THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY Oco £ toss > 1 Return this book on or before the Latest Date stamped below. A charge is made on all overdue books. TT , T T U. of I. Library %-S 1340 MAY -5 194 "71343 £0 2.1 ' ' ■ -3 21 - J l r> ft O Kj/ C' *? -f for 7 LL , nn \t \\ M-.’, ^ • no v . : V. C ..5 3 =« — m\i in 1947 .fJPRi ^ *4 19 { f 0i Hi liA 1 / P P) (Tj -4 r ^ /■ ( i’ IliJi *J Jl. 1 w*^( • ( ‘K- os aokj fj DC -n i ' ’ b j fioy ^0 i^bb i;j 1345 < : E6 1 0 i975 M^R 31S7S R 1 7 1375 Si ffl; 1 2 2004 17625-S \ \ \ https://archive.org/detajls/countofmontecris00duma_10 Count of flfoonte Cristo Hleyanfcer 2>umaa Bttttier of "lEbe {Dan in tke flron {Dash", “Chc?e OuatSBmcn,'* Mo. CHICAGO M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY 4(57-4 z 9 Dearborn St. M. A. DO NO H U E &c COMPANY PRINTERS AND BINDERS 407.429 DEARBORN STREET CH ICAGO THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO CHAPTER I. THE ARRIVAL AT MARSEILLES. On the 24th of February, 1815, the Marseilles port lookouts sig- nalled that the three-master Pharaoh was coming up the harbor. She belonged to Morrel and Son, and was homeward bound from Smyrna, Trieste and Naples. The pilot boat ran out to meet her, and the idters congregated on the waterside to see her come into her mooring-place, with the more interest as she had been built, launched and fitted out from this ancient port. She came in so slowly that it was easy to guess that she had met some mishap, not to herself, as she was in trim condition, but to some one aboard. By the pilot was seen, standing to transmit his orders, a bright-eyed and active young man. The vague disquiet of the spectators was peculiarly sharper in one of them who took a boat and man, and was rowed out to meet the vessel. On seeing him draw near, the ship’s officer left the pilot and with his hat off went to lean over tiie taffrail. He was a handsome fellow not over twenty, tall but slim, with beautiful black eyes and ebony hair, with all the calmness and resolution of those inured from childhood to wrestle with dangers. “ Ah, is this you, Dantes ? ” hailed the passenger in the wherry, 41 what is wrong and why do you all wear such a sad look? ” “ A great misfortune befell us, M. Morrel,” replied the young man, “ and worse for me ; off Civita Vecchia, we lost our honest Captain Leclere ” -< But the cargo ? *’ quickly asked the shipowner. “ That is safe in port, and I believe you will be satisfied on that score ; but poor Captain Leclere is dead-*not fallen overboard, but carried off by brain fever,’ * f % THE COVNT OF MONTE CRISTO. He turned aside to set bis crew to work for the letting go the an* chor and taking in sail. “ How did all this happen?” asked the shipmaster, resuming when the young commander returned to him. “ Most unexpectedly ; after a long talk with the harbormaster at Naples, our skipper came aboard in a fret and the fever break- ing out in a day, he was done for in three. We gave him the sea- man’s funeral, and I bring to his widow his sword and cross of the Legion of Honor — it was much good his waging war at sea for ten years against the British to die in his bed like the stay-at-homes at last,” sighed the young man. 44 Never mind, Edmond, we are all mortal,” returned the ship- owner, seeming to be more and more consoled, 4 4 and the old must give place to the young or there would be no promotion ; and as long as you encourage me about the cargo ’ ’ 44 1 answer for its being in a good state, M. Morrel ; I would not advise you to sell without twenty-five thousand profit.” He turned to issue orders, carried out as on a war-ship. The ship went on so slowly now that the ship-master could step aboard. 44 Here is your supercargo coming on deck, to supply you with full information.” Supercargo Danglars was a man of twenty-five, of a moody cast of countenance ; obsequious to his superiors he was insolent to his inferiors ; besides his being the purser, which is always an object of aversion to seamen, he was as badly viewed by the crew as Dantes was liked. “Well, M. Morrel,” said Danglars. “you have heard of the misfortune? ” 44 Yes — yes ! poor Baptain Leclere ! He was a brave and hon- est man ! M 44 And a first-rate seaman, grown old between sky and sea, as should a man charged with the interests of a house so important as Morrel and Son,” replied Danglars. 44 But/’ replied the owner, following with his look Dant&s, who was watching the anchoring, 44 it seems to me that a sailor needs not to be so old as you say, Danglars, to understand his business ; for our friend Edmond seems to understand it thoroughly, and not to require instruction from any one.” 44 Yes,” said Danglars, casting towards Edmond a look in which envy was strongly visible. 