Reading Help The Count of Monte Cristo Ch.11-39
thing. Besides, it were better to die than to continue to `
` lead this low and wretched life." Thus Dantes, who but three `
` months before had no desire but liberty had now not liberty `
` enough, and panted for wealth. The cause was not in Dantes, `
` but in providence, who, while limiting the power of man, has `
` filled him with boundless desires. `
` `
` Meanwhile, by a cleft between two walls of rock, following a `
` path worn by a torrent, and which, in all human probability, `
` human foot had never before trod, Dantes approached the spot `
` where he supposed the grottos must have existed. Keeping `
` along the shore, and examining the smallest object with `
` serious attention, he thought he could trace, on certain `
` rocks, marks made by the hand of man. `
` `
` Time, which encrusts all physical substances with its mossy `
` mantle, as it invests all things of the mind with `
` forgetfulness, seemed to have respected these signs, which `
` apparently had been made with some degree of regularity, and `
` probably with a definite purpose. Occasionally the marks `
` were hidden under tufts of myrtle, which spread into large `
` bushes laden with blossoms, or beneath parasitical lichen. `
` So Edmond had to separate the branches or brush away the `
` moss to know where the guide-marks were. The sight of marks `
` renewed Edmond fondest hopes. Might it not have been the `
` cardinal himself who had first traced them, in order that `
` they might serve as a guide for his nephew in the event of a `
` catastrophe, which he could not foresee would have been so `
` complete. This solitary place was precisely suited to the `
` requirements of a man desirous of burying treasure. Only, `
` might not these betraying marks have attracted other eyes `
` than those for whom they were made? and had the dark and `
` wondrous island indeed faithfully guarded its precious `
` secret? `
` `
` It seemed, however, to Edmond, who was hidden from his `
` comrades by the inequalities of the ground, that at sixty `
` paces from the harbor the marks ceased; nor did they `
` terminate at any grotto. A large round rock, placed solidly `
` on its base, was the only spot to which they seemed to lead. `
` Edmond concluded that perhaps instead of having reached the `
` end of the route he had only explored its beginning, and he `
` therefore turned round and retraced his steps. `
` `
` Meanwhile his comrades had prepared the repast, had got some `
` water from a spring, spread out the fruit and bread, and `
` cooked the kid. Just at the moment when they were taking the `
` dainty animal from the spit, they saw Edmond springing with `
` the boldness of a chamois from rock to rock, and they fired `
` the signal agreed upon. The sportsman instantly changed his `
` direction, and ran quickly towards them. But even while they `
` watched his daring progress, Edmond's foot slipped, and they `
` saw him stagger on the edge of a rock and disappear. They `
` all rushed towards him, for all loved Edmond in spite of his `
` superiority; yet Jacopo reached him first. `
` `
` He found Edmond lying prone, bleeding, and almost senseless. `
` He had rolled down a declivity of twelve or fifteen feet. `
` They poured a little rum down his throat, and this remedy `
` which had before been so beneficial to him, produced the `
` same effect as formerly. Edmond opened his eyes, complained `
` of great pain in his knee, a feeling of heaviness in his `
` head, and severe pains in his loins. They wished to carry `
` him to the shore; but when they touched him, although under `
` Jacopo's directions, he declared, with heavy groans, that he `
` could not bear to be moved. `
` `
` It may be supposed that Dantes did not now think of his `
` dinner, but he insisted that his comrades, who had not his `
` reasons for fasting, should have their meal. As for himself, `
` he declared that he had only need of a little rest, and that `
` when they returned he should be easier. The sailors did not `
` require much urging. They were hungry, and the smell of the `
` roasted kid was very savory, and your tars are not very `
` ceremonious. An hour afterwards they returned. All that `
` Edmond had been able to do was to drag himself about a dozen `
` paces forward to lean against a moss-grown rock. `
` `
` But, instead of growing easier, Dantes' pains appeared to `
` increase in violence. The old patron, who was obliged to `
` sail in the morning in order to land his cargo on the `
` frontiers of Piedmont and France, between Nice and Frejus, `
` urged Dantes to try and rise. Edmond made great exertions in `
` order to comply; but at each effort he fell back, moaning `
` and turning pale. `
` `
` "He has broken his ribs," said the commander, in a low `
` voice. "No matter; he is an excellent fellow, and we must `
` not leave him. We will try and carry him on board the `
` tartan." Dantes declared, however, that he would rather die `
` where he was than undergo the agony which the slightest `
` movement cost him. "Well," said the patron, "let what may `
` happen, it shall never be said that we deserted a good `
` comrade like you. We will not go till evening." This very `
