As we had no doctor on board, and he was so anxious to arrive at Elba, that he would not touch at any other port, his disorder rose to such a height, that at the end of the third day, feeling he was dying, he called me to him.

'My dear Dantes,' said he, 'swear to perform what I am going to tell you, for it is a matter of the deepest importance.' "'I swear, captain,' replied I.
"'Well, as after my death the command devolves on you as mate, assume the command, and bear up for the Island of Elba, disembark at Porto-Ferrajo, ask for the grand-marshal, give him this letter--perhaps they will give you another letter, and charge you with a commission.

You will accomplish what I was to have done, and derive all the honor and profit from it.' "'I will do it, captain; but perhaps I shall not be admitted to the grand marshal's presence as easily as you expect ?' "'Here is a ring that will obtain audience of him, and remove every difficulty,' said the captain.

At these words he gave me a ring.

It was time--two hours after he was delirious; the next day he died." "And what did you do then ?" "What I ought to have done, and what every one would have done in my place.