World Literature Classics Library: The Count of Monte Cristo

Chapter 1 Ship to Marseille
On February 1815, 2, the ⊥ post on the top of the bell tower of the Gard Cathedral issued a signal from Smyrna, which is now the Turkish port of Izmir.Return to port, via the Italian port of Trieste.Arrived in port with the three-masted ship "King of Egypt" from Naples.Like other ships entering the port, the pilot left the port immediately, passed the edge of the Château d'If in a hurry, and sailed straight to the place between Cape Merchon and Lirong Island to board the "King of Egypt".

The great terrace of the Fort Saint-Jean was crowded with onlookers.It is always a big event for a large ship to enter the port in Marseilles, especially for a ship like the "King of Egypt", the owner of which is from the city, the ship is built in the local dock, and it is equipped with sails and cargo. It was very lively.

The boat gradually approached.It has successfully passed through the strait left by the volcanic eruption between the Kara Salai and Alor islands, bypassing Pomera.The top, middle, bottom, top, middle and bottom sails of the foremast, topsail and mizzensail were all raised, but the ship was sailing slowly and listlessly. The spectators instinctively sensed some kind of misfortune, and asked each other what happened to the ship. What's up.But navigators knew that if anything happened, it would have nothing to do with the King of Egypt itself, for the ship was well steered by all appearances.The anchor was lowered and the stays of the bowsprit were loosed.Pilot is commanding the "King of Egypt" to sail into the port of Marseille through the narrow estuary.A young man next to the pilotage moved nimbly, his eyes were sharp, and he watched every movement on board while repeating every instruction from the pilot.

The onlookers on the large platform of Fort Saint-Jean felt vaguely uneasy, and one of them was even more irritable. He couldn't wait for the sailboat to enter the port and landed, so he jumped into a small boat and ordered to row forward. Come aboard the King of Egypt.

When the young man in the boat saw him coming, he stepped down from his post by the pilotage, and leaned over the rail with his hat in his hand.The young man is 18-20 years old, with a pair of black eyes very delicate, and black hair shiny.The whole body reveals the kind of calmness and perseverance that can only be possessed by weathering the wind and rain since childhood.

"Ah, Dantès, it's you!" cried the man in the boat. "What's the matter with the dejected look on board?"

"How unfortunate, Monsieur Morrel!" replied the young man, "to me especially, how unfortunate. In the Italian port of Civitavecchia. Nearby we have lost the good Captain Leclerc."

"Where's the cargo?" the owner asked anxiously.

"The cargo is in good condition, Monsieur Morrel, and I think you will be satisfied with that. But poor Captain Leclerc..."

"What's the matter with him?" asked the captain, visibly relieved, "what has happened to the righteous captain?"

"he died."

"Fell into the sea and died?"

"No, sir, he died of meningitis, in great agony," answered the young man, and then, turning to the crew, he called, "Everyone, to drop anchor."

The whole ship is ready.There were 8-10 sailors on board, and they all rushed to their respective posts at the same time, some rushed to the mizzen under the mizzen, some rushed to the girder line, some rushed to the mast halyard, some rushed to the jib, and some ran to the jib. Others run to the winches.

The young sailor looked around the ship confidently, saw that his orders were being carried out, and turned back to talk to the owner.

"How can there be such an unfortunate thing?" The captain asked after taking what the young man hadn't finished speaking just now.

"My God, it was a complete surprise, sir! Captain Leclerc had a long talk with the harbor steward at the port of Naples, and then the captain was very ill when he sailed, and after a day and a night he developed a fever, and died three days later. We held a funeral for him as usual, and he can rest in peace. We wrapped the body in a hammock, tied 36-pound balls to his feet and head, and buried him at sea near Giglio Island. We Bring back his cross and sword for his wife. Blessed be the captain," the young man continued with a melancholy smile, "he has fought against the British for ten years, and at last he can say goodbye in his own bed like ordinary people world."

"My God, that's the only way I can think, Mr. Edmund." Said the owner, he seemed more and more relieved, "We are all mortals, and the old must give way to the young after all, otherwise there will be no promotion , and you have assured me that the cargo on board..."

