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Updated: September 25, 2025
"I can get better-looking lovers than either a monkey or a Swab, I'd have you to know, Monsieur Waldmann!" There was a general laugh at this sally, and none laughed louder than Mange, who had a taste for coarse jokes and sharp retorts. "So!" said Waldmann, after the merriment had subsided. Then he perceived Mange's companion for the first time. He examined him closely and suspiciously.
"You are a coward!" said he, savagely. "That woman story you told us was all bosh. You are afraid of meeting Monte-Cristo, as I saw very plainly this morning!" This taunt stung Bouche-de-Miel to the quick and restored to him all his courage. He faced Waldmann unflinchingly and retorted: "I am no coward and I am not afraid of Monte-Cristo!" "Then what is the matter with, you?"
Then he addressed the slatternly young woman, who, with her paper still in one hand, was half-smiling, half-scowling at him. "Is Waldmann here?" he asked, with the air of a man who feels himself thoroughly at home. "Yes," answered the young woman, resuming her seat and her reading; "he is in the back room, playing piquet with Peppino, Beppo and Siebecker." "Good!" said the man. "I am in luck.
"I'm all right," replied the latter, doggedly, though there was a perceptible quiver in his voice as he spoke. "He has just had another fit of fear," said Siebecker, disdainfully. "I think we would do well to leave him with Peppino and Beppo to keep watch in the garden! It won't be safe to take him with us into the house, Waldmann!" The leader went up to Bouche-de-Miel and gave him a rough shake.
Waldmann and Siebecker, realizing that something was wrong and at once connecting the alleged Monsieur Fouquier with it, drew long, keen-bladed knives as they rushed forward. All the thieves and marauders who were sober enough to stand were now on their feet, ready to hurl themselves upon the suspected man. Weapons flashed in every direction daggers, knives and pistols.
Mange was still watching Morcerf, but saw no sign that he had recognized in Bouche-de-Miel the man for whom he was seeking. This made him uneasy, for it was an indication that the reward his employer had promised him would not be earned. Presently Waldmann and Siebecker were called to another part of the room.
You need not fear recognition, even if you should meet the woman you have spoken of face to face, for you will be masked like the rest of us. If you are anxious about her safety, I will tell you now that we only want Monte-Cristo's millions; we do not mean murder." "But what if murder should be necessary, if it cannot be avoided?" Waldmann shrugged his shoulders.
Siebecker and Bouche-de-Miel silently emerged from their hiding-place and joined them. Waldmann glanced about him, evidently satisfied. "So far so good," said he, in an undertone. "We are all here on time. Do not let us waste an instant. Have you steadied your nerves with plenty of brandy, Bouche-de-Miel?"
This declaration he scattered broadcast in the surrounding country through travelers and strangers; he even went so far as to give Waldmann, his servant, a copy of it, with definite instructions to carry it to Erlabrunn and place it in the hands of Lady Antonia.
Leave these miscreants with whom you are associated and become a man again!" "I reject both your offer and advice!" said Bouche-de-Miel, excitedly. "They are insults, coming as they do from the stepson of Monte-Cristo, my relentless enemy! But I will have vengeance upon you for them and through you on Edmond Dantès! Ho, Waldmann Siebecker!"
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