44 Yes, he is young, and youth is in- variably self-confident. Scarcely was the captain’s breath out of his body than he assumed the command without consulting any one, and he caused us to lose a day and a half at the Isle of Elba, instead of making for Marseilles direct.” • # As to taking the command of the vessel,” replied Morrel, * that was his duty as mate ; as to losing a day and a half off the Isle of Elba, he was wrong, unless the ship wanted repairs.” . THE COUNT OR V ONTE CRI^Q, 5 •'The ship was as sound as I am, and as, I hope, you fata M. Morrel, and this time was lost from pure whim, for the pleasure of going ashore, and nothing else. ’ " Dantes ! ” said the shipowner, turning towards the young man, • 4 come this way ! ” "In a moment, sir,” answered Dantes. Then calling to the crew, he said — " Let go ! ” The anchor was instantly dropped, and the chain ran rattling through the port-hole. Dantes continued at his post in spite of the presence of the pilot, until this manoeuvre was completed, and then he added, " Half-mast the flags and stay the yards ashore.” "You see,” said Danglars, " he fancies himself captain already, upon my word.” " And so, in fact, he is,” said the owner. " Except your signature and your partner’s, M. Morrel.” " 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 Danglars’ brow. " Your pardon, M. Mor- rel,” said Dantes, approaching, " the ship now rides at anchor, and I am at your service. You hailed me, I think? ” Danglars retreated a step or two. " I wished to inquire why you stopped at the Isle of Elba ? ” " I do not know, sir ; it was to fulfill a last instruction of Cap- tain Leclere, who, when dying, gave me a packet for Marshal Bertrand.” Morrel looked around him, and then, drawing Dantes on one side, he said suddenly — *' And how is the emperor ? ” " Very well, as far as I could judge ^om my eyes. He entered the apartment whilst I was there.” •• And you spoke to him ? ” " He asked me questions about the ship, the time it left Mar- seilles, the course she had taken, and what was her cargo. I be- lieve, 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 Morrel and Son. ‘Ah! ha! ’ he said, ' I know them ! The Morrels have been ship-owners for generations, though one was a soldier, who served in the same garrison with me, at Valence.’ ” "By Jove, that is true,” exclaimed Morrel delighted, "he means my uncle Policar, who became a captain. Dantes, tell him that the emperor remembered him and you will see the old veteran look moist about the eyes. Come, come,” added he, slapping ffie young officer on the shoulder, " you were quite right to follow Leclere’ s instructions and stop at Elba, though you might be both- ?red if known you handed a packet to the marshal and chatted with the exile.” " How could it entangle me?” said Dantes, " I did not know 6 the count of monte crjsto . ^rha)t I carried and the emperor only spoke to me as to any fieKt man. But here tome the medical officers and the customs — ” “ Attend to them,” said Morrel whom Danglars approached, asking him if he were satisfied with the explanations. “But,” said he, “how about the letter of Leclere’s which he left at Porto Ferrajo 1 was passing the cabin door when I saw that given. But unless he gave you it, I may be mistaken — say nothing to him.” Dant&s returned, having settled everything, anu tne ship-owner asked him to dinner. “Excuse me,” said Edmond, “ but I always pay my first v^isit to my father.” “ Right, Dantes, quit* right. I always knew you were a good son.” “And,” inquired Dantes, with some hesitation, “ do you know how my father is? ” “ Well, I believe, my dear Edmond, though I have not seen him lately.” “ Yes, he likes to keep himself shut up in his little room.” “ That proves, at least, that he has wanted for nothing during your absence.” Dantes smiled. “My father is proud, sir ; and if he had not a meal left, I doubt if he would have asked anything from any one, except God.” “ Weil, then, after this first visit has been made we rely on you.” “I must again excuse myself, M. Morrel; for after this first visit has been paid I have another, which I am most anxious to pay.” “ True, Dant&s, I forgot that there was at the Catalans some one who expects you no less impatiently than your father— the lovely Mercedes.” Dant&s blushed. “ Ah ! ah ! ” said the ship-owner, “ that does not astonish me, for she has been to me three times, inquiring if there were any news. Edmond, you have a very handsome flame.” “ She is not my flame,” replied the young sailor, gravely ; “ she is my betrothed .’ 9 “ Well, well, my dear Edmond,” continued the owner, “ do not 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. Do you want any money ? ” “No, sir; I have all my pay to take— nearly three months® wages.” “You are a careful fellow, Edmond.” “ Say I have a poor father, sir.” “ Yes, yes, I know how good a son you are, so now haste away to see your father. I have a son, too, and I should be very wroth THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO. J trith those who detained him from me after a three months* voy- age." * ‘‘Then I have your leave, sir?** 44 Yes, if you have nothing more to say to me.** 44 Nothing.” 44 Captain Leclere did not, before he died, give you a letter for me ? M 4 4 He was unable to write, sir. But that reminds me that I must ask your leave of absence for some days.’* 14 To get married ? ” “Yes, first, and then to go to Paris.” 