Page:The Count of Monte-Cristo (1887 Volume 4).djvu/134

116 of M.—M. What’s-his-name, eh! was it not I? and it was no bad one I believe, since here we are!"

"I do not say," replied Andrea, “that you never make a good one; but let us see your plan."

"Well," pursued Caderousse, “can you, without expending one sou, put me in the way of getting fifteen thousand francs? No, fifteen thousand are not enough, I cannot again become an honest man with less than thirty thousand francs."

"No," replied Andrea, dryly, "no, I cannot."

"I do not think you understand me," replied Caderousse, calmly; "if I said without your laying out a sou."

"Do you want me to commit a robbery, to spoil all my good fortune—and yours with mine—and both of us to be dragged down there again?"

"It would make very little difference to me," said Caderousse, "if I were re-taken; I am a poor creature to live alone, and sometimes pine for my old comrades; not like you, heartless creature, who would be glad never to see them again!"

Andrea did more than tremble this time, he turned pale.

"Come, Caderousse, no nonsense!" said he.

"Don’t alarm yourself, my little Benedetto, but just point out to me some means of gaining those thirty thousand francs without your assistance; and I will contrive it."

"Well! I will see! I will look out!" said Andrea.

"Meanwhile you will raise my monthly allowance to five hundred francs, my little fellow? I have a fancy, and mean to get a house-keeper."

"Well! you shall have your five hundred francs,” said Andrea; "but it is very hard for me, my poor Caderousse—you take advantage”

"Bah!" said Caderousse, "when you have access to countless stores."

One would have said Andrea anticipated his companion’s words, so did his eye flash like lightning; it was but for a moment.

"True," he replied, "and my protector is very kind."

"That dear protector," said Caderousse; "and how much does he give you monthly?"

"Five thousand francs."

"As many thousands as you give me hundreds! Truly, it is only bastards who are thus fortunate. Five thousand francs per month! what the devil can you do with all that?"

"Oh! it is no trouble to spend that; and I am like you,—I want a capital."

"A capital!—yes—I understand; every one would like a capital."