Page:The Count of Monte-Cristo (1887 Volume 1).djvu/80

60 "You understand that, on account of your uncle M. Policar Morrel, who served under the other, and who does not conceal what he thinks, you are suspected of regretting Napoleon. I should have feared to injure both Edmond and yourself, had I divulged my own apprehensions to a soul. There are things which a subordinate is bound to acquaint the shipowner with, and to conceal from all else."

"Yes! yes! Danglars," replied M. Morrel. "You are a worthy fellow; and I had already thought of you in the event of poor Edmond having become captain of the Pharaon."

"How so?"

"Yes, indeed; I previously inquired of Dantès what was his opinion of you, and if he should have any reluctance to continue you in your post, for somehow I had perceived a sort of coolness between you two."

"And what was his reply?"

"That he certainly did think he had given you offense in an affair which he did not speak about, but that whoever possessed the confidence of the ship's owners would have his also."

"The hypocrite!" murmured Danglars between his teeth.

"Poor Dantès!" said Caderousse. "No one can deny his being a noble-hearted young fellow!"

"But, meanwhile," continued M. Morrel, "the Pharaon has no captain."

"Oh!" replied Danglars, "since we cannot leave this port for the next three months, let us hope that by that period Dantes will be set at liberty."

"No doubt; but in the mean time what are we to do?"

"I am entirely at your service, M. Morrel," answered Danglars. "You know that I am as capable of managing a ship as the most experienced captain in the service; and it will be so far advantageous to you to accept my services, that upon Edmond's release from prison there will be no one to dismiss. Dantès and myself each will resume our respective posts."

"Thanks, Danglars—that will smooth all difficulties. Assume the command of the Pharaon, and look carefully to the unloading. Private misfortunes must never induce us to neglect business."

"All right, M. Morrel; but when shall we be allowed to see him, at least, poor Edmond."

"I will let you know that directly I have seen M. de Villefort, whom I shall endeavor to interest in Edmond's favor. I am aware he is a furious royalist; but, in spite of that, and of his being the king's procureur, he is a man, and I fancy not a bad one!"

"Perhaps not," replied Danglars; "but he is said to be ambitious, and that is much the same."