The Count of Monte Cristo (AmazonClassics Edition)

by Alexandre Dumas

about ten o’clock, and just as Dantès began to despair, steps were heard in the corridor, a key turned in the lock, the bolts creaked, the massy oaken door flew open, and a flood of light from two torches pervaded the apartment. By the torchlight Dantès saw the glittering sabres and carbines of four gendarmes. He had advanced at first, but stopped at the sight of this display of force. “Are you come to fetch me?” asked he.—“Yes,” replied a gendarme. “By the orders of the deputy procureur?”—“I believe so.” The conviction that they came from M. de Villefort relieved all Dantès’ apprehensions; he advanced calmly, and placed himself in the centre of the escort. A carriage waited at the door, the coachman was on the box, and a police officer sat beside him. “Is this carriage for me?” said Dantès.—“It is for you,” replied a gendarme. Dantès was about to speak; but feeling himself urged forward, and having neither the power nor the intention to resist, he mounted

that