Volume I Part 76 (1/2)
”I did not say it should beyou wish”
”What I want of you is neither gold nor your life I knoho you are, and the position you occupy in your country Your countryed Monte-Cristo
”Have patience Come here and write”
Maldar went toward a table upon which ritinga pen in Monte-Cristo's hand, he shoved a piece of paper toward him
The count was silent, and seated himself at the table
”I, the Count of Monte-Cristo,” the Arabian began to dictate, ”inforla, and have won the confidence of the Sultan Maldar More than one hundred French prisoners are in the Kiobeh The Khouans are not numerous and do not anticipate an attack
The defile of Bab-el-Zhur is easy to reach and only poorly defended A force of bold soldiers could secure possession of the city in an easy manner Success is certain”
Monte-Cristo, without hesitation, had written the words down, and the Arabian, looking sharply at him, continued:
”Put your name under what you have just written--”
”One word more,” interrupted the count ”I understand your aim You want to lead a French detachment in ambush?”
”Yes For the head of your son, I require those of a hundred French boy, should I, your father, ensnare one hundred Frenchnature alone is ; hear me, while I read it to you”
Monte-Cristo, in a tre voice, read the letter
”Spero, n the letter?”
”You cannot hear his voice,” said Maldar; ”but wait a ht here”
He motioned with his hand The door was thrown open, and the next minute Spero lay in his father's arms
”Speak, Spero, what shall I do?”
The boy took the paper and tore it into pieces
”Let them kill us,” he said, firave a wild yell and sprang upon the boy
”Wretched worm!” he hissed; ”are you aware that I can break every bone in your body?”
Saying this, Maldar drew a long pistol froht Monte-Cristo seized the Arab by the throat, and threw hi the Khouans