Rebuilt Sea Gallery Blocks Escape
As if fate resolved to deprive the prisoners of their last hope, a new misfortune strikes: the sea-side gallery, long in ruins, has been completely rebuilt, and the hole Dantès had partly filled in is now blocked with massive stones. Had it not been for Faria’s earlier precaution in warning Edmond, the discovery of their escape attempt would have led to their certain separation. A new, stronger, and inexorable barrier now cuts off the realization of their hopes.
Dantès Values Faria Over Material Treasure
Dantès tells Faria with sorrowful resignation that God has removed any merit from his devotion, since he could no longer break his promise to stay if he wished. Declaring the treasure no more his than Faria’s, Dantès affirms that his real treasure is not what awaits him beneath Monte Cristo’s sombre rocks, but Faria’s presence, the five or six hours they spend together daily, and the knowledge Faria has awakened in him—languages, sciences, principles that have enriched his mind and soul. This, he insists, is better than tons of gold or cases of diamonds, and is a fortune no sovereign, not even Cæsar Borgia, could take from him.
Faria’s Escape and Treasure Instructions
Though not exactly happy, the days pass quickly for the two unfortunates. Faria, who had long kept silent about the treasure, now speaks of it constantly. As he prophesied, he remains paralyzed in the right arm and left leg and has abandoned hope of enjoying the treasure himself, but he schemes ceaselessly about Dantès’ escape and the pleasure his protégé will have. For fear the letter could be lost or stolen, Faria compels Dantès to memorize it from first to last word, then destroys the second portion. Faria spends whole hours instructing Dantès on what to do once free: reach Monte Cristo under some innocent pretext, search the appointed spot—the farthest angle in the second opening—and recover the treasure.
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