The Count of Monte Cristo

Count and Ali Wait for Intruder

Armed with a short carbine, a pair of double-barrelled pistols, and Ali’s small Arabian hatchet, the count positions himself in the bedroom. He and Ali share a crust of bread and a glass of Spanish wine, then the count slides open a movable panel to see into the dressing-room and watches through a bedroom window aligned with the dressing-room window. For two hours they wait in darkness, the count expecting the attack, if it comes, to target his life rather than his money and to approach via the back staircase or the dressing-room window.

Intruder Cuts Dressing Room Window

At a quarter to twelve, the Invalides clock strikes, and the count hears a slight grinding noise in the dressing-room: a practiced hand cutting the four sides of a pane of glass with a diamond. The pane becomes opaque, cracks without falling, and an arm is passed through to find the fastening; a second arm follows, and the window turns on its hinges. A single man enters.

Intruder Revealed as Caderousse

The count notes a second figure posted outside, alerted by Ali, and watches as the intruder moves cautiously through the dark dressing-room, bolting both doors and approaching the secretaire. Finding the key missing, the man produces skeleton keys—thieves’ “nightingales”—and begins picking the lock. Disappointed, the count whispers that the man is “only a thief,” until the intruder activates a dark lantern and the count, recognizing the illuminated face, exclaims in surprise. He orders Ali to put down the hatchet and quickly disguises himself by removing his greatcoat, waistcoat, and shirt to reveal a steel-mail tunic, which he covers with a cassock, wig, and three-cornered hat, transforming himself into Abbé Busoni.