"How could that bring me into trouble, sir?" asked Dantès; "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, your pardon, here are the officers of health and the customs coming alongside. You will excuse me?"
"Certainly, certainly, my dear Dantès!"
The young man went to the gangway, and, 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 always painful to see a comrade who does not do his duty."
"Dantès has done his," replied the owner, "and there is nothing to say about it. It was Captain Leclere who gave orders for this delay."
"Talking of Captain Leclere, has not Dantès given you a letter from him?"
"To me? — no — was there one?"
"I believe that, besides the packet, Captain Leclere had confided a letter to his care."
"Of what packet are you speaking, Danglars?"
"Why, that which Dantès 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 Dantès."
"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 Dantès on the subject; I may have been mistaken."
At this moment the young man returned, and Danglars retreated.
"Well, my dear Dantès, 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 manifest; and as to the consignment, they sent a man off with the pilot, to whom I gave our papers."
"Then you have nothing more to do here?"
Dantès cast a glance around.
"No; all is arranged now."
"Then you can come and dine with me?"