44 Very good ; have what time you require, Dantfcs. It will take quite six weeks to unload the cargo, and we can not get you ready for sea until three months after that ; only be back again in three months, for the Pharaoh,” added the owner, patting the sailor on the back, 44 cannot sail without her captain.” 44 Without her captain ! ” cried Dantes, his eyes sparkling with animation ; 44 pray, mind what you say, for you are touching on the most secret wishes of my heart. Is it really your intention to nominate me captain? ” 44 If I were sole owner I would appoint you this moment, my dear Dantes, and say it is settled ; but I have a partner, and you know the Italian proverb — 4 He who has a partner has a master.* But the thing is at least half done, as you have one out of two voices. Rely on me to procure you the other ; I will do my best.” 44 Ah! M. Morrel,” exclaimed the seaman, with tears in his eyes, and grasping the owner’s hand, 44 I thank you in the name of my father and of Mercedes. ** 44 Stay, Dantes — if you command, would you keep Danglars aboard ? * * 44 1 always respect my owners* choice.** 44 1 see you are a good-hearted fellow ; but I will not detain you. Good fortune ! ” The speaker watched the youth proceed to shore in a row boat, and Danglars did the same, but with hatred. CHAPTER II. FATHER AND SON. Dantes passed through the town after landing, to Meillans Alley, where he entered a small house ; ascending four flights, he peeped into a little room. This apartment was occupied by Dantfcs* father. The news of the arrival had not yet reached the old man, who, mounted on a THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO. chair, was amusing himself with staking some nasturtiums which, mingled with clematis, formed a trellis at his window. Suddenly, he felt an arm thrown round his body, and a well-known voice be- hind him exclaimed, “ Father! dear father! ” The old man uttered a cry, and turned round ; then, seeing his son, he fell into his arms, pale and trembling. “Come, come, cheer up, my dear father! ’Tis I — really I! They say joy never hurts, and so I come to you without any warn- ing. Come now, look cheerfully at me, instead of gazing as you do with your eyes so wide. Here I am back again, and we will now be happy.’* “ Yes, yes, my boy, so we wil^-," replied the old man ; “but how shall we be happy ? Will you never leave me again? Come, tell me all the good fortune that has befallen you.” “God forgive me,” said the young man, “for rejoicing at happiness derived from the misery of others ; but, Heaven knows, I did not seek this good fortune : it has happened, and I really cannot affect to lament it. Our good Captain Leclere is dead, father, and it is probable that, with the aid of M. Morrel, I shall have his place. Do you understand, father ? Only imagine me a captain at twenty, with a hundred louis pay, and a share in the profits! Is this not more than a poor sailor like me could have hoped for ? ” “Yes, my dear boy,” replied the old man, “ and much more than you could have expected.” “ Well, then, with the first money I touch, I mean you to have a small house, with a garden. But what ails you, father? Are not you well ? ” “’Tis nothing, nothing; it will soon pass away and as he said so the old man’s strength failed him, and he fell backwards. “ Come, come,” said the young man, “ a glass of wine, father, will revive you. Where do you keep you wine ? ” “ No, no ; thank ye. You need not look for it ; I do not want it,” said the old man. “Yes, yes, father, tell me where it is,” and lie opened two or three cupboards. “ It is no use,” said the old man, “ there is no wine.” “ What ! no wine ? ” said Dantes, turning pale, and looking al« ternately at the hollow cheeks of the old man and the empty cup- boards, “ What ! no wine ? Have you wanted money, father? ” “ I want nothing since I see you,” said the old man. “Yet,” stammered Dantes, wiping the perspiration from his brow, — “ yet I gave you two hundred francs when I left, three months ago.” “ Yes, yes, Edmond, that is true, but you forgot at that time a little debt to our neighbor, Caderousse. He reminded me of it, telling me if I did not pay for you, he would go to M. Morrel ; and so* you see, lest he might do you an injury, I paid him.” THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO. g ••But/* cried Dantes, 44 it was a hundred and forty francs I owed Caderousse.” “ Ye-es,’* faltered the old man. ** Then you have only had sixty francs to live on these three months? You rend my heart ! But I am home with fine prospects and some cash.” He put some coin on the table, which made the old man’s eyes glisten. 44 Nay, I will use your boon moderately; if seen to be lavish, folks will say I had to wait for your coming to be in funds.” • 4 Do as you like, but hire a servant. I have some coffee and tobacco which I have run past the customs-house sharks. But, hush ! here comes Caderousse to congratulate me — lips saying one thing — his heart another ! ” Caderousse’s black head and bearded face appeared ; he was a man about twenty -five ; in his hand, as a tailor, was the cloth for a coat-skirt. He grinned a welcome to Edmond and begged him not to thank him for the kindness to his father. 