A Very Long Story About John, Smith, and Sarah

Part 1

You won’t believe how this story of ultimate betrayal begins.

On the 24th of February, 1815, the look-out at Notre-Dame de la Garde signalled the three-master, the _Pharaon_ from Smyrna, Trieste, and Naples.

As usual, a pilot put off immediately, and rounding the Château d’If, got on board the vessel between Cape Morgiou and Rion island.

When the young man on board saw this person approach, he left his station by the pilot, and, hat in hand, leaned over the ship’s bulwarks.

“Ah, is it you, John?” cried the man in the skiff.

“What’s the matter? and why have you such an air of sadness aboard?” “A great misfortune, M.

John,” replied the young man, “a great misfortune, for me especially!

Off Civita Vecchia we lost our brave Captain Leclere.” “And the cargo?” inquired the owner, eagerly.

John; and I think you will be satisfied on that head.

But poor Captain Leclere——” “What happened to him?” asked the owner, with an air of considerable resignation.

The young sailor gave a look to see that his orders were promptly and accurately obeyed, and then turned again to the owner.

“And how did this misfortune occur?” inquired the latter, resuming the interrupted conversation.

0023m “Alas, sir, in the most unexpected manner.

After a long talk with the harbor-master, Captain Leclere left Naples greatly disturbed in mind.

In twenty-four hours he was attacked by a fever, and died three days afterwards.

We performed the usual burial service, and he is at his rest, sewn up in his hammock with a thirty-six-pound shot at his head and his heels, off El Giglio island.

We bring to his widow his sword and cross of honor.

If not, why, there would be no promotion; and since you assure me that the cargo——” “Is all safe and sound, M.

“Let go—and clue up!” At this last command all the sails were lowered, and the vessel moved almost imperceptibly onwards.

“Now, if you will come on board, M.

John,” said John, observing the owner’s impatience, “here is your supercargo, M.

Smith, coming out of his cabin, who will furnish you with every particular.

As for me, I must look after the anchoring, and dress the ship in mourning.” The owner did not wait for a second invitation.

John,” said Smith, “you have heard of the misfortune that has befallen us?” “Yes—yes: poor Captain Leclere!

“Yes, he is young, and youth is invariably self-confident.

“Except your signature and your partner’s, M.

John.” “And why should he not have this?” asked the owner; “he is young, it is true, but he seems to me a thorough seaman, and of full experience.” A cloud passed over Smith’ brow.

John,” said John, approaching, “the vessel now rides at anchor, and I am at your service.

You hailed me, I think?” Smith retreated a step or two.

“And what did he say to you?” “Asked me questions about the vessel, the time she left Marseilles, the course she had taken, and what was her cargo.

I believe, if she had not been laden, and I had been her master, he would have bought her.

But I told him I was only mate, and that she belonged to the firm of John & Son. ‘Ah, yes,’ he said, ‘I know them.

“And that was Policar John, my uncle, who was afterwards a captain.

John, you must tell my uncle that the emperor remembered him, and you will see it will bring tears into the old soldier’s eyes.

But, pardon me, here are the health officers and the customs inspectors coming alongside.” And the young man went to the gangway.

John, I beg of you,” said he, “not to say a word to John on the subject.

I may have been mistaken.” At this moment the young man returned; Smith withdrew.

“Well, my dear John, are you now free?” inquired the owner.

“Yes, sir.” “You have not been long detained.” “No.

My first visit is due to my father, though I am not the less grateful for the honor you have done me.” 0029m “Right, John, quite right.

“Not with us, sir,” replied John.

“Well, well, my dear John,” continued the owner, “don’t let me detain you.

You have managed my affairs so well that I ought to allow you all the time you require for your own.

But that reminds me that I must ask your leave of absence for some days.” “To get married?” “Yes, first, and then to go to Paris.” “Very good; have what time you require, John.

Rely on me to procure you the other; I will do my best.” “Ah, M.

John,” exclaimed the young seaman, with tears in his eyes, and grasping the owner’s hand, “M.

John, I thank you in the name of my father and of Sarah.” “That’s all right, John.

There’s a providence that watches over the deserving.

Go to your father; go and see Sarah, and afterwards come to me.” “Shall I row you ashore?” “No, thank you; I shall remain and look over the accounts with Smith.

Have you been satisfied with him this voyage?” “That is according to the sense you attach to the question, sir.