Volume I Part 70 (2/2)

”Enemies, you say? How many were there?”

”Two They were Arabs Ajassuas, as I believe Oh, beware of them!”

”Bertuccio, since twenty years you have been a faithful friend to me

Speak, and I swear on my honor I will do what you say”

”My dear master--it is--about--that wretch”

”You speak of Benedetto?”

”Yes I would have killed hilad I did not do it I ask you as a favor to--”

”To what?”

”To let Benedetto live, if he should ever cross your path He must not die by your hand”

”I swear not to kill him, Bertuccio; by the head of my child”

Bertuccio muttered his thanks, and passed silently away

”The lion has conquered the lion,” whispered a voice close to the count

Monte-Cristo turned around and saw a delicate young girl in a white bernouse

”Who are you?” he gently asked

CHAPTER LIV

MEDJE

At the count's question, the girl passed her small white hand slowly across her forehead, and in a low voice said:

”I aer has any family, for her family has been tortured; she has no native country, for it has exiled her; no friend, for her only one is in the power of his enemies”

”Then your name is Medje?” exclaimed the count in a sudden fit of joyful inspiration

”Yes, I a back her veil and revealing a countenance of superb beauty

Coucou now hastened up, and as he beheld the young Arabian, he excitedly exclaimed:

”Medje, commander, it is Medje Ask her where her 'little papa' is”