CHAPTER XLIII
THE PATH OF THORNS
Twenty years ago the village of Courberode looked different from what itdoes to-day. It consisted of a few miserable fishermen's cabins. Onehundred feet from the beach a path filled with thorns led far into thecountry. The thorns in the course of time had become impenetrable walls,and this gave rise to the name, "The Path of Thorns."
Just behind it stood an old tumble-down house. The basement of thishouse consisted of a smoky room furnished with one table, two chairs anda flickering oil lamp. A man was walking up and down the low apartment.
"I wonder whether he will come," he muttered to himself.
At this moment a slight noise was heard outside. A knock came at thedoor.
"Who's there?" asked the man roughly.
"Does a man named Malvernet live here?" came back in reply.
"Yes. Come right in."
Spero entered, his clothes dripping wet, and blue-black hair hangingover his forehead.
"My name is Malvernet," said the other sharply; "what do you wish?"
"Do you know me?" he asked in a firm tone.
"No, I was told to come here and await a man. I was to do as he said andask no questions. So I came and await your orders."
"Then listen to me. My father is the Count of Monte-Cristo. I am rich,very rich, and I can reward every service rendered me in a princelymanner."
A mocking laugh came from the man's lips.
"What do you mean by offering me money?" he gruffly asked. "I have notasked you for payment yet, and perhaps it will not be in cash. Tell menow what you want of me."
"Robbers entered my house last night and robbed me of the dearest jewelI possess--a young girl whom I love."
"What's her name?"
"Jane! You promised to obey my orders, and I only ask you to lead me toJane."
"And if I refuse?"
"Then I will kill you."
"Ha! ha! ha!" laughed the man, "that is well said."
"Do you refuse to obey me?"
"I did not say that. You need me, while I can get along without you. Thegame is therefore unequal."
"You are right, and I beg you to forgive me."
"Well then, vicomte, what do you command?"
"Then you really wish to help me?"
"Follow me," said Benedetto (for he was the man), as he opened a door.
"Anywhere," cried Spero, "if I can only find Jane again."
"I will go on in advance, and follow me closely, for the night is pitchdark and we might lose each other."
Spero nodded, and they both walked out into the pouring rain. Oh, whywas the Count of Monte-Cristo far away? Why had he spared the wretch,when the sea cast him up? Why had he prevented Bertuccio from crushingthe head of the poisonous reptile?
For a time the criminal and his company walked on in silence.
Suddenly it appeared to Spero as if the end of the way had been reached,and, pausing, he asked:
"Where are we?"
"On the banks of the Seine; in a few minutes we will be at the place."
"My poor Jane," murmured Spero, "how terrible it is to look for you inthis deserted quarter."
"Are you afraid?" asked Benedetto mockingly.
Spero did not answer the impudent question.
"Go on," he coldly said.
Benedetto turned into a narrow path. Suddenly he stopped short and said:
"Here we are!"
Spero looked about him! In front of him rose a tall, gloomy building,and it appeared to him as if rough singing were going on within.
"Is this really the house?" asked the vicomte, unconsciously shuddering.
"Yes."
"It looks like a low den, and who guarantees me that I am not being ledinto a trap?"
"Vicomte of Monte-Cristo," replied Benedetto, "if I desired to murderyou I could have done so long ago."
"You are right."
Just then coarse laughter and the noise of a falling body came from theinside of the house.
"Let us go into the house," cried Spero excitedly. "God knows what maybe going on there."
Benedetto shoved his arm under the vicomte's and opening the door said:
"You will find more here than will please you."
They both entered a dark corridor now, the door fell back in the lockand Spero asked:
"Where are we?"
"On the spot," mockingly said Benedetto.
At the same time Spero felt the arm of his companion slip from underhis, and he was alone. The room in which he was had neither windows nordoors, and gritting his teeth the young man said:
"The wretch has ensnared me in a trap."
Something extraordinary happened now. The wall before him opened, and anopen space came to view. The room lighted up, and Spero saw--Jane, but,merciful God, in what company!
She formed the centre of a wild orgy; glasses rang, coarse songs andoaths were heard from the lips of a crowd of shameless men and women whosurrounded Jane, and uttering a loud cry Spero buried his face in hishands.
The Son of Monte-Cristo, Volume II Page 44
