E-Book- The Count of Monte Cristo

Apr 20, 2008

About the Book- The Count of Monte Cristo

The Count of Monte Cristo (French: Le Comte de Monte-Cristo) is an adventure novel by Alexandre Dumas. It is often considered, along with The Three Musketeers, as Dumas' most popular work. It is also among the highest selling books of all time. The writing of the work was completed in 1844. Like many of his novels, it is expanded from the plot outlines suggested by his collaborating ghostwriter Auguste Maquet.[1]

The story takes place in France, Italy, islands in the Mediterranean and the Levant during the historical events of 1815–1838 (from just before the Hundred Days through the reign of Louis-Philippe of France). The historical setting is a fundamental element of the book. It is primarily concerned with themes of hope, justice, vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness, and is told in the style of an adventure story.

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Characters

There are a large number of characters in this book, and the importance of many of the characters is not immediately obvious. Furthermore, the characters' fates are often so inter-woven that their stories overlap significantly.

Edmond Dantès and his aliases

* Edmond Dantès (b. 1796) — Dantès is initially a generally well-liked sailor who is unexperienced - but not in his profession - and seems to have everything going for him, including a beautiful fiancée (Mercédès) and an impending promotion to ship's captain. After transforming into the Count of Monte Cristo, his original name is revealed to his main enemies only as each revenge is completed, often driving his already weakened victims into despair.

* Number 34 — Early in Dantès' stay in prison, the governor of the Château d'If is replaced. This governor does not feel it is worth his time to learn the names of all the prisoners, and instead chooses to refer to them by the numbers of their cells. Thus, Dantès is called Number 34 during his imprisonment.

* Chief Clerk of Thomson and French — Shortly after Edmond escapes and learns of Morrel's sorry state of affairs, he disguises himself as an English senior agent of the banking firm of Thomson and French, with whom Morrel deals, and in this form sees Morrel for the first time in fifteen years. Precise and formal, this persona is a phlegmatic, serious banking officer.

* Count of Monte Cristo — The persona that Edmond assumes when he escapes from his incarceration and while he carries out his dreadful vengeance. This persona is marked by a pale countenance and a smile which can be diabolical or angelic. Educated and mysterious, this alias is trusted in Paris and fascinates the people.

* Lord Wilmore — The English persona in which Dantès performs seemingly random acts of generosity. The Englishman is eccentric and refuses to speak French. This eccentric man, in his kindness, is almost the opposite of the Count of Monte Cristo and accordingly the two are supposed to be enemies.

* Sinbad the Sailor — The persona that Edmond assumes when he saves the Morrel family. Edmond signs a letter to Mlle Julie using this persona, which was accompanied by a large diamond and a red satin purse. (Sinbad the sailor is the common English translation of the original French Simbad le marin.)

* Abbé Busoni — The persona that Edmond puts forth when he needs deep trust from others because the name itself demands respect via religious authority.

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Dantès's allies

* Abbé Faria — Italian priest and sage; befriends Edmond while both are prisoners in the Château d'If, acts as a father for Edmond Dantès as he said once "I can have my revenge thanks to you my second father", and reveals the secret of the island of Monte Cristo to Edmond. Becomes the surrogate father of Edmond, while imprisoned, digging a tunnel to freedom he educates Edmond in languages, economics, and all the current sciences (including chemistry which comes to his aid greatly during his revenge plan) and is the figurative father of the Count of Monte Cristo. He dies from the third attack of a mysterious hereditary disease.

* Bertuccio — The Count of Monte Cristo's steward and very loyal servant; in the Count's own words, Bertuccio "knows no impossibility" and is sure of never being dismissed from the Count's service because, as the count states, the count will "never find anyone better." He had declared vendetta against Monsieur de Villefort, for refusal to avenge Bertuccio's brother's murder. Before ever meeting Edmond, he stabs Villefort, believing him to be dead, but becomes involved in Villefort's personal life by rescuing his illegitimate newborn, later named Benedetto by Bertuccio.

* Luigi Vampa — Book-reading Italian bandit and fugitive; owes much to the Count of Monte Cristo, and is instrumental in many of the Count's plans.

