The Son Of Monte Cristo Part 95 (1/1)

”Whoever reads this paper will, if he be wise, destroy it And yet it may be that this colossal fortune will fall into the hands of a un better than I could have done

”May whoever finds this paper heed the last words of a dying man

”THE ABBe DANTeS

”_February 25th, 1865_”

Below this signature was a singular design Monte-Cristo studied it

”Yes, it is right,” he said ”Ah! Faria, may your treasure fall into worthier hands than mine!”

He felt strangely faint He laid his hand on his heart ”Yes, Esperance,” he said, softly, ”I come!”

He took up a crystal cube, which was solid enough to resist a shock of any kind He folded the paper, and placed it in the cube, sealing it carefully Then once more he ascended the stairs, and stood under the starlit sky

Monte-Cristo went down to the shore He raised the crystal cube above his head, and threith all his strength He heard it drop into the water Monte-Cristo's secret was given to the waves Then he turned, and slowly retraced his steps

As he went down the stairs his strength seemed to leave him He lay down next to Esperance He crossed his arms on his breast Upon his lips was a smile of ineffable peace His eyes closed He was at rest

Those who loved him often utter his name, and wipe away a tear as they speak of him But they never knehere he, as known as Edmond Dantes, Count of Monte-Cristo, died

THE END