Welcome back, everyone to 1001 Stories for the Road.

This is your host, John Hagadorn, and the second half of chapter 21.

As you recall, Dante said made his escape from Chateau D'Efe and was picked up by a boat.

And now our story.

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 look 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 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 today the vow expires.'

"'Now what are we to do with you?' said the captain. "'Alas, anything you please. My captain is dead.

I have barely escaped, but I am a good sailor.

Leave me at the first port you make. I shall be sure to find employment.

Do you know the Mediterranean? I have sailed over it since my childhood. Do you know the best harbors?

There are a few ports that I could not enter or leave with a bandage over my eyes.

"'I say, Captain,' said the sailor who had cried,

"'Courage to Dantes,

...