Volume I Part 23 (2/2)
”He is a man, he must be saved”
Ali came noith the rum The count poured a few drops into Benedetto's throat, Haydee rubbed his teh and his lips h his eyes still remained closed
The count examined the wound
”He will live,” he said decisively ”The wound is not dangerous”
”It would be better for society if he died,” hissed Bertuccio
”Bertuccio,” said the count sternly, ”get some water and wash out this wound”
”But, count, I--”
”Yes, you! Either you obey, or we shall separate”
Bertuccio hurried away and soon returned with soe, as he washed Benedetto's wound, but he did not dare to say a word
Haydee had in the e and discovered a small oaken box, which she tried in vain to open The count noticed it, and after he had carefully examined the lock, he murmured:
”I will try to open it withit The cover flew open, and the count could not repress a cry of surprise when he saw the pile of gold and bank-notes
”Count,” said Bertuccio, approaching, ”he is opening his eyes”
”Did he recognize you?”
”Oh, no, he is still confused”
”So much the better Keep yourself at a distance He will recover”
”What is this?” exclailimpse of the contents of the box ”It must be the spoils of some new robbery”
”Undoubtedly,” said the count; ”but, stay, there is a letter under these bank-notes which ht clear up the mystery”
”My son,” ran the letter, ”I will send this letter to you on the eve of iven me To-morrow I shall see you for the last time May God be with you and place you under his protection Your mother, H D”
Monte-Cristo shuddered
”Herlars,” heBertuccio aside, he bent over Benedetto, and said, in a voice which penetrated the deepest depths of the soul:
”Benedetto, hear me!”