[The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas Pere]@TWC D-Link book
The Count of Monte Cristo

Chapter29
16/19

What wages are due to you ?" "Oh, don't let us talk of that, M.Morrel." "Yes, but we will talk of it." "Well, then, three months," said Penelon.
"Cocles, pay two hundred francs to each of these good fellows," said Morrel.

"At another time," added he, "I should have said, Give them, besides, two hundred francs over as a present; but times are changed, and the little money that remains to me is not my own." Penelon turned to his companions, and exchanged a few words with them.
"As for that, M.Morrel," said he, again turning his quid, "as for that"-- "As for what ?" "The money." "Well"-- "Well, we all say that fifty francs will be enough for us at present, and that we will wait for the rest." "Thanks, my friends, thanks!" cried Morrel gratefully; "take it--take it; and if you can find another employer, enter his service; you are free to do so." These last words produced a prodigious effect on the seaman.

Penelon nearly swallowed his quid; fortunately he recovered.
"What, M.Morrel!" said he in a low voice, "you send us away; you are then angry with us!" "No, no," said M.Morrel, "I am not angry, quite the contrary, and I do not send you away; but I have no more ships, and therefore I do not want any sailors." "No more ships!" returned Penelon; "well, then, you'll build some; we'll wait for you." "I have no money to build ships with, Penelon," said the poor owner mournfully, "so I cannot accept your kind offer." "No more money?
Then you must not pay us; we can scud, like the Pharaon, under bare poles." "Enough, enough!" cried Morrel, almost overpowered; "leave me, I pray you; we shall meet again in a happier time.

Emmanuel, go with them, and see that my orders are executed." "At least, we shall see each other again, M.Morrel ?" asked Penelon.
"Yes; I hope so, at least.

Now go." He made a sign to Cocles, who went first; the seamen followed him and Emmanuel brought up the rear.


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