"A simple acquaintance, sir."
"You met on the same day you first saw me?"
"Truly, but I should not have recollected it had you not reminded me."
"Thank you, Morrel." Then ringing the bell once, "Look," said he to Ali, who came immediately, "take that to my solicitor. It is my will, Morrel. When I am dead, you will go and examine it."
"What!" said Morrel, "you dead?"
"Yes; must I not be prepared for everything, dear friend? But what did you do yesterday after you left me?"
"I went to Tortoni, where, as I expected, I found Beauchamp and Château-Renaud. I own I was seeking them."
"Why, when all was arranged?"
"Listen, count, the affair is serious and unavoidable."
"Did you doubt it?"
"No; the offense was public, and every one is already talking of it."
"Well?"
"Well! I hoped to get an exchange of arms, to substitute the sword for the pistol; the pistol is blind."
"Have you succeeded?" asked Monte-Cristo, quickly, with an imperceptible gleam of hope.
"No, for your skill with the sword is so well known."
"Ah! who has betrayed me?"
"The skillful swordsman, whom you have conquered."
"And you failed?"
"They positively refused."
"Morrel," said the count, "have you ever seen me fire a pistol?"
"Never."
"Well, we have time; look." Monte-Cristo took the pistols he held in his hand when Mercédès entered, and fixing an ace of clubs against the iron plate, with four shots he successively shot off the four sides of the club. At each shot Morrel turned pale. He examined the balls with which Monte-Cristo performed this dexterous feat, and saw that they were no larger than deer-shot.
"It is astonishing!" said he; "look, Emmanuel." Then turning toward Monte-Cristo: "Count," said he, "in the name of all that is dear to you, I entreat you not to kill Albert! the unhappy youth has a mother."
"You are right," said Monte-Cristo; "and I have none." These words were uttered in a tone which made Morrel shudder.
"You are the offended party, count."
"Doubtless; what does that imply?"
"That you will fire first."
