Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: June 22, 2025
In fact, a secret mechanism connected the first stair with the iron door. Those who did not know it became prisoners at once, while others simply stepped over this stair, and so left the iron panel open. But neither Coucon nor the others knew this. Down went Coucon's foot in the wrong place, and the panel swung to. At the same moment Fanfar, Goutran and Bobichel appeared.
I will summon the Count of Monte-Cristo, as it was agreed I should do in case of danger. He will be here in three days, and we must be able to say to him that we have saved his son." "Yes, we must say that," cried the Zouave, "or Coucon will be dead." "To work then," said Fanfar, rising. "Sanselme, come into my cabinet, there are several questions I wish to ask. But first, who is this woman?"
If any accident happened to Esperance he felt in a measure responsible. Caraman and Coucon came in. They were in great trouble. "My good friends," said Fanfar, taking Madame's hand. She was sobbing fit to break her heart, while Coucon was gnawing the ends of his moustache, in order not to imitate her example. "My good friends, I do not yet believe that what Bobichel tells me is true.
They had been guided by the light. "Goutran!" cried Carmen, running toward him. "What! is it you who has delivered us?" They went back all together, to find themselves prisoners? No, for Coucon had dropped the hammer, which accidentally fell in the aperture, thus preventing the door from closing entirely when the spring on the stair was touched. They were saved!
Coucon departed, proud of the shake of the hand he had received, although he still rubbed his fingers to restore the circulation. Esperance was alone; his brow was thoughtful. He sank into a chair and buried his face in his hands. Suddenly he started up, and drawing aside the heavy portière over a door, entered a small, dark room that seemed to be an oratory.
Carriage after carriage was driving up, and stopping at the vestibule. "Upon my life," said Coucon, "this is bad enough." He stepped into a wine-shop, and asked for a bottle of wine; as he drank it he said to himself: "How the deuce am I to see Miss Carmen? She is in the salon receiving her guests.
Throwing himself into a carriage, he drove to the hôtel in the Champs Elysées. He was amazed to find it in total darkness, and when he asked for the Vicomte, was surprised at the embarrassed manner of the Swiss, as well as to hear that Esperance was out, without leaving word when he would return. "And Madame Caraman and Coucon?" "They are out too, sir."
At last, Omar and Carmen were alone in a small salon. "Will you tell me who you are?" asked Carmen once again. "I am Coucon devoted to Monsieur Goutran and to Esperance, the son of Monte-Cristo." "And you disguised yourself to see me?" "Yes, for I had a note to bring from Monsieur Goutran." "Give it to me!" Carmen cried.
"No; and on your life do not admit a living creature. You understand me?" "Yes, sir." They ascended the stairs and entered the large rooms one after the other. When the Vicomte's cabinet was entered, it was found all in disorder. "The Vicomte, you see, has taken his pistols," said Coucon. "What time did the Vicomte go?" asked Fanfar.
At first I was troubled and afraid I had been careless, but since I have collected my ideas, I am sure that I have nothing to reproach myself with." "Do you mean to say, then," cried Coucon, "that the Vicomte walked through the wall?" "It is very strange," said Fanfar, thoughtfully. "And now, my friends," he added, turning to Coucon and Madame, "you may leave me here with Monsieur Goutran."
Word Of The Day
Others Looking