Everywhere the last requests of a dying man are sacred; but with a sailor the last requests of his superior are commands.

I sailed for the Island of Elba, where I arrived the next day; I ordered everybody to remain on board, and went on shore alone.

As I had expected, I found some difficulty in obtaining access to the grand-marshal; but I sent the ring I had received from the captain to him, and was instantly admitted.
He questioned me concerning Captain Leclere's death; and, as the latter had told me, gave me a letter to carry on to a person in Paris.

I undertook it because it was what my captain had bade me do.

I landed here, regulated the affairs of the vessel, and hastened to visit my affianced bride, whom I found more lovely than ever.