Volume I Part 32 (1/2)
Just then the deep tones of a bell were heard, and Monte-Cristo arose
”My child,” he solemnly said, ”whatever your past has been, you have expiated it a thousand times, and you deserve the love of a humane and honest man”
”Ah, you recall Aslitta to me--where is he?”
Monte-Cristo sorrowfully shook his head
”Eugenie, the Marquis d'Aslitta was arrested two hours ago”
”Arrested Oh, my God! That is worse than death”
”All is not lost yet”
”Where is he?”
”In the citadel”
”Count, rescue him You are superhuman But tell me who betrayed him?”
”Benedetto”
Luciola uttered a cry of horror
”I will do what I can,” continued the count, ”to rescue him”
”A thousand thanks; I believe you”
The count went to the door and called:
”Spero”
The handsoly at his father
”Come with me,” said the count ”You are still a child, but froe and devotion to a just causeShould I die before my work is done, then take ht Ali to the count
”Are all here?” he asked
The Nubian nodded
”Ali, you knohat you have to do As soon as the slightest traitorous voice is heard, you give the signal”
Ali again nodded; the count shoved the curtain aside and disclosed a secret staircase
”Spero, conduct La Luciola,” he ordered, as he descended the stairs, followed by Spero and the diva