ting, one insisting that the treasure
was "there," and he laid his finger on a plan he had drawn.

"Have you not heard," said the other, "that the island was inhabited?"

"Sailors say that they often see at sunset a tall form on these rocks."

"An optical delusion."

"No--these sailors know what they say, but Italians are inclined to
carry their religion into everything, so they call this form the Abbe of
Monte-Cristo."

"We have not found him, and yet we have searched every corner."

"He may be dead."

"That may be, but surely this is a proof that no such treasures ever
existed here, for if they had, he would not remain here to die of
hunger!"

"At all events we will make a sacrifice to the unknown God, as the
ancients did."

And they put together all the provisions they had--bread, fruit and
wine--and with the point of a dagger they traced on the rock the words:

"For the Abbe of Monte-Cristo!"

Then they departed.

"Poor fools!" said the Count, as he watched the fast lessening sails.
"No, there is no treasure on this island save one, and that would be
valueless to you!"

Monte-Cristo had lived all these years on roots and bark, for he had
sworn never to touch money again while he lived.

On the night when we again find Monte-Cristo, he came down from the high
rock by a narrow path which led to a platform. Here he stooped and
turned over a flat stone, which left a dark cavity exposed. Into this
place Monte-Cristo descended by steps cut in the rock. He reached a
square room cut out of the granite. In the centre stood a marble
sarcophagus, and there lay Esperance. The living was paler than the
dead. Monte-Cristo laid his hand on that of his son.

"Esperance," he said, solemnly, "has not the day arrived?"

There was a long silence. Then--was it a reality? It seemed as if the
lips moved and pronounced the word:

"Come!"

Monte-Cristo smiled.

"I knew it!" he murmured.

His face was transfigured, his white hair was like a halo about his
head.

"I am coming, my son!" he said. "I must first finish my task."

He drew from his pocket a roll of parchment, and read it aloud:

"MY LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT.

"Let those who find this paper read it with coolness. Let them be on
their guard against the surprises of their imagination. The man who is
about to die, and whose name is signed to these lines, has been more
powerful than the most powerful on earth. He has suffered as never man
su