44 Let us only talk of your happy return. I was on the quay to match some cloth when I met friend Danglars who told me you were home again. But you seem to return rich,” said he, eyeing the coin greedily. 44 No, my father showed me that he had a stock when I asked if he had been short.” 44 1 hear that you were in such a haste to greet your father that you would not dine with the shipper. That is right and yet when one is on the road to be captain he ought to curry favor with the owner! but be captain — nothing will please your friends better ! and I know one behind St. Nicholas fort, who will not be sorry to hear it ! ” 44 Mercedes! '* exclaimed the old man. 44 Go] ah, heaven has blessed you in such a wife as me in such a son.” 44 Wife ! ” repeated Caderousse ; 44 how fast you run ! Merce- des is a fine slip and has sweethearts by dozens ! but go to her ! ” He preceded Dantes, and went to join the supercargo at the corner whence they went to a tavern to have wine. 44 Why did you stir up his jealousy? asked Danglars. 44 Not at all, but she ?ias a strapping fellow with her every time she comes to town.” 4 * Let us go to the Catalans ! ** Caderousse was ready to go anywhere as long as another paid the refreshment bills. They stopped at Father Pamphile’s Re* *erve inn while Dantes kept on his way. 20 THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO. i CHAPTER lit THE BEAUTY OF THE CATALANS* The Catalans is a small half-Moorish, half-Spanish village* peopled by a race which does not intermix with that at Marseilles. It has but a single street in which a small house contained a beautiful girl, with hair as black as jet, and eyes as velvety as the gazelle’s, was leaning with her back against the wainscot, rubbing, in her slender fingers, a bunch of heath blossoms, the flowers of which she was picking off, and strewing on the floor ; her arms bare to the elbow, embrowned, and resembling those of the Venus at Arles, moved with impatience, and she tapped the earth with her pliant and well-formed foot, so as to display the pure and full shape of her well-turned leg, in its red cotton stocking with grey and blue clocks. At three paces from her, seated in a chair which he balanced on two legs, leaning his elbow on an old worm-eaten table, was a tall man of twenty or two-and-twenty, looking at her with an air in which vexation and uneasiness were mingled. He questioned her with his eyes, but the firm and steady gaze con- trolled his look. “You see, Mercedes,” said the young man, “here is Easter come round again ; tell me, is not this the moment for a wed- ding ? do you forget that it is among the Catalans a sacred law to intermarry ? ” “You mistake, Fernand, it is not a law, but merely a custom ; and, I pray, do not cite this custom in your favor. You are in- cluded in the conscription, Fernand, and are only at liberty on sufferance, liable at any moment to be called upon to take up arms. Once a soldier, what would you do with me, a poor orphan, for- lorn, without fortune, with nothing but a hut, half in ruins, con- taining some ragged nets — a miserable inheritance left by my father to my mother, and by my mother to me ? She has been dead a year, and you know, Fernand, I have subsisted almost entirely on public charity. Sometimes you pretend I am useful to you, and that is an excuse to share with me the produce of your fishing, and I accept it, Fernand, because you are the son of my father’s brother, because we were brought up together, and still more because it would give you so much pain if I refuse. But I feel very deeply that this fish which I go and sell, and with the produce of which I buy the flax I spin, — this is charity.” “ And if it were, Mercedes, poor and lone as you are, you suit THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO. II me as well as the daughter of the leading ship-owner, or the richest banker of Marseilles ! What do such as we desire but a good wife and careful housekeeper, and where can I look for these better than in you ? ” “ Fernand,” answered Mercedes, shaking her head, “ a woman becomes a bad manager, and who shall say she will remain an honest wife, when she loves another man better than her hus- band ? I love Edmond Dantes, and i&one but Edmond shall ever be my husband.” Fernand let fall his head like a defeated man, heaved a sigh which resembled a groan, and then suddenly looking her full in the face, with clenched teeth and expanded nostrils, said, — “ But if he is dead ’ * “ If he is dead, I shall die too.” “ If he has forgotten you ” “ Mercedes ! ” cried a voice, joyously, outside the house. “ Ah ! ” exclaimed the girl, blushing with delight, and springing up with love, “ you see he has not forgotten me, for here he is ! ” And rushing toward the door, she opened it, saying, “ Here, Ed- mond, here I am ! ” Fernand, pale and trembling, receded like a traveler at the sight of a serpent, and fell into a chair. Edmond and Mercedes were clasped in each other’s arms. The burning sun, which pene- trated by the open door, covered them with a flood of light. At first they saw nothing around them. Their intense happiness iso- lated them from all the rest of