The Count of Monte Cristo

oor again, nor was the precaution useless, as appeared from the rapid retreat of Germain, who proved that he was not exempt from the sin which ruined our first parents. M. Noirtier then took the

man, with a very significant look, "do you know,

contrary, delighted; but I so little expected

say the same thing to you, when you announce to me your wedding for th

g closer to M. Noirtier, "do not complain, for it is for

lf out at his ease in the chair. "Really, pray t

of a certain Bonapartist clu

, I am vice-

coolness makes

is in a hay-cart, been hunted over the plains of Bordeaux by Robespierre's bloodhounds, he

eral Quesnel, who quitted his own house at nine o'clock

d you this f

ing hi

ur story," continued Noirtier

I already know what you

rd of the landing

eard this news, and knew it even before you could; for three days ago I posted from

azy. Why, three days ago th

was aware of h

you know

ssed to you from t

me

Had that letter fallen into the hands of another, you, my dear father

mptly? Shot, my dear boy? What an idea! Where is the letter you speak of?

gment should remain; for that letter

d Noirtier; "yes, I can easily comprehend that. But I

han that, sir-

hing becomes more and more

to the club in the

re to the police. Why didn't they search

ound; but they a

t fault, it declares that it is on the track; and the government patiently awa

he general has been killed, and in al

ral was murdered. People are found every day in the Seine, having thro

f in despair, and people do not bathe in the Seine in the month of January

hus design

ing hi

vited him to the Rue Saint-Jacques, where he would find some friends. He came there, and the plan was unfolded to him for leaving Elba, the projected landing, etc. When he had heard and comprehended all to the fullest extent, he replied that he was a royalist. Then all looked at each other,--he was made to take an oath, and did so, but with such an ill grace that it was really tempting Providence to swear him, and yet, in spite of that, the general was allowed to depart free--perfectly free.

when our turn comes, our

understa

the usurper

do

ues into the interior of France without being f

the way to Grenoble; on the 10th or 12th he will

ple will

go and me

n with him, and armies will

telegraph has told you, three days after the landing, 'The usurper has landed at Cannes with several men. He is pursued.' But

ful cities, and will oppose t

proof of it? well, you wished to conceal your journey from me, and yet I knew of your arrival half an hour after you had passed the barrier. You gave your direction to no one but your postili

at his father with astonishment, "you

r have only the means that money produces--we who ar

id Villefort,

is, I believe, the phra

he bell-rope, to summon the servant whom his

r," said the young m

y o

st police may be, they do

is t

rning of the day when General Quesnel disa

found that out, have they? And

-coat, buttoned up to the chin; rosette of an officer of the Legi

d Noirtier; "and why, then, hav

fore, they lost sight of him at t

your police were

hey may cat

ake a few changes in his personal appearance." At these words he rose, and put off his frock-coat and cravat, went towards a table on which lay his son's toilet

-buttoned frock-coat, a coat of Villefort's of dark brown, and cut away in front; tried on before the glass a narrow-brimmed hat of his son's, which appeared to fit him perfectly, and, leaving his can

son, when this disguise was completed, "well, d

ered Villefort; "at

r, "I rely on your prudence to remove all

n me," said

you have really saved my life; be assured I will re

not convi

t, that you may

see the k

rha

s in his eyes

re not in favor at

ce; and supposing a second restoration

hould I say t

is powerful enough to show you mercy, but because it would be humiliating for a grandson of Saint Louis to owe his life to the man of Arcola, Marengo, Austerlitz.' Tell him this, Gérard; or, rather, tell him nothing. Keep your journey a secret; do not boast of what you have come to Paris to do, or have done; return with all speed; enter Marseilles at night, and your house by the back-door, and there remain, quiet, submissive, secret, and, above all, inoffensive; for this time, I swear to you, we shall act like powerful men who know their enemies. Go, my son--go, my dear Gérard, and by your obedience to my paternal orders, or, if you prefer it, friendly counsels, we will keep you in your place.

dark closet, broke the cane into small bits and flung it in the fire, put on his travelling-cap, and calling his valet, checked with a look the thousand questions he was ready to ask, paid his bill, sprang into his carriage, which was ready, learne