a bottle of wine Caderousse called out to a young man he saw rushing by them Hello Fernand Where are you running to Fernand Mondego stopped and wiped the sweat from his brow Good day he said He fell down onto one of the seats at the table You were running like a madman I was afraid you would throw yourself into the sea said Caderousse laughing You see Danglars said Caderousse winking at his friend Fernand is good and brave He is in love with a very fine girl named Mercedes Unfortunately the girl is in love with Dantes 9
