Volume I Part 61 (2/2)
The count turned to Mercedes
”Mercedes,” he said to Albert's mother, ”you see I do not shrink from any sacrifice when it is a question of duty Love my Haydee and console her She needs it”
”I swear it,” replied Mercedes, sole Haydee in her arms, she added: ”There is still time, Haydee; tell me, 'My husband and my child should stay here,' and I shall acquiesce in it”
”You hear her words, Haydee,” said Monte-Cristo, casting an anxious look at Ali Tebelen's daughter ”What is your answer?”
Haydee's beautiful face was illuminated with a halo as she took Spero's arm and led him to his father
”Be worthy of hi at the young wife's feet, and exclaiain; I feel it”
The count finished all his preparations and chose the best weapons He ith Spero to the dock the next , and was met by Jacopo, who looked like a different person
”Have you inspected everything?” asked Monte-Cristo of the Corsican
”And are you satisfied?”
”Yes, master”
”How many men have you?”
”Ten, sir; they are all trustworthy and have travelled in Africa before
I can answer for them”
”Good Ah! there you are, Coucou,” said the count, turning to the Zouave ”I alad that you are punctual”
The count inspected the yacht and expressed his delight to Jacopo
The Crocodile was also lying, ready to sail, in the harbor Wharton, confident of overtaking the Ice Bird, paced up and down the deck, rubbing his hands and frolances at the yacht
Fro hour was rung The count gave the signal for the departure, and the Ice Bird glided gracefully through the waters
Monte-Cristo stood on deck looking back at France, where a part of his heart was left behind
He had been talking with Spero for over an hour about their future plans, when a sudden commotion was heard, and the count, as a strict disciplinarian, looked angrily about Before he had time to inquire about the cause of the noise, a heavydown the cabin stairs The count opened the door and saw the Zouave and another strange looking person, lying like a ball of cord on the floor They both rose, but the Zouave would not let go of the other's throat at any price The stranger was dressed in rags, and his thin, haggard face and glaring eyesof this, Coucou?” asked the count, angrily
”Captain,” the Zouave breathlessly replied, ”I know I did wrong, but I could not help it Just look at the face of this fellow”
Monte-Cristo looked searchingly at the man
”Where did you pick him up?” he asked of the Zouave