We were coming from Syracuse laden with grain.

The storm of last night overtook us at Cape Morgion, and we were wrecked on these rocks." "Where do you come from ?" "From these rocks that I had the good luck to cling to while our captain and the rest of the crew were all lost.

I saw your vessel, and fearful of being left to perish on the desolate island, I swam off on a piece of wreckage to try and intercept your course.

You have saved my life, and I thank you," continued Dantes.

"I was lost when one of your sailors caught hold of my hair." "It was I," said a sailor of a frank and manly appearance; "and it was time, for you were sinking." "Yes," returned Dantes, holding out his hand, "I thank you again." "I almost hesitated, though," replied the sailor; "you looked more like a brigand than an honest man, with your beard six inches, and your hair a foot long." Dantes recollected that his hair and beard had not been cut all the time he was at the Chateau d'If.
"Yes," said he, "I made a vow, to our Lady of the Grotto not to cut my hair or beard for ten years if I were saved in a moment of danger; but to-day the vow expires." "Now what are we to do with you ?" said the captain.
"Alas, anything you please.