"It's in good condition, don't worry, Monsieur Morrel. Let me tell you, you won't earn twenty-five thousand francs on this voyage."

By this time the ship had passed the Great Round Tower.

"Lower the sail! Lower the jib! Leave the topsail! Tie the rope!" shouted the young sailor.

His orders were carried out almost exactly as they would be on a battleship.

"Full sail!"

As soon as the last command was spoken, the sails on the ship were lowered, and the ship was still moving with the original momentum, but it was hardly visible that it was moving forward.

"Mr. Morrel, you can get on board now." Dantès said, he couldn't wait to see the owner, "Look, Mr. Tangra, the accountant you sent, is coming out of the cabin. What do you want to know? He'll let you know what's going on. I've got to keep an eye on the anchor and mourning."

The master of the ship did not give way, took the rope thrown to him by Dantès, climbed aboard with the agility that sailors are proud of, from the steps nailed to the outside of the wing, Dantès returned to his post as mate, and escaped. Mr. Tangla who came out and asked him to introduce him talked to the owner of the ship. Tangla went out of the cabin and went straight to the owner.

Tang Gela was 25 and six years old, with a gloomy face and an air of flattery and arrogance.He was the accountant on the ship, a position that was hated by the sailors, and everyone on board hated him.Edmond Dantès, on the other hand, was loved and hated in exactly the same degree.

"Monsieur Morrel," said Tangra, "you know our misfortunes, don't you?"

"I have, poor Captain Leclerc. He is a good, honest and brave man."

"He is an outstanding sailor. He grew up between the blue sky and the blue sea. It is very appropriate for him to take care of the interests of such a large company as Morrel and Sons." Tangla said.

"However," said the owner, staring at Dantès, who was looking for an anchorage, "in my opinion, a sailor who is proficient in business does not have to be as old as you say, Mr. Tangra. You see Well, our Edmond, I think he does all the work himself without being told."

"Yes," Tangra said, squinting at Dantès with a resentful look, "yes, he is young and has no scruples. He gave orders as soon as the captain died, without consulting anyone in advance. Just a moment. Instead of sailing straight back to Marseilles, he delayed us a day and a half at Elba."

"He took command of the ship," said the owner. "It was his duty as mate, and it was his fault for the delay of a day and a half at Elba, unless the ship was broken in some way."

"The ship is in perfect order, as I am, and as I would like you to be, Monsieur Morrel. A day and a half was wasted simply by waywardness, simply wanting to go ashore, and that is the way it is."

"Danttes, please come here." The captain turned and called the young man.

"I'm sorry, sir, but I'll be right there," replied Dantès, and then he called out to the crew, "Drop anchor!"

The anchor was lowered immediately, and the iron chain slid down with a rattling sound. Although the pilot was on board, Dantès still dutifully watched until the anchor was dropped.Then he called again: "Flags lowered to half mast, signal flags hoisted at half mast, beams furled."

"You can see," said Tangra, "I'm right, he has already proclaimed himself the captain of the ship.

"He is the captain now," said the captain.

"Yes, Monsieur Morrel, but it must be signed by you and your partner."

"Yes, why don't we let him do it?" replied the skipper. "He's young, I know, but I think he's old and experienced in his trade."

A dark cloud floated over Tang Gela's face.

"Excuse me, Monsieur Morrel," said Dantès, "the ship is at anchor now, and I can completely obey your orders. I think you called me just now?"

Tangra took a step back.

"I wanted to ask why you anchored at Elba."

"I don't know what it is, Monsieur Morrel. I am only carrying out the last order of Captain Leclerc, who on his deathbed asked me to deliver a package to Marshal Bertrand."

"Has anyone seen it, Edmund?"

"Who did you see?"

"marshal."

"seen."

Morrel glanced around, then pulled Dantès aside, and hurriedly asked, "How is the Emperor doing?"

"From what I've seen with my own eyes, he's in good health."

"So you have seen the Emperor?"

"He came in while I was in the marshal's room."

"Have you spoken to him?"

"Well, sir, he was the first to tell me," said Dantès, smiling.

