t forbidding pile, of his meetings with the Abbe
Faria there and of his subsequent daring escape; but she knew nothing of
what had passed between the Abbe and the sailor Dantes relative to the
famous treasure concealed by Cardinal Spada within the grottoes of the
Isle of Monte-Cristo, the treasure that diverted from the grasp of Pope
Alexander VI. had made the Count so enormously rich. On this topic her
father had never yet seen fit to enlighten her. The sight of the Chateau
d' If made her shudder and turn pale, though at the same time it
fascinated and enchained her. She clung closely to Monte-Cristo and
said, tremulously:

"Oh! what a frightful place it is! My very heart is chilled by its
dismal aspect!"

"Dismal as it looks from here, my child," returned the Count, "it is a
thousand times more so within! It is the chosen abode of gloom and
despair!"

He gently put his daughter from him and gave way to a profound reverie
in which he remained plunged for some moments. All the details of his
imprisonment and the startling adventures that succeeded it passed
through his mind in rapid review, and an ardent, irresistible desire to
revisit the locality where he had unearthed Spada's millions took entire
possession of him. Suddenly he said to Captain Vincenzo:

"Make for the Isle of Monte-Cristo!"

"Aye, aye, Signor Count," answered the Captain, and the necessary orders
were at once given. The Haydee, promptly obeying her helm, swung about
swiftly and gracefully, instantly darting off in the direction of the
famous island.

Zuleika, on hearing her father's command, cast upon him a look of
astonishment and anxiety. She had expected that they would proceed
directly to Italy and this change in the yacht's course betokened
another programme.

"My child," said the Count, divining her thoughts, "I propose to stop at
the Isle of Monte-Cristo only a few hours; the delay will not be
important, especially as we can make up the time lost by crowding sail,
while I wish to show you some spots intimately connected with my history
that will interest you."

"I shall be delighted to visit the Isle of Monte-Cristo, father,"
replied Zuleika. "I have heard so much about it and its wonders. You
have a mansion there, have you not?"

The Count smiled, as he answered:

"Not exactly a mansion, Zuleika, but something that might be made to
serve as a substitute for one did we need a temporary refuge, though I
greatly fear that from long