` much astonished the sailors, although, not one opposed it. `
` The patron was so strict that this was the first time they `
` had ever seen him give up an enterprise, or even delay in `
` its execution. Dantes would not allow that any such `
` infraction of regular and proper rules should be made in his `
` favor. "No, no," he said to the patron, "I was awkward, and `
` it is just that I pay the penalty of my clumsiness. Leave me `
` a small supply of biscuit, a gun, powder, and balls, to kill `
` the kids or defend myself at need, and a pickaxe, that I may `
` build a shelter if you delay in coming back for me." `
` `
` "But you'll die of hunger," said the patron. `
` `
` "I would rather do so," was Edmond reply, "than suffer the `
` inexpressible agonies which the slightest movement causes `
` me." The patron turned towards his vessel, which was rolling `
` on the swell in the little harbor, and, with sails partly `
` set, would be ready for sea when her toilet should be `
` completed. `
` `
` "What are we to do, Maltese?" asked the captain. "We cannot `
` leave you here so, and yet we cannot stay." `
` `
` "Go, go!" exclaimed Dantes. `
` `
` "We shall be absent at least a week," said the patron, "and `
` then we must run out of our course to come here and take you `
` up again." `
` `
` "Why," said Dantes, "if in two or three days you hail any `
` fishing-boat, desire them to come here to me. I will pay `
` twenty-five piastres for my passage back to Leghorn. If you `
` do not come across one, return for me." The patron shook his `
` head. `
` `
` "Listen, Captain Baldi; there's one way of settling this," `
` said Jacopo. "Do you go, and I will stay and take care of `
` the wounded man." `
` `
` "And give up your share of the venture," said Edmond, "to `
` remain with me?" `
` `
` "Yes," said Jacopo, "and without any hesitation." `
` `
` "You are a good fellow and a kind-hearted messmate," replied `
` Edmond, "and heaven will recompense you for your generous `
` intentions; but I do not wish any one to stay with me. A day `
` or two of rest will set me up, and I hope I shall find among `
` the rocks certain herbs most excellent for bruises." `
` `
` A peculiar smile passed over Dantes' lips; he squeezed `
` Jacopo's hand warmly, but nothing could shake his `
` determination to remain -- and remain alone. The smugglers `
` left with Edmond what he had requested and set sail, but not `
` without turning about several times, and each time making `
` signs of a cordial farewell, to which Edmond replied with `
` his hand only, as if he could not move the rest of his body. `
` Then, when they had disappeared, he said with a smile, -- `
` "'Tis strange that it should be among such men that we find `
` proofs of friendship and devotion." Then he dragged himself `
` cautiously to the top of a rock, from which he had a full `
` view of the sea, and thence he saw the tartan complete her `
` preparations for sailing, weigh anchor, and, balancing `
` herself as gracefully as a water-fowl ere it takes to the `
` wing, set sail. At the end of an hour she was completely out `
` of sight; at least, it was impossible for the wounded man to `
` see her any longer from the spot where he was. Then Dantes `
` rose more agile and light than the kid among the myrtles and `
` shrubs of these wild rocks, took his gun in one hand, his `
` pickaxe in the other, and hastened towards the rock on which `
` the marks he had noted terminated. "And now," he exclaimed, `
` remembering the tale of the Arabian fisherman, which Faria `
` had related to him, "now, open sesame!" `
` `
` `
` `
` Chapter 24 `
` The Secret Cave. `
` `
` The sun had nearly reached the meridian, and his scorching `
` rays fell full on the rocks, which seemed themselves `
` sensible of the heat. Thousands of grasshoppers, hidden in `
` the bushes, chirped with a monotonous and dull note; the `
` leaves of the myrtle and olive trees waved and rustled in `
` the wind. At every step that Edmond took he disturbed the `
` lizards glittering with the hues of the emerald; afar off he `
` saw the wild goats bounding from crag to crag. In a word, `
` the island was inhabited, yet Edmond felt himself alone, `
` guided by the hand of God. He felt an indescribable `
` sensation somewhat akin to dread -- that dread of the `
` daylight which even in the desert makes us fear we are `
` watched and observed. This feeling was so strong that at the `
` moment when Edmond was about to begin his labor, he stopped, `
` laid down his pickaxe, seized his gun, mounted to the summit `
` of the highest rock, and from thence gazed round in every `
` direction. `
` `
` But it was not upon Corsica, the very houses of which he `
` could distinguish; or on Sardinia; or on the Island of Elba, `
` with its historical associations; or upon the almost `
` imperceptible line that to the experienced eye of a sailor `
` alone revealed the coast of Genoa the proud, and Leghorn the `
` commercial, that he gazed. It was at the brigantine that had `
` left in the morning, and the tartan that had just set sail, `
` that Edmond fixed his eyes. The first was just disappearing `
` in the straits of Bonifacio; the other, following an `