* Haydée — The daughter of Ali Pasha is eventually bought by the Count of Monte Cristo from a Sultan. Even though she was purchased as a slave, Monte Cristo treats her with the utmost respect. She lives in seclusion by her own choice, but is usually very aware of everything that is happening outside. She usually goes to local operas accompanied by the Count. At the trial of Fernand Mondego, she provides the key evidence required to convict Fernand of treason. She is deeply in love with the Count of Monte Cristo, and although he feels he is too old for her, he eventually reciprocates.

* Ali — Monte Cristo's Nubian slave, a mute (his tongue had been cut out as part of his punishment for intruding into the harem of the Bey of Tunis; his hand and head had also been scheduled to be cut off, but the Count bargained with the Bey for Ali's life). He is completely loyal and utterly devoted to the Count and is trusted by him completely. Ali is also a master of horses.

* Baptistin — Monte Cristo's valet-de-chambre. Although only in Monte Cristo's service for little more than a year, he has become the number three man in the Count's household and seems to have proven himself completely trustworthy and loyal....

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Morcerf family

* Mercédès Mondego — (née: Herrera) Edmond's fiancée at the beginning until their planned marriage is interrupted by Edmond's imprisonment. Eighteen months later, she marries cousin Fernand Mondego (while still pledging eternal love to Dantes) because she believes Edmond dead and feels alone in the world. Thus, she lives as Mme the Countess de Morcerf in Paris and bears a son. At Dantes' release and reappearance as the Count, their love is still evident and passionate but circumstances (including her own marriage and Edmond's involvement with Haydée) dictate that they cannot marry. In the end, she returns to Marseille with Edmond's respect and admiration.

* Fernand Mondego — Later known as the Count de Morcerf. Edmond's rival and suitor for Mercédès; will do anything to get her, including bearing false witness against Edmond. He is overall a representation of evil, as he lies and betrays throughout his military career for his own personal gain. But, when confronted by his nefarious acts, disgraced in public and abandoned by his wife and son, he commits suicide.

* Albert de Morcerf — Son of Mercédès and the Count de Morcerf. Befriends Monte Cristo in Rome; viewed by Monte Cristo as the son that should have been his with Mercédès, but does not have as strong a filial bond with him as does Maximilien Morrel. At the end, he realizes his father's faults and, along with his mother, Mercédès, abandons him and his name.

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Danglars family

* Baron Danglars — Initially the purser on the same ship on which Dantès served as first mate, he longs to be wealthy and powerful and becomes jealous of Dantès for his favor with Pierre Morrel. He also developed a grudge against Dantès with whom he has had some arguments regarding the accuracy of his accounting. The source of his wealth is not clear but is possibly due to unscrupulous financial dealings while in the French army and has reportedly been multiplied by speculation and marriage. His intelligence is only evident where money is concerned; otherwise he is a member of the nouveau riche with only superficial good taste (he cannot even tell the difference between original paintings and copies) and no true family feelings.

* Madame Danglars — Full name is Hermine de Nargonne or Hermine Danglars. Was independently wealthy before marrying Danglars. With help from her close friend (and presumed lover) Lucien Debray, Madame Danglars invests the money of Danglars and is able to amass over a million francs for her own disposal. Once had an affair with Gérard de Villefort, whom she had an illegitimate son with (See Benedetto).

* Eugénie Danglars — The daughter of Danglars engaged at first to Albert de Morcerf and later to "Andrea Cavalcanti" but who would rather stay unwed, living "an independent and unfettered life" as an artist. She is presented as a lesbian and runs away with another girl, Louise d'Armilly; these connotations were considered scandalous.

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Villefort family

* Gérard de Villefort — A royal prosecutor who has even denounced his own father (Noirtier) in order to protect his own career. He is responsible for imprisoning Edmond Dantès to protect his political aspirations.

* Valentine de Villefort — The daughter of Gérard de Villefort, the crown prosecutor and enemy of Edmond. She falls in love with Maximilien Morrel, is engaged to Baron Franz d'Epinay, is almost poisoned by her stepmother, saved once by her grandfather, Noirtier, and is finally saved by Dantès. Valentine is the quintessential (French, nineteenth century) female: beautiful, docile, and loving. The only person she feels that she can confide in is her invalid grandfather.

