The Son Of Monte Cristo Part 92 (1/2)
He drew his revolvers from his pocket, and pointed one at Benedetto
”Move!” he cried, ”or I will kill you as I would a dog!”
”You would commit murder then, would you?”
”No--it would be simple self-protection I aht to be sacred to you”
”This woman,” said Benedetto, ”tells you she comes here not of her own free will Do you believe her?”
”Jane! answer him, my beloved! Tell him he lies!”
Benedetto started back
”Jane Zeld,” he said, ”tell the absolute truth Tell the Vicomte if you consider yourself worthy of him” Jane turned her weary eyes upon the Vicohter of the Lyons outcast has any right to lean on the arm of the Vicoentleman who your mother was Tell hih!”
”No, it is not enough Lead the Vicomte to your mother's tomb and there place your hand in his, if you dare!”
”Be silent!” cried Esperance, who felt hi mad
”But this is not all,” continued Benedetto ”Jane Zeld, shall I tell the Vicomte the name of your father?”
”I know it not!”
”Have you forgotten the man who took you from a wretched house at the time of your mother's death? This man was Sanselme, the former priest--Sanselme, the former convict, and your father! And now, Vicomte, will you kill
”She is dead!” cried Esperance ”Ah! coward and assassin, I will have your life for this Have you arms? I wish you to have some chance”
Benedetto threw aside the mantle he wore and shoords, one of which he threw at the feet of Esperance
Yes, he had long craved this duel, and, sure of his ability, felt that he had to do with a mere boy
Esperance seized the sword, and went up to Benedetto
”You have insultedthis woman who is dearer to me than life itself; it matters little who you are, prepare to die”
This rooround, but Esperance cared little for that His pulse beat no ed in the last few hours He felt hinity of chastiseuard There was aon the walls of a German cathedral, two men stand like this, and a little distance off, half hidden behind a tree, is the figure of Death
Esperance was perfectly cool, but Benedetto saw after two or three passes that he had no boy antagonist Calling together all his resources he razed Benedetto's breast
At this e!” sheman heard her voice, and the contest was renewed Ten times did the sword of Esperance menace the heart of Benedetto, ten tian to feel afraid The sword of the son of Monte-Cristo flashed and gleamed before his eyes like the fiery sword of the Bible Esperance was gaining the advantage, and a cry of rage escaped the panting breast of Benedetto Was it possible that after all, his vengeance was about to slip through his fingers? And was he to die instead of Monte-Cristo's son! He recoiled further and further, feeling that the sword of his opponent would pin him to the wall
Monte-Cristo's son said to him, ”Scoundrel! your life is in my power