The Count of Monte Cristo

第二十三章 The Island of Monte Cristo

As they sailed toward the island, Dantès spent a feverish night filled with visions of emerald grottos, ruby-paneled caves, and diamonds that turned to common pebbles when daylight struck, and he awoke unable to sleep despite his exhaustion. Upon anchoring at Monte Cristo, he discovered to his horror that there were no grottos on the island—the very thing he had counted on finding—and when he questioned Jacopo about caves, the sailor denied any knowledge of them, causing cold sweat to spring forth on Dantès’ brow as he realized he would need to discover the hidden entrance himself. The next morning, Dantès pretended to go hunting wild goats, but while examining the rocks he found marks that seemed made by human hands, leading him toward a large round rock that appeared to mark the end of some path, when suddenly his foot slipped and he tumbled down a declivity, bloody and nearly senseless, yet his pain conveniently prevented him from being moved to the ship. Though his companions wished to carry him aboard, he insisted they leave him with supplies and a pickaxe, refusing even Jacopo’s generous offer to stay behind and care for him, so they departed with sorrowful farewells, and as soon as the tartan disappeared from view, Dantès rose agile and light as a mountain goat, took his pickaxe in hand, and hastened toward the marked rock, declaring “Open Sesame” as he recalled the tale of the Arabian fisherman that Abbé Faria had once told him.

Securing Passage to Monte Cristo

Dantès receives an unexpected stroke of fortune that will allow him to land on Monte Cristo without raising suspicion. Through simple and natural means, the opportunity he has long sought finally presents itself, and one more night will find him on his way to the island.