* Noirtier de Villefort — The father of Gérard de Villefort and grandfather of Valentine. After suffering an apoplectic stroke, Noirtier becomes mute and a quadriplegic, but can communicate with Valentine and his servant Barrois through use of his eyelids and eyes. Although utterly dependent on others, he saves Valentine from the poison of her stepmother and her undesired marriage to Baron Franz d'Epinay. Throughout his life he was a Bonapartist – an ardent French Revolutionary. Gérard de Villefort had realized that Edmond intended to fulfill his dying captain's last wish by conveying a letter from the imprisoned Napoleon to Noirtier, and therefore imprisoned Edmond in order to hide that fact, which might have hindered Gérard's advancement.

* Héloïse de Villefort — The murderous second wife of Villefort who is motivated to protect and nurture her only son and his inheritance.

* Édouard de Villefort — the only (legitimate) son of Villefort who is unfortunately swept up in his mother's greed. (His name is sometimes translated as Edward de Villefort.)

* Benedetto — Illegitimate son of de Villefort and Hermine de Nargonne (now Baroness Hermine Danglars); raised by Bertuccio (Monte Cristo's servant) and his sister-in-law, Assunta. Murderer and thief. Returns to Paris as Andrea Cavalcanti.

Other important characters

* Gaspard Caderousse — A tailor and originally a neighbour and friend of Dantès, he witnesses while drunk the writing by Danglars of the denunciation of Dantès. After Dantès is arrested, he is too cowardly to come forward with the truth. Caderousse is somewhat different from the other members of the conspiracy in that it is what he does not do, rather than what he actually plans, that leads to Dantès' arrest. He moves out of town, becomes an innkeeper, falls on hard times, and supplements his income by fencing stolen goods from Bertuccio. After his escape from prison, Dantès (and the reader) first hear the fates of many of the characters from Caderousse. Unlike the other members of the conspiracy, Monte Cristo offers Caderousse a chance to redeem himself, but the latter's greed proves his undoing.

* Pierre Morrel — Edmond Dante's patron and owner of the major Marseille shipping firm of Morrel & Son. While a very honest and shrewd businessman, he is very fond of Edmond and eager to advance his interests. After Edmond is arrested, he tries his hardest to help Edmond and is hopeful of Edmond's release when Napoleon is restored to power, but because of his sympathies for the Bonapartist cause is forced to back down and abandon all hope after the Hundred Days and second Restoration of the monarchy. Between 1825 and 1830, his firm undergoes critical financial reverses due to the loss of all of his ships at sea, and he is at the point of bankruptcy and suicide when Monte Cristo (in the guise of an English clerk from the financial firm of Thompson and French) sets events in motion which not only save Pierre Morrel's reputation and honor but also his life.

* Maximilien Morrel — He is the son of Edmond's employer, Pierre Morrel, a captain in the Spahi regiment of the Army stationed in Algiers and an Officer of the Legion of Honor. After Edmond's escape and the Count of Monte Cristo's debut in Paris, Maximilien becomes a very good friend to the Count of Monte Cristo, yet still manages to force the Count to change many of his plans, partly by falling in love with Valentine de Villefort.

* Julie Herbault — Daughter of Edmond's patron, Pierre Morrel, she marries Emmanuel Herbault.

* Emmanuel Herbault — Julie Herbault's husband; he had previously worked in Pierre Morrell's shipping firm and is the brother-in-law of Maximilien Morrel and son-in-law of Pierre Morrel.

* Louis Dantes — Edmond's father. After his son's imprisonment, he eventually died from starvation.

* Baron Franz d'Epinay — A friend of Albert de Morcerf, he is the first fiancé of Valentine de Villefort. Franz's father was killed in a duel by Monsieur Noirtier de Villefort.

* Lucien Debray — Secretary to the Minister of the Interior. A friend of Albert de Morcerf, and a close friend of Madame Danglars, to whom he funnels insider information regarding investments.

