1 Marseilles

The Count of Monte Cristo

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Chapter 1 Marseilles The sails of the Pharon shimmered in the winter sun as the ship came into Marseilles docks. Edmond Dantes climbed onto the bowsprit, gazing wide-eyed across the clutter of warehouses that lined the waterfront. It had been a long and difficult voyage, and he was thrilled to be home.

But on the docks, Mr. Morrel, the ship's owner, greeted him with a worried frown. "Where is Captain Leclere?" he asked. Edmond smiled sadly. He told Mr. Morrel how Captain Leclere had died of fever. As second mate, he had taken command of the ship himself for the rest of their trade voyage. "But there is something Dantes has not reported," a voice said. It was Danglars, the ship's accountant. He was a shrewd-looking man who always had a sneer on his face, especially for Edmond. "Edmond has not said that we stopped at Elba," he told Mr. Morrel.

Morrel's face darkened. The island of Elba was where France's previous ruler, Napoleon Bonaparte, was being held prisoner. All ships were banned from stopping there. "Is this true?" Mr. Morrel asked. "It is," Edmond said. "Before Captain Leclere died, he asked me to deliver a letter to the island." "Then it is settled," Morrel announced. "Edmond was simply loyal to his captain. As I am sure others will be to him." "You mean Edmond is to be made captain?" Danglars seethed. "I do," Morrel said. "If you accept Edmond?" A beaming smile spread across Edmond's face. Him- a captain! But before he could reply, he saw a beautiful young woman running towards him through the crowds. It was Mercedes, his fiancée.

Mercedes leaped into Edmond's arms, blushing with delight. As they kissed, though, Edmond spotted a gloomy figure watching them from the shadows. "Who are you sir?" he demanded. Mercedes pulled the man closer. "Edmond, this is my cousin Fernand. He looked after me while you were away." Edmond grasped Fernand's hand and shook it firmly. "Then you can be the first to hear the news Fernand. I am to become captain of the Pharon, and tomorrow Mercedes will become my wife!" Laughing, Edmond twirled Mercedes in his arms. He was so happy right then. So happy, in fact, that he failed to notice the jealous hatred in Fernand's eyes...