the world, and they only spoke in broken words, which are the tokens of a joy so extreme that they seem rather the expression of sorrow. Suddenly Edmond saw the gloomy countenance of Fernand, as it was defined in the shadow, pale and threatening, and by a movement, for which he could scarcely account, the young Catalan placed his hand on the knife at his belt. ‘‘Ah! your pardon,” said Dantes, frowning in his turn; “I did not perceive that there was company.” Then, turning to Mercedes, he inquired, “ Who is this gentleman ? ” “ One who will be your best friend, Dantes, for he is my friend, my cousin, my brother ; it is Fernand — the man whom, after you, Edmond, I love the best in the world. Do you not remember him ? ” “ Yes ; but I did not know, when I came with such haste to you, that I was to meet an enemy here.” “An enemy!” cried Mercedes, with an angry look at her cousin. “ An enemy in my house, do you say, Edmond ! If I believed that, I would place my arm under yours and go with you to Marseilles, leaving the house to return to It no more.” Fernand’s eye darted lightning. “And should any misfortune occur to you, dear Edmond,” she continued, with the calmness which proved to Fernand that the girl had read the very THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO. t% innermost depths of his sinister intention, “ if misfortune should occur to you, I would ascend the highest point of Cape Morgion* and cast myself headlong from it.*’ Fernand became deadly pale. " But you are deceived, Ed- mond/* she continued. “ You have no enemy here — there is no one but Fernand, my brother, who will grasp your hand as a de* voted friend.” » And at these words the girl fixed her imperious look on the {Catalan, who, as if fascinated by it, came slowly toward Edmond, ’and offered him his hand. His hatred, like a powerless though furious wave, was broken by Mercedes’ ascendancy. But to touch Dantes* hand was as much as he could constrain himself to do* and he instantly darted out of the house. He was still running when he was hailed from the tavern, where Danglars had halted with the tailor. The latter had already im- bibed heavily but the treater was sober. He saw in the Catalan’s eye that fire of revenge and jealousy with which he might burn down his enemy’s castle. While hatching a scheme, he asked the fugitive to sit down and carouse. They were so engaged when the ‘ happy couple of Dantes and his beloved strolled along. Mercedes was talking all the time she could as Edmond announced that he had to go to Paris. Danglars guessed that this singular journey was linked to the letter he had seen confided to the acting captain and as soon as the pair were gone, induced Fernand to write a denunciatory let- ter to the royal prosecutor which would remove his rival. Cader* ousse. in his tipsy state, was persuaded that it was only a practical joke. “Hurrah!” said the supercargo to himself, “the thing is launched and will reach home without anymore urging 1 " CHAPTER IV. THE INTERRUPTED WEDDING. It was necessary to have the scheme ready, for Dantes had lost no time on his side. He wished to be married before he started on his mission to the capital. He had a plenteous feast prepared at Reserve Tavern where before noon his crew and friends as- sembled. Morrel also condescended to participate in the celebra- tion of his mate’s happiness. Fernand attended though his feat* ures wore a sinister smile. Neither Mercedes nor Edmond observed the strange expression. Danglars and Caderousse took their places beside Ferannd and old Dantes,— the latter of whom attracted universal notice, attired THE COUNT OF MON TE CRTS TO. *3 In a suit of black, trimmed with steel buttons, beautitully cut and polished. Beside him crept Caderousse, whose desire to partake of the good things provided for the wedding-party had induced him to become reconciled to the Dantes, father and son, although there still lingered in his mind a faint recollection of events of the preceding night ; just as the brain retains on waking tlie dim and misty outlines of the dream. As Danglars approached the disappointed lover, he cast on him a look of deep meaning, while Fernand, as he paced behind the happy pair, entirely forgotten by the bride, was pale and abstract- ed : occasionally, however, a deep flush would overspread his countenance, and a nervous contraction distort his limbs, while he would glance in the direction of Marseilles, like one who either anticipated or foresaw some great event. Dantes himself was simply clad in the dress peculiar to the merchant navy — a costume somewhat between a military and a civil garb ; and his fine countenance was radiant with joy and happiness. Lovely as the Greeks Mercedes boasted the same bright eyes of jet and coral lips. One of great cities would have hid her glee beneath a veil, or, at least, have cast down her thickly-fringed lashes, but the girl looked around her with a smile that seemed to invite all who saw her to behold, and rejoice with her. Immediately the bridal pair came in sight of La Reserve, M. Morrel came forth to meet it, followed by the soilders and sailors there assembled, to whom he had repeated the promise already given, that Dantes should be the successor to the late Captain Leclere. Edmond, at the approach, respectfully placed the arm of his affianced bride within Morrel’ s, who, forthwith conducting her up the flight of wooden steps leading to the chamber in which the feast was prepared, was followed by the guests, beneath who they creaked and groaned. 