The Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas [514]
"That is to the purpose. Have you brought your arms?"
"I?—what for? I hope these gentlemen have theirs."
"I will inquire," said Morrel.
"Do; but make no treaty—you understand me?"
"You need not fear." Morrel advanced towards Beauchamp and Chateau–Renaud, who, seeing his intention, came to meet him. The three young men bowed to each other courteously, if not affably.
"Excuse me, gentlemen," said Morrel, "but I do not see M. de Morcerf."
"He sent us word this morning," replied Chateau–Renaud, "that he would meet us on the ground."
"Ah," said Morrel. Beauchamp pulled out his watch. "It is only five minutes past eight," said he to Morrel; "there is not much time lost yet."
"Oh, I made no allusion of that kind," replied Morrel.
"There is a carriage coming," said Chateau–Renaud. It advanced rapidly along one of the avenues leading towards the open space where they were assembled. "You are doubtless provided with pistols, gentlemen? M. de Monte Cristo yields his right of using his."
"We had anticipated this kindness on the part of the count," said Beauchamp, "and I have brought some weapons which I bought eight or ten days since, thinking to want them on a similar occasion. They are quite new, and have not yet been used. Will you examine them."
"Oh, M. Beauchamp, if you assure me that M. de Morcerf does not know these pistols, you may readily believe that your word will be quite sufficient."
"Gentlemen," said Chateau–Renaud, "it is not Morcerf coming in that carriage;—faith, it is Franz and Debray!" The two young men he announced were indeed approaching. "What chance brings you here, gentlemen?" said Chateau–Renaud, shaking hands with each of them. "Because," said Debray, "Albert sent this morning to request us to come." Beauchamp and Chateau–Renaud exchanged looks of astonishment. "I think I understand his reason," said Morrel.
"What is it?"
"Yesterday afternoon I received a letter from M. de Morcerf, begging me to attend the opera."
"And I," said Debray.
"And I also," said Franz.
"And we, too," added Beauchamp and Chateau–Renaud.
"Having wished you all to witness the challenge, he now wishes you to be present at the combat."
"Exactly so," said the young men; "you have probably guessed right."
"But, after all these arrangements, he does not come himself," said Chateau–Renaud. "Albert is ten minutes after time."
"There he comes," said Beauchamp, "on horseback, at full gallop, followed by a servant."
"How imprudent," said Chateau–Renaud, "to come on horseback to fight a duel with pistols, after all the instructions I had given him."
"And besides," said Beauchamp, "with a collar above his cravat, an open coat and white waistcoat! Why has he not painted a spot upon his heart?—it would have been more simple." Meanwhile Albert had arrived within ten paces of the group formed by the five young men. He jumped from his horse, threw the bridle on his servant's arms, and joined them. He was pale, and his eyes were red and swollen; it was evident that he had not slept. A shade of melancholy gravity overspread his countenance, which was not natural to him. "I thank you, gentlemen," said he, "for having complied with my request; I feel extremely grateful for this mark of friendship." Morrel had stepped back as Morcerf approached, and remained at a short distance. "And to you also, M. Morrel, my thanks are due. Come, there cannot be too many."
"Sir," said Maximilian, "you are not perhaps aware that I am M. de Monte Cristo's friend?"
"I was not sure, but I thought it might be so. So much the better; the more honorable men there are here the better I shall be satisfied."
"M. Morrel," said Chateau–Renaud, "will you apprise the Count of Monte Cristo that M. de Morcerf is arrived, and we are at his disposal?" Morrel was preparing to fulfil his commission. Beauchamp had meanwhile drawn the box of pistols from the carriage. "Stop, gentlemen,"