The Count of Monte Cristo

Edmond Dantès’ Escape

De Boville explained that Dantès had believed prisoners who died at the castle were interred in an ordinary burial-ground, not understanding the grim reality of their disposal. The inspector considered this a fortunate development for the government, as it had been relieved of a dangerous prisoner through his own action. The Englishman absorbed this account with visible interest despite his characteristically phlegmatic countenance.

The Château d’If Records

The Englishman requested to see all documents relating to the Abbé Faria, and De Boville led him into his study, where everything was arranged in perfect order with registers numbered and files in their proper places. The inspector seated the Englishman in an armchair with the register and documents relative to Château d’If, while De Boville took a corner seat to read his newspaper. The Englishman easily found entries for Abbé Faria but, finding the inspector’s story fascinating, continued turning pages until he reached the mortuary deposition for Edmond Dantès.

Villefort’s Marginal Note

In the register, the Englishman found everything in due order—the accusation, examination, Morrel’s petition, and M. de Villefort’s marginal notes. He examined the application dated 10th April, 1815, in which Morrel, following the deputy procureur’s advice and with the best intentions, had exaggerated Dantès’ imperial services during Napoleon’s return. The Englishman then discovered a bracketed note against Dantès’ name declaring him an inveterate Bonapartist who took an active part in the return from the Island of Elba, to be kept in strict solitary confinement and closely guarded. Beneath this note, in a different hand, was written: “See note above—nothing can be done.” The Englishman compared this writing with the certificate beneath Morrel’s petition and discovered it was Villefort’s handwriting, realizing that this petition, kept back by Villefort, had become a terrible weapon against him under the second restoration.