41 Father,* * said Mercedes, stopping when she had reached the centre of the table, “sit, I pray you, on my right hand ; on my left I will place him who has ever been a brother to me,” pointing with a softness to Fernand ; but inflicting torture on him, for his lips became ghastly pale, and even beneath the dark hue of his complexion the blood might be seen retreating to the heart. During this time, Dantes, at the opposite side of the table, had< been occupied in placing his guests. M. Morrel was seated at his right hand, Danglars at his left ; while, at a sign from Edmond, the rest of the company ranged themselves as most agreeable. And now commenced the work of devastation upon the many $ood things with which the table was loaded. “A pretty silence truly ! ” said the old father of the bride- groom, as he carried to his lips a glass of wine of the hue of the tfrpaii, ju&t placed before Merc£d£s herself, “ Now, would auy* f4 ^ THE COUNT or MONTE CRISTO. body think that of * r who desire nothing better than to laugh ? ** “Ah ! ” sighed Cadciousse, “ a man cannot always feel happy Decause he is about to be married.’* “The truth is,” replied Dantes, “that I am too happy for mirth ; that is what you meant by your observation, my worthy friend, you are right ; joy takes a strange effect at times, it seems to oppress us almost the same as sorrow.” " Danglars looked towards Fernand, whose excitable nature re- ceived and betrayed each fresh impression. “ Why, what ails you ? ” asked he of Edmond. “ Do you fear any approaching evil ? I should say that you were the happiest man alive at this instant.” “ And that is the very thing that alarms me,** returned Dantes. “ Man does not appear to me to be intended to enjoy felicity so unmixed ; happiness is like the enchanted palaces where dragons defend the entrance ; and monsters to be overcome. I own that I am lost in wonder to find myself promoted to an honor of which I feel myself unworthy — that of being the husband of Mercedes.’* “Nay, nay!” cried Caderousse, smiling, “you have not at- tained that honor yet. Mercedes is not yet your wife. Just as- sume the tone and manner of a husband, and see how she will re- mind you that your hour is not yet come ! ** The bride blushed, and seemed half-inclined to be angry ; while Fernand, restless and uneasy, seemed to start at every fresh sound, occasionally applying his handkerchief to his brow to wipe away the large drops of perspiration. “Well, never mind that, neighbor Caderousse ; it is not worth while to contradict me for such a trifle as that. ’Tis true that Mercedes is not actually my wife ; but,” added he, drawing out his watch, “in an hour and a half from this she will be fast and firm.” A general exclamation of surprise ran round the table, with the exception of the elder Dantes, whose laugh displayed still perfect teeth. Mercedes looked pleased, while Fernand grasped the handle of his knife with a convulsive clutch. “In an hour?” inquired Danglars, turning pale. “How is that, my friend ? ” “Why, thus it is,” replied Dantes. “Thanks to the influence of M. Morrel, to whom, next to my father, I owe every blessing I enjoy, every difficulty has been removed. We have purchased permission ; and at half-past two o’clock the Mayor of Marseilles will be waiting for us. Now, as a quarter-past one has already struck, I do not consider I have asserted too much in saying, that in another hour and thirty minutes Mercedes will have become Mdme. Dantes.” Fernand closed his eyes, a burning sensation passed across his brow, and he was compelled to support himself by the table to THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO. prevent his falling from his chair ; but in spite of all his efforts, ne could not refrain from uttering a deep groan, which, however, was lost amid the felicitations of the company. “Upon my word," cried the old man, “ you make short work. Arrived here only yesterday morning, and married to-day at three ©’clock ! Commend me to a sailor for going the quick way to work ! " “So that what we presumed to be merely the betrothal feast turns out to be the actual wedding dinner ! ” said Danglars. “No, no ! " answered Dantes ; “ you shall lose nothing by it — rest easy ! To-morrow morning, I am off to Paris, so that with my task properly done in a day I can go and return in eight. Back on the first of March, the second shall be the regular wedding feast." This prospect of additional junketting doubled the jollity so that the elder Dantes, who had at the outset complained of the party being quiet, was making vain efforts amid the babble, to propose his toast to the happiness of the engaged pair. Divining his in- tention, Edmond rewarded him with a smile of affection, and Mercedes glanced at the