` opposite direction, was about to round the Island of `
`
` lead this low and wretched life." Thus Dantes, who but three `
` months before had no desire but liberty had now not liberty `
` enough, and panted for wealth. The cause was not in Dantes, `
` but in providence, who, while limiting the power of man, has `
` filled him with boundless desires. `
` `
` Meanwhile, by a cleft between two walls of rock, following a `
` path worn by a torrent, and which, in all human probability, `
` human foot had never before trod, Dantes approached the spot `
` where he supposed the grottos must have existed. Keeping `
` along the shore, and examining the smallest object with `
` serious attention, he thought he could trace, on certain `
` rocks, marks made by the hand of man. `
` `
` Time, which encrusts all physical substances with its mossy `
` mantle, as it invests all things of the mind with `
` forgetfulness, seemed to have respected these signs, which `
` apparently had been made with some degree of regularity, and `
` probably with a definite purpose. Occasionally the marks `
` were hidden under tufts of myrtle, which spread into large `
` bushes laden with blossoms, or beneath parasitical lichen. `
` So Edmond had to separate the branches or brush away the `
` moss to know where the guide-marks were. The sight of marks `
` renewed Edmond fondest hopes. Might it not have been the `
` cardinal himself who had first traced them, in order that `
` they might serve as a guide for his nephew in the event of a `
` catastrophe, which he could not foresee would have been so `
` complete. This solitary place was precisely suited to the `
` requirements of a man desirous of burying treasure. Only, `
` might not these betraying marks have attracted other eyes `
` than those for whom they were made? and had the dark and `
` wondrous island indeed faithfully guarded its precious `
` secret? `
` `
` It seemed, however, to Edmond, who was hidden from his `
` comrades by the inequalities of the ground, that at sixty `
` paces from the harbor the marks ceased; nor did they `
` terminate at any grotto. A large round rock, placed solidly `
` on its base, was the only spot to which they seemed to lead. `
` Edmond concluded that perhaps instead of having reached the `
` end of the route he had only explored its beginning, and he `
` therefore turned round and retraced his steps. `
` `
` Meanwhile his comrades had prepared the repast, had got some `
` water from a spring, spread out the fruit and bread, and `
` cooked the kid. Just at the moment when they were taking the `
` dainty animal from the spit, they saw Edmond springing with `
` the boldness of a chamois from rock to rock, and they fired `
` the signal agreed upon. The sportsman instantly changed his `
` direction, and ran quickly towards them. But even while they `
` watched his daring progress, Edmond's foot slipped, and they `
` saw him stagger on the edge of a rock and disappear. They `
` all rushed towards him, for all loved Edmond in spite of his `
` superiority; yet Jacopo reached him first. `
` `
` He found Edmond lying prone, bleeding, and almost senseless. `
` He had rolled down a declivity of twelve or fifteen feet. `
` They poured a little rum down his throat, and this remedy `
` which had before been so beneficial to him, produced the `
` same effect as formerly. Edmond opened his eyes, complained `
` of great pain in his knee, a feeling of heaviness in his `
` head, and severe pains in his loins. They wished to carry `
` him to the shore; but when they touched him, although under `
` Jacopo's directions, he declared, with heavy groans, that he `
` could not bear to be moved. `
` `
` It may be supposed that Dantes did not now think of his `
` dinner, but he insisted that his comrades, who had not his `
` reasons for fasting, should have their meal. As for himself, `
` he declared that he had only need of a little rest, and that `
` when they returned he should be easier. The sailors did not `
` require much urging. They were hungry, and the smell of the `
` roasted kid was very savory, and your tars are not very `
` ceremonious. An hour afterwards they returned. All that `
` Edmond had been able to do was to drag himself about a dozen `
` paces forward to lean against a moss-grown rock. `
` `
` But, instead of growing easier, Dantes' pains appeared to `
` increase in violence. The old patron, who was obliged to `
` sail in the morning in order to land his cargo on the `
` frontiers of Piedmont and France, between Nice and Frejus, `
` urged Dantes to try and rise. Edmond made great exertions in `
` order to comply; but at each effort he fell back, moaning `
` and turning pale. `
` `
` "He has broken his ribs," said the commander, in a low `
` voice. "No matter; he is an excellent fellow, and we must `
` not leave him. We will try and carry him on board the `
` tartan." Dantes declared, however, that he would rather die `
` where he was than undergo the agony which the slightest `
` movement cost him. "Well," said the patron, "let what may `
` happen, it shall never be said that we deserted a good `
` comrade like you. We will not go till evening." This very `
` much astonished the sailors, although, not one opposed it. `