* Beauchamp — A leading journalist and friend of Albert de Morcerf.

* Le Baron de Château-Renaud — Another friend of Albert de Morcerf. Renaud's life was saved in Africa by Maximilien Morrel.

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Contents – Read this book free online here….

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Chapter 1 Marseilles -- The Arrival.

On the 24th of February, 1810, the look-out at Notre-Dame de

la Garde signalled the three-master, the Pharaon from

Smyrna, Trieste, and Naples.

As usual, a pilot put off immediately, and rounding the

Chateau d'If, got on board the vessel between Cape Morgion

and Rion island.

Immediately, and according to custom, the ramparts of Fort

Saint-Jean were covered with spectators; it is always an

event at Marseilles for a ship to come into port, especially

when this ship, like the Pharaon, has been built, rigged,

and laden at the old Phocee docks, and belongs to an owner

of the city.

The ship drew on and had safely passed the strait, which

some volcanic shock has made between the Calasareigne and

Jaros islands; had doubled Pomegue, and approached the

harbor under topsails, jib, and spanker, but so slowly and

sedately that the idlers, with that instinct which is the

forerunner of evil, asked one another what misfortune could

have happened on board. However, those experienced in

navigation saw plainly that if any accident had occurred, it

was not to the vessel herself, for she bore down with all

the evidence of being skilfully handled, the anchor

a-cockbill, the jib-boom guys already eased off, and

standing by the side of the pilot, who was steering the

Pharaon towards the narrow entrance of the inner port, was a

young man, who, with activity and vigilant eye, watched

every motion of the ship, and repeated each direction of the

pilot.

The vague disquietude which prevailed among the spectators

had so much affected one of the crowd that he did not await

the arrival of the vessel in harbor, but jumping into a

small skiff, desired to be pulled alongside the Pharaon,

which he reached as she rounded into La Reserve basin.

When the young man on board saw this person approach, he

left his station by the pilot, and, hat in hand, leaned over

the ship's bulwarks.

He was a fine, tall, slim young fellow of eighteen or

twenty, with black eyes, and hair as dark as a raven's wing;

and his whole appearance bespoke that calmness and

resolution peculiar to men accustomed from their cradle to

contend with danger.

"Ah, is it you, Dantes?" cried the man in the skiff. "What's

the matter? and why have you such an air of sadness aboard?"

"A great misfortune, M. Morrel," replied the young man, --

"a great misfortune, for me especially! Off Civita Vecchia

we lost our brave Captain Leclere."

"And the cargo?" inquired the owner, eagerly.

"Is all safe, M. Morrel; and I think you will be satisfied

on that head. But poor Captain Leclere -- "

"What happened to him?" asked the owner, with an air of

considerable resignation. "What happened to the worthy

captain?"

"He died."

"Fell into the sea?"

"No, sir, he died of brain-fever in dreadful agony." Then

turning to the crew, he said, "Bear a hand there, to take in

sail!"

All hands obeyed, and at once the eight or ten seamen who

composed the crew, sprang to their respective stations at

the spanker brails and outhaul, topsail sheets and halyards,

the jib downhaul, and the topsail clewlines and buntlines.

The young sailor gave a look to see that his orders were

promptly and accurately obeyed, and then turned again to the

owner.

"And how did this misfortune occur?" inquired the latter,

resuming the interrupted conversation.

"Alas, sir, in the most unexpected manner. After a long talk

with the harbor-master, Captain Leclere left Naples greatly

disturbed in mind. In twenty-four hours he was attacked by a

fever, and died three days afterwards. We performed the

usual burial service, and he is at his rest, sewn up in his

hammock with a thirty-six pound shot at his head and his

heels, off El Giglio island. We bring to his widow his sword

and cross of honor. It was worth while, truly," added the

young man with a melancholy smile, "to make war against the

English for ten years, and to die in his bed at last, like

everybody else."

"Why, you see, Edmond," replied the owner, who appeared more

comforted at every moment, "we are all mortal, and the old

must make way for the young. If not, why, there would be no

promotion; and since you assure me that the cargo -- "

"Is all safe and sound, M. Morrel, take my word for it; and

I advise you not to take 25,000 francs for the profits of

the voyage."