"What did he tell you?"

"Ask about the ship, when it sailed back to Marseilles, which sea route it took, and what cargo was on board. I thought, if there was no cargo on board, and I was the owner, he would send us Bought it. I told him I was only the mate and the ship belonged to Morrel & Sons. 'Ah, ah,' he said, 'I know the company, and the Morrels have been owners for generations. I When they were stationed at Valence, there was a man named Morrel in the regiment.'”

"That's right!" exclaimed the captain happily. "It's about my uncle Polica Morrel, who rose to the rank of captain. You must tell my uncle, Dantès, that the emperor still reads him. You see, the veteran of the Guards will be very moved." Tears. Well, well," he continued, patting the young man on the shoulder lovingly, "you are doing very well, Dantès, and you should carry out Captain Leclerc's order and stop at Elba Island. But if someone Knowing that you brought a bag of things to the marshal and also spoke to the emperor, you may be implicated."

"Sir, how can you implicate me?" Dantès asked, "I don't know anything about it. If the emperor asks me, he will ask whoever he meets. Oh, I'm sorry," Dantès said tight Then he said, "People from the epidemic prevention station and customs are here, I have to go and greet them, okay?"

"Go, go, my good Dantès."

As soon as Dantès left, Tangra leaned over and said, "It seems that he has explained to you why he is at the port of Elba Island in Portoferraio. The reason for the docking must be."

"There are very good reasons, my dear Mr. Tanglar."

"That's good," Tangla said, "It's never easy to see a colleague dereliction of duty."

"Dantès is fulfilling his duties, and there is nothing to criticize." The owner said, "This berth was ordered by Captain Leclerc."

"Speaking of Captain Leclerc, didn't he bring you a letter from the captain?"

"Who will send me the message?"

"Dantes."

"No letter for me! Did he bring a letter?"

"I believe that, besides the package, Captain Leclerc has a trust to pay him."

"Which package are you talking about, Tangla?"

"Isn't it the bag that Dantès left in Portoferraio?"

"How do you know he left a bag in Portoferraio?"

Tangra blushed and said, "I passed the door of the captain's cabin, which was just ajar, and saw him hand over the bag and letter to Dantès."

"He didn't say a word about this matter in front of me. If he really believed it, he would give it to me." Said the captain.

Tangra thought for a while, and then said: "Then, Mr. Morrel, I beg you, don't mention this matter to Dantès, maybe I made a mistake."

At this time Dantès came back, and Tangra walked away after speaking.

"Well, my dear Dantès, are you free now?" asked the captain.

"Available, sir."

"Things are running smoothly."

"Yes, I handed over the manifest to the customs officer. The entrusted agent sent someone to accompany the pilot. I handed over all the other documents to that person."

"So you're all right here?"

"No, everything is settled." Dantès said, looking around.

"Well, let's have dinner together, shall we?"

"Excuse me, Monsieur Morrel, but I must first go and see my father, and I appreciate your kindness."

"Well done, well done, Dantès. I know you are a good son."

"Hmm..." Dantès hesitated a little and asked, "Do you know that my father is in good health?"

"I think he is in good health, my dear Edmond, but I have not seen him either."

"Yes, he's always stuck in his little room and won't go out."

"This at least shows that although you are not at home these days, he doesn't lack anything."

Dantès smiled and said: "My father is very proud, sir, and even if he has nothing, I am afraid he will never ask anyone but God for anything."

"Okay, go see your father first, we'll wait for you."

"I still have to ask your pardon, Mr. Morrel, after seeing my father, I have to go to see a person who has also been thinking about me all the time."

"Oh, by the way, Dantès, I forgot, there is someone in the village of Catalonia who is waiting for you anxiously like your father. It is the beautiful Mercedes."

Dantès smiled slightly.

"Ha ha!" said the owner, "I understand why she came to me three times to inquire about the 'King of Egypt'. Oh, Edmond, you are lucky to have found a beautiful little mistress!"

"She is not a mistress, sir," said the young sailor gravely; "this is my fiancée."

"Sometimes the two are the same thing." The owner said with a smile.