cuckoo clock and made a sign to her affianced one. At this moment Danglars, who had not lost sight of Fernand’s look and manner, perceived him stagger and fall back, with an almost convulsive spasm, against a seat placed near one of the open windows. At the same instant the ear caught a sort of indistinct sound on the stairs, followed by the measured tread of soldiery, with the clanking of swords and accoutrements ; then came a hum of voices, so as to deaden even the mirth of the bridal party, among whom a vague feeling of curiosity and apprehension quelled every disposition to talk, and almost instantaneously uneasy still- ness prevailed. Nearer and nearer came those sounds of terror. Three distinct knocks came. Each looked inquiringly in the countenance of his neighbor. “I demand admittance," said a loud voice outside the room, “in the name of the law !" As no attempt was made to prevent it, the door was opened, and a magistrate, wearing his official scarf, presented himself, followed by four soldiers and a corporal. Uneasiness now yielded to dread. “May J inquire the reason of this unexpected visit ?" said M, Morrel, addressing the magistrate, whom he knew ; “there is doubtless some mistake." “ If it be so," replied the magistrate, “rely upon every repara- tionbeing made ; meanwhile, I am the bearer of an order of arrest, and although I most reluctantly perform the task assigned me, it must, nevertheless, be fulfilled. Who among the persons answers to the name of Edmond Dantes?" Every eye was turned towards She individual so described, who, spite of the agitation he could i6 THE COUNT OF MONTE CRTS TO. not but feel, advanced with dignity, and said, in a firm voice, ••£ am he ; what is your pleasure with me?” “ Edmond Dantes,” replied the magistrate, “ I arrest you in the name of the law !” “ Me 1” repeated Edmond, slightly changing color, “ and wherefore ?” 11 1 cannot inform you, but you will be acquainted at your first examination.” “What is the meaning of all this?” inquired Caderousse, frown- ingly, of Danglars, who had assumed an air of utter surprise. “ How can 1 tell vou?” replied he ; “ I am, like yourself, utterly bewildered at all that is going on, not a word of which do I under- stand.” Caderousse then looked around for Fernand, but he had disappeared. “ Where is Fernand?” inquired Caderousse. “ How do I know?” replied Danglars ; “gone, as every prudent man ought to do, to look after his own affairs, most likely. Never mind where he is, let you and I go and see what is to be done for our poor friends in affliction.” During this conversation, Dant&s, after having exchanged a cheerful shake of the hand with.all his sympathizing friends, had surrendered himself, merely saying, “Make yourselves quite easy, there is some little mistake to clear up, and very likely I may not have to go so far as the prison.” “Oh, to be sure !” responded Danglars, who approached, “ noth- ing more.” Dantes descended the staircase, preceded by the magistrate, and followed by the soldiers. A carriage awaited him at the door ; he got in, followed by two soldiers and the magistrate, and the vehicle drove off towards Marseilles. “ Adieu ! adieu ! dearest Edmond 1” cried Merc£d&s, springing out on the balcony. The prisoner caught the sob of his betrothed, from her heart, as leaning from the coach he cried — “ Good-bye, Mercddes !” The vehicle disappeared i 'mnd one of the turnings of Fort Saint Nicolas. “Wait for me here!” cried M. Morrel ; “ I will take the first conveyance I find, and hurry to Marseilles, whence I will bring you word.” “That’s right!” exclaimed all voices ; “go, and return as quickly as you can !” This second departure was followed by terrified stupor on the part of those left behind. The old father and Mercedes remained for some time apart, each absorbed in grief; but at length the victims of the same blow raised their eyes, and rushed into each other’s arms. Called upon for an explanation, Danglars suggested that his captain might have been smuggling and this was confirmed by old Dantes confessing that his son had promised him some coffee and THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO. I? tobacco. This had no soothing effect on the girl, who continued sobbing. After the other’s departure, Fernand again become protector to Mercedes, led the girl back to her home, while friends of Dantes conducted the parent to his abode. The rumor of Edmond’s arrest as a Bonapartist agent was not slow in circulating throughout the city. •* Could you ever have credited such a thing, my dear Dang- lars ?" asked M. Morrel, as, on his return to the port for the pur- pose of gleaning fresh tidings of Dantes, he overtook his super- cargo and Caderousse. “ Could you have believed such a thing?" “Why, you know I told you,’’ replied Danglars, “ that I con- sidered his having anchored at the isle of Elba as very suspicious." “And did you mention these- suspicions to any person beside myself? ’’ “Certainly not!" returned Danglars. Then added in a low whisper, “You understand that, on account of your uncle, M. Policar Morrel, who served under the other government, and who does not altogether conceal what he thinks on the subject, you are strongly suspected of regretting the abdication of Napoleon. I should injure both Edmond and yourself to a soul. A subordinate, is bound to acquaint the ship-owner with everything that occurs, but many things he ought most carefully to conceal from all else." “ ’Tis well, Danglars — ’tis well !" replied M. Morrel. 