` The patron was so strict that this was the first time they `
` had ever seen him give up an enterprise, or even delay in `
` its execution. Dantes would not allow that any such `
` infraction of regular and proper rules should be made in his `
` favor. "No, no," he said to the patron, "I was awkward, and `
` it is just that I pay the penalty of my clumsiness. Leave me `
` a small supply of biscuit, a gun, powder, and balls, to kill `
` the kids or defend myself at need, and a pickaxe, that I may `
` build a shelter if you delay in coming back for me." `
` `
` "But you'll die of hunger," said the patron. `
` `
` "I would rather do so," was Edmond reply, "than suffer the `
` inexpressible agonies which the slightest movement causes `
` me." The patron turned towards his vessel, which was rolling `
` on the swell in the little harbor, and, with sails partly `
` set, would be ready for sea when her toilet should be `
` completed. `
` `
` "What are we to do, Maltese?" asked the captain. "We cannot `
` leave you here so, and yet we cannot stay." `
` `
` "Go, go!" exclaimed Dantes. `
` `
` "We shall be absent at least a week," said the patron, "and `
` then we must run out of our course to come here and take you `
` up again." `
` `
` "Why," said Dantes, "if in two or three days you hail any `
` fishing-boat, desire them to come here to me. I will pay `
` twenty-five piastres for my passage back to Leghorn. If you `
` do not come across one, return for me." The patron shook his `
` head. `
` `
` "Listen, Captain Baldi; there's one way of settling this," `
` said Jacopo. "Do you go, and I will stay and take care of `
` the wounded man." `
` `
` "And give up your share of the venture," said Edmond, "to `
` remain with me?" `
` `
` "Yes," said Jacopo, "and without any hesitation." `
` `
` "You are a good fellow and a kind-hearted messmate," replied `
` Edmond, "and heaven will recompense you for your generous `
` intentions; but I do not wish any one to stay with me. A day `
` or two of rest will set me up, and I hope I shall find among `
` the rocks certain herbs most excellent for bruises." `
` `
` A peculiar smile passed over Dantes' lips; he squeezed `
` Jacopo's hand warmly, but nothing could shake his `
` determination to remain -- and remain alone. The smugglers `
` left with Edmond what he had requested and set sail, but not `
` without turning about several times, and each time making `
` signs of a cordial farewell, to which Edmond replied with `
` his hand only, as if he could not move the rest of his body. `
` Then, when they had disappeared, he said with a smile, -- `
` "'Tis strange that it should be among such men that we find `
` proofs of friendship and devotion." Then he dragged himself `
` cautiously to the top of a rock, from which he had a full `
` view of the sea, and thence he saw the tartan complete her `
` preparations for sailing, weigh anchor, and, balancing `
` herself as gracefully as a water-fowl ere it takes to the `
` wing, set sail. At the end of an hour she was completely out `
` of sight; at least, it was impossible for the wounded man to `
` see her any longer from the spot where he was. Then Dantes `
` rose more agile and light than the kid among the myrtles and `
` shrubs of these wild rocks, took his gun in one hand, his `
` pickaxe in the other, and hastened towards the rock on which `
` the marks he had noted terminated. "And now," he exclaimed, `
` remembering the tale of the Arabian fisherman, which Faria `
` had related to him, "now, open sesame!" `
` `
` `
` `
` Chapter 24 `
` The Secret Cave. `
` `
` The sun had nearly reached the meridian, and his scorching `
` rays fell full on the rocks, which seemed themselves `
` sensible of the heat. Thousands of grasshoppers, hidden in `
` the bushes, chirped with a monotonous and dull note; the `
` leaves of the myrtle and olive trees waved and rustled in `
` the wind. At every step that Edmond took he disturbed the `
` lizards glittering with the hues of the emerald; afar off he `
` saw the wild goats bounding from crag to crag. In a word, `
` the island was inhabited, yet Edmond felt himself alone, `
` guided by the hand of God. He felt an indescribable `
` sensation somewhat akin to dread -- that dread of the `
` daylight which even in the desert makes us fear we are `
` watched and observed. This feeling was so strong that at the `
` moment when Edmond was about to begin his labor, he stopped, `
` laid down his pickaxe, seized his gun, mounted to the summit `
` of the highest rock, and from thence gazed round in every `
` direction. `
` `
` But it was not upon Corsica, the very houses of which he `
` could distinguish; or on Sardinia; or on the Island of Elba, `
` with its historical associations; or upon the almost `
` imperceptible line that to the experienced eye of a sailor `
` alone revealed the coast of Genoa the proud, and Leghorn the `
` commercial, that he gazed. It was at the brigantine that had `
` left in the morning, and the tartan that had just set sail, `
` that Edmond fixed his eyes. The first was just disappearing `
` in the straits of Bonifacio; the other, following an `
` opposite direction, was about to round the Island of `
`