"We are not, sir," replied Dantès.

"Come, come, my dear Edmond," went on the skipper, "you will not be detained; you have done my business well, and it is time to give you ample time for your own business. Need money? "

"No, sir. I have a sea allowance, which is almost three months' salary."

"You are such a well-behaved fellow, Edmund."

"You must know that I have a father who is not rich, Mr. Morrel."

"Yes, yes, I know you are a good son. I have a son too, and if he comes back from a three-month voyage to see me, and someone stops him, I won't forgive him."

"Then can I go?" the young man asked while bowing.

"You have nothing more to say to me, just go."

"Nothing."

"Captain Leclerc didn't ask you to send me any letter when he was dying?"

"He couldn't write by then, sir. But it reminds me that I must ask you for a fortnight's leave."

"Married?"

"Marriage first, and then a trip to Paris."

"All right, all right, take your time, Dantès. It will take us six weeks to unload the ship, and it is unlikely that we will go to sea in three months... However, you will have to come back in three months, because the King of Egypt ..." The captain patted the young sailor on the shoulder and said, "This ship cannot sail without a captain."

"Can't do without the captain!" Dantès shouted with excitement in his eyes, "Sir, please pay attention to what you said. Your words just now matched the hope buried deep in my heart. You really intend to promote me as a Captain of the King of Egypt?"

"If I were sole proprietor, my dear Dantès, I would have held out my hand at once and told you that the matter is settled. But I have a partner. You know, there is an Italian saying that the partner is the man in charge. But at least half of the matter has been done, because you have won one of the two votes. The other vote is up to me, and I will try my best to do it."

"Oh, Monsieur Morrel!" cried the young sailor, clasping the captain's hands with tears in his eyes, "Monsieur Morrel, I thank you in the name of my father and Mercedes."

"Well, well, Edmond, good-hearted people are blessed! Come on, go and see your father, then go and see Mercedes, and come to me when you're done."

"Shall I row you ashore?"

"Thank you, no need. I have to stay on board and check with Tangla. Are you satisfied with this trip?"

"See how you ask, sir. If you ask whether you are satisfied as a good colleague, then I say no. We once had a small quarrel, and afterwards I foolishly proposed to settle the dispute at Monte Cristo Island for 10 minutes. This suggests that I Shouldn't have mentioned it, and he refused, he was not wrong. I think he has been dissatisfied with me since then. If you ask me whether I am satisfied with his work as an accountant, I don't think there is anything to say about it. His business How it goes, I think you will be satisfied."

"However, think about it, Dantès," the owner asked, "if you are the captain of the 'King of Egypt', do you want to keep Tangra on board?"

"Monsieur Morrel," Dantès replied, "whether it's a captain or a first mate, I have great respect for anyone who has won the trust of the captain."

"Well, Dantès, I think you are a very good young man in every respect. I will not stop you. Come on, I think you are getting impatient."

"May I take my leave?" asked Dantès.

"let's go."

"Can I use your boat?"

"Please use it."

"Good-bye, Monsieur Morrel, thank you very much."

"Good-bye, my dear Edmond, and good luck to you."

The young sailor jumped into the boat, went aft, sat down, and gave orders to disembark in the Rue Carnabier, whereupon the two sailors stooped and rowed.The channel from the port of entry to the Orleans wharf was not wide at all, with big ships on both sides and small boats blocking the channel. However, the small boat that Dantès was on was galloping among thousands of small boats at the fastest speed.

The captain watched Dantès with a smile, and watched him go ashore, walk on the stone road, and disappear among the crowded and mixed crowd.The famous Carnabier Street is a street that the Masai people are proud of. From 5 o'clock in the morning to 9 o'clock in the evening, the street is full of people and bustling.The Marseilles said very solemnly and eloquently: "If Paris also has Rue Carnabier, then Paris is worthy of the Marseilles."

The captain turned around and saw Tangla standing behind him.On the surface, Tangra was waiting for the captain's order, but in fact, like him, he was also watching the young sailor leave from a distance.The two looked at the same person, but their expressions were quite different.

(End of this chapter)