11 You are a worthy fellow ; and I had already thought of your interests in the event of poor Edmond having become captain of the Pharaoh. I had previously inquired of Dantes what was his opinion of you, and if he should have any reluctance to continue you in your post, for somehow I have perceived coolness between you two that led me to believe that he would rather have another in you place as supercargo.” “ He certainly did think he had given you offence in an affair which he merely referred to without entering into particulars, but that whoever possessed the good opinion and confidence of the ship’s owners would have his preference also." “The hypocrite!" murmured Danglars between his teeth. “ But now hasten on board, I will join you there ere long." So saying, the worthy ship owner quitted the two allies, and pro- ceeded. “You sed," said Danglars, addressing Caderousse, “the tu*n things have taken. Do you still feel any desire to stand up in hi* defence ? " “ Not the slightest, but yet it seems to me a shocking thing a mere joke should lead to such consequences." “ But who perpetrated that joke, let me ask ? neither you nor myself, but Fernand : you knew very well that I threw the paper into a corner of the arbor, — indeed, I fancied 1 had destroyed it." “ On, no l" replied Caderousse, “ that I can answer for, you did 2 i3 THE COUNT OF MONTE CRTS TO. not. I only wish I could see it now as plainly as I saw it lying crumpled in a corner.” “ Well, then, if you did, depend upon it, Fernand picked it up, and either copied it or caused it to be copied ; perphaps, even, he did not take the trouble of recopying it. And now I think of it, by Heavens! he has sent the letter itself ! Fortunately, for me, the handwriting was disguised.” “Then you were aware of Dant&s being engaged in a conspiracy ? ” ‘•Not I. As I before said, I thought the whole thing was a joke, nothing more. It seems, however, that I have stumbled upon the truth.” “ Still,” argued Caderousse, “ I would give a great deal if noth- ing of the kind had happened ; or, at least, that I had had no hand in it. You will see, Danglars, that it will turn out an unlucky job for both of us.” “ Nonsense ! If any harm comes of it, it should fall on the guilty person ; and that, you know, is Fernand. How can we be implicated in any way ? All we have got to do is, to keep our own counsel, and remain perfectly quiet, not breathing a word to any living soul ; and you will see that the storm will pass away.” “ Amen ! ” responded Caderousse, waving his hand in token of adieu to Danglars, and, moving his head to and fro, and muttering as he went, after the manner of one whose mind was overcharged. “So far, then,” said Danglars, mentally, “all has gone as I would have it. I am, temporarily, commander of the Pharaoh, with the certainty of being permanently so, if that fool Caderousse can be persuaded to hold his tongue. My only fear is the chance of Dantes being released. But bah! he is in the hands of Jus- tice; and,” added he, with a smile, “she will keep her prey.” So saying, he leaped into a boat, desiring to be rowed on board the Pharaoh, where M. Morrel had appointed to meet him. CHAPTER V. THE DEPUTY PROSECUTOR. In one of the large mansions situated in the Rue du Grand Cours opposite the fountain of Medusas, a second marriage-feast was being celebrated, almost at the same hour with the ill-fated nuptial repast given by Dantes. The guests were still at table, and the heated and energetic con- versation that prevailed betrayed the violent and vindictive pas- sions that then agitated each Southron, where, unhappily, religious itrife had long given increased bitterness to the violence of party feeling. THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO . 19 The emperor, now king of the petty isle of Elba, was looked Upon as a ruined man, separated for ever from any fresh connec- tion with France or claim to her throne. An old man, decorated with the cross of Saint Louis, now rose and proposed the health of King Louis XVIII. This aged individ- ual was the Marquis of Saint-Meran. This toast excited universal enthusiasm ; glasses were elevated in the air, and the ladies, snatching their bouquets from their fair bosoms, strewed the table with their floral treasures. In a word, an almost poetical fervor prevailed. “ Ah!” said the Marchioness of Saint-Meran, a woman with a stern, forbidding eye, though still noble and elegant-looking, de- spite her having reached her fiftieth year — 44 ah ! these revolution- ists, who have driven us from those very possessions they after- wards purchased for a mere trifle during the Reign of Terror, would be compelled to own, were they here, that all true devotion was on our side ; yes, yes, they could not help admitting that th