Edmond Dantès | Page 5

we are in frightful danger. This elemental disturbance is
volcanic, and how it will end cannot be foretold. No doubt an
earthquake is devastating the nearest land, or will do so before many
hours have elapsed. At any moment rocks or islands may arise from the
sea, and obstruct our passage. All we can do is to hold ourselves in
readiness for whatever calamity may happen, and make for Crete as
rapidly as possible, with the hope of eventually getting beyond the
volcanic zone. Do not enlighten the crew as to the cause of the

disturbance; did they know, or even suspect it, they could not be
controlled, but would become either stupefied or reckless. Try to
convince them that we are simply in the midst of a severe electrical
storm that will speedily exhaust its fury and subside. Now, to work, and
remember that everything depends upon your courage and resolution."
Giacomo rejoined the sailors, who were huddled together at the stern of
the yacht like so many frightened sheep. He spoke to them, doing his
utmost to reassure them, and ultimately succeeded so well that they
resumed their neglected duties with some show of alacrity and even
cheerfulness.
Meanwhile, Monte-Cristo, with folded arms and an outward show of
calmness, was pacing the deck as if nothing unusual were in progress,
and his demeanor was not without its effect on the sailors, who looked
upon him with a species of awe and admiration. At times he went
below to cheer the drooping spirits of his beloved Haydée, but speedily
returned that the influence of his presence might not be lost.
Thus the day passed. A night of painful suspense succeeded it, during
which not a soul on board the Alcyon thought of sleeping. Nothing,
however, occurred, save that the intense lightning of the previous night
was renewed. Toward eleven o'clock the breeze freshened to such an
extent that the yacht sped along on her course with great fleetness.
In the morning the sun arose amid a purple haze, and the Mediterranean
presented a more tumultuous and threatening aspect than it had the
preceding day. The breeze was still blowing stiffly, and the lightning
continued. Giacomo informed Monte-Cristo that unless a calm should
suddenly come on they would certainly arrive at Crete by noon. The
sailors, he added, were in good spirits, and might be relied upon,
though they were much fatigued by reason of their unceasing labor.
At ten o'clock the man at the wheel hurriedly summoned the captain to
his side, and, with a look of terror and bewilderment, directed his
attention to the compass, the needle of which no longer pointed to the
north, but was dancing a mad dance, not remaining stationary for a
single instant. To complicate the situation still further, the sun was

suddenly obscured, absolute darkness invading both sea and sky. Only
when the vivid lightning tore the dense clouds apart were those on
board the Alcyon enabled to catch a glimpse of what was going on
about them, and that glimpse was but momentary. Thunder peals were
now added to the terrors of the time, while the yacht tossed and
plunged on angry, threatening billows. Showers of sparks and glowing
cinders, as if from some mighty conflagration, poured down into the
water, striking its surface with an ominous hiss; they resembled
meteors, and their brilliancy was augmented by the surrounding gloom.
Rain also began to descend, not in drops, but in broad sheets and with
the roar of a cataract; in a moment everybody on the Alcyon's deck was
drenched to the skin.
Haydée had not ventured from the cabin since the first day of the
elemental commotion; in obedience to his master's commands, Ali
constantly watched over her whenever the Count was facing the strange
storm with Giacomo and the sailors.
As the captain approached the man at the wheel, Monte-Cristo fixed his
eyes upon the old Italian's countenance and saw it assume a deathly
pallor as he noticed that the needle of the compass could no longer be
depended on.
In an instant the Count was beside him and realized the extent of the
new evil that had befallen them.
"We can steer but by guess now," said Giacomo, in a low, hoarse
whisper. "God grant that we may be able to reach our destination."
As he spoke, a loud crash was heard, and the rudder, torn from its
fastenings by the violence of the tempest, swept by them, vanishing
amid the darkness. The man at the wheel gazed after it, uttering a cry of
despair.
"We are completely at the mercy of the wind and waves!" said
Monte-Cristo, in an undertone. "Can nothing be done?" he added,
hurriedly.

"Nothing, Excellency," returned the captain. "A temporary rudder
might be rigged were the sea