Then, as they were just passing the Round Tower, the young

man shouted: "Stand by there to lower the topsails and jib;

brail up the spanker!"

The order was executed as promptly as it would have been on

board a man-of-war.

"Let go -- and clue up!" At this last command all the sails

were lowered, and the vessel moved almost imperceptibly

onwards.

"Now, if you will come on board, M. Morrel," said Dantes,

observing the owner's impatience, "here is your supercargo,

M. Danglars, coming out of his cabin, who will furnish you

with every particular. As for me, I must look after the

anchoring, and dress the ship in mourning."

The owner did not wait for a second invitation. He seized a

rope which Dantes flung to him, and with an activity that

would have done credit to a sailor, climbed up the side of

the ship, while the young man, going to his task, left the

conversation to Danglars, who now came towards the owner. He

was a man of twenty-five or twenty-six years of age, of

unprepossessing countenance, obsequious to his superiors,

insolent to his subordinates; and this, in addition to his

position as responsible agent on board, which is always

obnoxious to the sailors, made him as much disliked by the

crew as Edmond Dantes was beloved by them.

"Well, M. Morrel," said Danglars, "you have heard of the

misfortune that has befallen us?"

"Yes -- yes: poor Captain Leclere! He was a brave and an

honest man."

"And a first-rate seaman, one who had seen long and

honorable service, as became a man charged with the

interests of a house so important as that of Morrel & Son,"

replied Danglars.

"But," replied the owner, glancing after Dantes, who was

watching the anchoring of his vessel, "it seems to me that a

sailor needs not be so old as you say, Danglars, to

understand his business, for our friend Edmond seems to

understand it thoroughly, and not to require instruction

from any one."

"Yes," said Danglars, darting at Edmond a look gleaming with

hate. "Yes, he is young, and youth is invariably

self-confident. Scarcely was the captain's breath out of his

body when he assumed the command without consulting any one,

and he caused us to lose a day and a half at the Island of

Elba, instead of making for Marseilles direct."

"As to taking command of the vessel," replied Morrel, "that

was his duty as captain's mate; as to losing a day and a

half off the Island of Elba, he was wrong, unless the vessel

needed repairs."

"The vessel was in as good condition as I am, and as, I hope

you are, M. Morrel, and this day and a half was lost from

pure whim, for the pleasure of going ashore, and nothing

else."

"Dantes," said the shipowner, turning towards the young man,

"come this way!"

"In a moment, sir," answered Dantes, "and I'm with you."

Then calling to the crew, he said -- "Let go!"

The anchor was instantly dropped, and the chain ran rattling

through the port-hole. Dantes continued at his post in spite

of the presence of the pilot, until this manoeuvre was

completed, and then he added, "Half-mast the colors, and

square the yards!"

"You see," said Danglars, "he fancies himself captain

already, upon my word."

"And so, in fact, he is," said the owner.

"Except your signature and your partner's, M. Morrel."

"And why should he not have this?" asked the owner; "he is

young, it is true, but he seems to me a thorough seaman, and

of full experience."

A cloud passed over Danglars' brow. "Your pardon, M.

Morrel," said Dantes, approaching, "the vessel now rides at

anchor, and I am at your service. You hailed me, I think?"

Danglars retreated a step or two. "I wished to inquire why

you stopped at the Island of Elba?"

"I do not know, sir; it was to fulfil the last instructions

of Captain Leclere, who, when dying, gave me a packet for

Marshal Bertrand."

"Then did you see him, Edmond?"

"Who?"

"The marshal."

"Yes."

Morrel looked around him, and then, drawing Dantes on one

side, he said suddenly -- "And how is the emperor?"

"Very well, as far as I could judge from the sight of him."

"You saw the emperor, then?"

"He entered the marshal's apartment while I was there."

"And you spoke to him?"

"Why, it was he who spoke to me, sir," said Dantes, with a

smile.

"And what did he say to you?"

