Volume I Part 4 (1/2)

”Have you anything to say, prisoner?” asked the judge

”No, sir, these honest people unfortunately tell the truth,” said Benedetto, meekly

A ain the clerk exclaimed:

”Monsieur Noirtier de Villefort!”

”What!” exclaioing to be so cruel as to ain?”

”Gentlee, as if in answer to Beauchaht it necessary to call Monsieur de Villefort, although in the present state of his health there is little chance of his being able to clear up those points which are still obscure”

Deep silence reigned--the door was opened, and Monsieur de Villefort appeared on the threshold

CHAPTER VII

A MIRACLE

The Count of Monte-Cristo had indeed left Paris shortly after the first sitting of the Benedetto case had been so strangely interrupted In his co officer, Maximilian Morrel, as so shocked at the death of his beloved Valentine as not to be any longer recognizable as the gay young officer ith Chateau-Renaud, Beaucha cavaliers of the capital A syht Morrel into a bond of friendshi+p with the Count of Monte-Cristo, and he told hirief at the sudden death of his idol

But even Monte-Cristo's consolations brought no relief to the young man, and he resolved to put an end to his life, so as to be joined at least in death with his cherished darling

He had already written the letter, the weapon lay on his table, when he was disturbed by an unwelcome visit fro to do, Maxi which is left to an unfortunate who has been robbed of the onenation

”I understand you; he who has known Valentine as I have could readily excuse the abominable step you were about to take”

”And do you not approve of it?” asked the young man, in a tone of astonishment

”That depends on circumstances; these circumstances are, however, not yet here,proposition: If, at the end of a ard this suicide as a criive you a pohich will put an end to your life without leaving such ugly traces as that pistol on your desk”

”If you can wake the dead, then you can help me But this miraculous power I do not believe even you have Nevertheless, I have never refused you a favor, and accede to your request, on condition that you pro out n”

”Accepted,” said the count, as he stretched out his hand affectionately toward the young rasped it without hesitation

”To-day a month,” he continued, ”I shall await you on the island of Monte-Cristo”

With these words Monte-Cristo left his friend

Maximilian remained true to his word Five days before the expiration of the fateful month he went from Paris to Marseilles and e to the count for the little island of Monte-Cristo, which he reached on the appointed day Ali, the black servant of the count, met him on the wharf and conducted him to the count's apartments

”Here I am, count, to receive the powder from your hands which will realizecan induce you to give up your design then?” asked Monte-Cristo