Page:The Count of Monte-Cristo (1887 Volume 1).djvu/72

52 At this moment Danglars, who had been incessantly observing Fernand, perceived him open his haggard eyes, rise with an almost convulsive spasm, and fall back against a seat placed near one of the open windows. At the same instant the ear caught an indistinct sound on the stairs, a measured tread, a confused murmur of voices, mixed with the clanking of arms, deadening even the mirth of the party, and attracting general curiosity, which displayed itself almost instantaneously by a restless stillness.

Nearer and nearer came the sounds. Three knocks, against the door, resounded. Each looked inquiringly in the countenance of his neighbor.

"In the name of the law!" said a harsh voice, to which no voice replied.

The door was opened, and a magistrate, wearing his official scarf, presented himself, followed by four soldiers and a corporal. Uneasiness now yielded to dread.

"May I venture to inquire the reason of this unexpected visit?" said M. Morrel, addressing the magistrate, whom he knew; "there is doubtless some mistake."

"If it be so," replied the magistrate, "rely upon every reparation being made; meanwhile, I am the bearer of an order of arrest, and although I most reluctantly perform the task assigned me, it must, nevertheless, be fulfilled. Who among the persons here assembled answers to the name of Edmond Dantès?"

Every eye was turned toward the individual so described, who, spite of agitation, advanced with dignity, and said:

"I am he; what is your pleasure with me?"

"Edmond Dantès," replied the magistrate, "I arrest you in the name of the law!"

"Me!" repeated Edmond, slightly changing color, "and wherefore, I pray?"

"I cannot inform you, but you will be duly acquainted with the reasons that have rendered such a step necessary at your first examination."

M. Morrel felt that further resistance was useless. An officer, girt with his scarf, is no longer a man; he is the statue of law, cold, deaf, and dumb.

Old Dantès, on the other hand, rushed toward the officer. There are things which the heart of a father or mother can never comprehend. He prayed and supplicated, but tears and prayers were useless. Still his despair was so deep that the officer was touched. "My worthy friend," said he, "let me beg of you to calm yourself. Your son has probably