"Asked me questions about the vessel, the time she left

Marseilles, the course she had taken, and what was her

cargo. I believe, if she had not been laden, and I had been

her master, he would have bought her. But I told him I was

only mate, and that she belonged to the firm of Morrel &

Son. `Ah, yes,' he said, `I know them. The Morrels have been

shipowners from father to son; and there was a Morrel who

served in the same regiment with me when I was in garrison

at Valence.'"

"Pardieu, and that is true!" cried the owner, greatly

delighted. "And that was Policar Morrel, my uncle, who was

afterwards a captain. Dantes, you must tell my uncle that

the emperor remembered him, and you will see it will bring

tears into the old soldier's eyes. Come, come," continued

he, patting Edmond's shoulder kindly, "you did very right,

Dantes, to follow Captain Leclere's instructions, and touch

at Elba, although if it were known that you had conveyed a

packet to the marshal, and had conversed with the emperor,

it might bring you into trouble."

"How could that bring me into trouble, sir?" asked Dantes;

"for I did not even know of what I was the bearer; and the

emperor merely made such inquiries as he would of the first

comer. But, pardon me, here are the health officers and the

customs inspectors coming alongside." And the young man went

to the gangway. As he departed, Danglars approached, and

said, --

"Well, it appears that he has given you satisfactory reasons

for his landing at Porto-Ferrajo?"

"Yes, most satisfactory, my dear Danglars."

"Well, so much the better," said the supercargo; "for it is

not pleasant to think that a comrade has not done his duty."

"Dantes has done his," replied the owner, "and that is not

saying much. It was Captain Leclere who gave orders for this

delay."

"Talking of Captain Leclere, has not Dantes given you a

letter from him?"

"To me? -- no -- was there one?"

"I believe that, besides the packet, Captain Leclere

confided a letter to his care."

"Of what packet are you speaking, Danglars?"

"Why, that which Dantes left at Porto-Ferrajo."

"How do you know he had a packet to leave at Porto-Ferrajo?"

Danglars turned very red.

"I was passing close to the door of the captain's cabin,

which was half open, and I saw him give the packet and

letter to Dantes."

"He did not speak to me of it," replied the shipowner; "but

if there be any letter he will give it to me."

Danglars reflected for a moment. "Then, M. Morrel, I beg of

you," said he, "not to say a word to Dantes on the subject.

I may have been mistaken."

At this moment the young man returned; Danglars withdrew.

"Well, my dear Dantes, are you now free?" inquired the

owner.

"Yes, sir."

"You have not been long detained."

"No. I gave the custom-house officers a copy of our bill of

lading; and as to the other papers, they sent a man off with

the pilot, to whom I gave them."

"Then you have nothing more to do here?"

"No -- everything is all right now."

"Then you can come and dine with me?"

"I really must ask you to excuse me, M. Morrel. My first

visit is due to my father, though I am not the less grateful

for the honor you have done me."

"Right, Dantes, quite right. I always knew you were a good

son."

"And," inquired Dantes, with some hesitation, "do you know

how my father is?"

"Well, I believe, my dear Edmond, though I have not seen him

lately."

"Yes, he likes to keep himself shut up in his little room."

"That proves, at least, that he has wanted for nothing

during your absence."

Dantes smiled. "My father is proud, sir, and if he had not a

meal left, I doubt if he would have asked anything from

anyone, except from Heaven."

"Well, then, after this first visit has been made we shall

count on you."

"I must again excuse myself, M. Morrel, for after this first

visit has been paid I have another which I am most anxious

to pay."

"True, Dantes, I forgot that there was at the Catalans some

one who expects you no less impatiently than your father --

the lovely Mercedes."

Dantes blushed.

"Ah, ha," said the shipowner, "I am not in the least

surprised, for she has been to me three times, inquiring if

there were any news of the Pharaon. Peste, Edmond, you have

a very handsome mistress!"

"She is not my mistress," replied the young sailor, gravely;

"she is my betrothed."

"Sometimes one and the same thing," said Morrel, with a

smile.

"Not with us, sir," replied Dantes.

