The Count of Monte Cristo

Journey to Yanina

Beauchamp produces his passport with visas from Geneva, Milan, Venice, Trieste, Delvino, and finally Yanina—proof of his journey through republic, kingdom, and empire. He reasoned that money, time, and fatigue were nothing compared to the reputation and interests of an entire family. He could not justify a deadly combat with a friend on mere probabilities; only hard facts would suffice. He hoped his investigation would exonerate General Morcerf, and he undertook this mission so he might render justice to a man he respected. Instead, the particulars prove that Fernand Mondego, whom Ali Pasha raised to governor-general, is indeed Count Fernand of Morcerf. Now, recalling the honor Albert showed by admitting him to friendship, Beauchamp hastens to share what he has discovered.

Proofs of Treachery

Beauchamp presents an attestation signed by four notable inhabitants of Yanina, proving that Colonel Fernand Mondego, in Ali Tepelini’s service, surrendered the castle for two million crowns. The signatures are perfectly legal. Albert collapses into a chair, overcome. The family name is fully implicated; there can be no doubt. After a moment of mournful silence, Albert weeps. Beauchamp had hoped to find everything in the father’s favor so he might do justice to an honorable man. Instead, he discovered proof of the betrayal and immediately came to Albert with this terrible knowledge. He explains that in this revolutionary age, few have passed through without some stain of infamy or blood on their uniforms, yet the faults of a father need not revert upon the children.