"Well, well, my dear Edmond," continued the owner, "don't

let me detain you. You have managed my affairs so well that

I ought to allow you all the time you require for your own.

Do you want any money?"

"No, sir; I have all my pay to take -- nearly three months'

wages."

"You are a careful fellow, Edmond."

"Say I have a poor father, sir."

"Yes, yes, I know how good a son you are, so now hasten away

to see your father. I have a son too, and I should be very

wroth with those who detained him from me after a three

months' voyage."

"Then I have your leave, sir?"

"Yes, if you have nothing more to say to me."

"Nothing."

"Captain Leclere did not, before he died, give you a letter

for me?"

"He was unable to write, sir. But that reminds me that I

must ask your leave of absence for some days."

"To get married?"

"Yes, first, and then to go to Paris."

"Very good; have what time you require, Dantes. It will take

quite six weeks to unload the cargo, and we cannot get you

ready for sea until three months after that; only be back

again in three months, for the Pharaon," added the owner,

patting the young sailor on the back, "cannot sail without

her captain."

"Without her captain!" cried Dantes, his eyes sparkling with

animation; "pray mind what you say, for you are touching on

the most secret wishes of my heart. Is it really your

intention to make me captain of the Pharaon?"

"If I were sole owner we'd shake hands on it now, my dear

Dantes, and call it settled; but I have a partner, and you

know the Italian proverb -- Chi ha compagno ha padrone --

`He who has a partner has a master.' But the thing is at

least half done, as you have one out of two votes. Rely on

me to procure you the other; I will do my best."

"Ah, M. Morrel," exclaimed the young seaman, with tears in

his eyes, and grasping the owner's hand, "M. Morrel, I thank

you in the name of my father and of Mercedes."

"That's all right, Edmond. There's a providence that watches

over the deserving. Go to your father: go and see Mercedes,

and afterwards come to me."

"Shall I row you ashore?"

"No, thank you; I shall remain and look over the accounts

with Danglars. Have you been satisfied with him this

voyage?"

"That is according to the sense you attach to the question,

sir. Do you mean is he a good comrade? No, for I think he

never liked me since the day when I was silly enough, after

a little quarrel we had, to propose to him to stop for ten

minutes at the island of Monte Cristo to settle the dispute

-- a proposition which I was wrong to suggest, and he quite

right to refuse. If you mean as responsible agent when you

ask me the question, I believe there is nothing to say

against him, and that you will be content with the way in

which he has performed his duty."

"But tell me, Dantes, if you had command of the Pharaon

should you be glad to see Danglars remain?"

"Captain or mate, M. Morrel, I shall always have the

greatest respect for those who possess the owners'

confidence."

"That's right, that's right, Dantes! I see you are a

thoroughly good fellow, and will detain you no longer. Go,

for I see how impatient you are."

"Then I have leave?"

"Go, I tell you."

"May I have the use of your skiff?"

"Certainly."

"Then, for the present, M. Morrel, farewell, and a thousand

thanks!"

"I hope soon to see you again, my dear Edmond. Good luck to

you."

The young sailor jumped into the skiff, and sat down in the

stern sheets, with the order that he be put ashore at La

Canebiere. The two oarsmen bent to their work, and the

little boat glided away as rapidly as possible in the midst

of the thousand vessels which choke up the narrow way which

leads between the two rows of ships from the mouth of the

harbor to the Quai d'Orleans.

The shipowner, smiling, followed him with his eyes until he

saw him spring out on the quay and disappear in the midst of

the throng, which from five o'clock in the morning until

nine o'clock at night, swarms in the famous street of La

Canebiere, -- a street of which the modern Phocaeans are so

proud that they say with all the gravity in the world, and

with that accent which gives so much character to what is

said, "If Paris had La Canebiere, Paris would be a second

Marseilles." On turning round the owner saw Danglars behind

him, apparently awaiting orders, but in reality also

watching the young sailor, -- but there was a great

difference in the expression of the two men who thus

followed the movements of Edmond Dantes.

E-Book- The Count of Monte Cristo

Apr 20, 2008

About the Book- The Count of Monte Cristo

Chapter 1 Marseilles -- The Arrival.

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