The Count of Monte Cristo

第十九章 The Third Attack

Chapter 19, “The Third Attack,” centers on the deepening bond between Edmond Dantès and Abbé Faria, the threat to their escape plan, and Faria’s death. It begins with reflections on the Spada treasure and Dantès’ divided thoughts between vengeance and gratitude, then moves through a major setback—the rebuilding of the sea-side gallery that seals their tunnel. The chapter pivots to an emotional declaration by Dantès that Faria himself, not gold, is his true treasure. Faria, now permanently paralyzed, commits the treasure’s details to Dantès’ memory. The second half is consumed by Faria’s fatal seizure, Dantès’ desperate but unsuccessful attempt to revive him with the remaining red restorative, and the grim aftermath as Dantès conceals their secret and overhears the jailers’ mockery of the dead man. The chapter ends with the official examination of Faria’s corpse by the prison doctor.

Treasure Value and Vengeance Reflection

With the Spada treasure now able to secure the future of Faria’s beloved protégé, its value in the old man’s eyes has doubled. Daily, Faria explains how thirteen or fourteen million francs could be used to help friends. But Dantès’ face darkens as he recalls his oath of vengeance and reflects on how much harm such a fortune could inflict upon his enemies.

Monte Cristo Island and Treasure Doubts

Faria is unfamiliar with the Island of Monte Cristo, but Dantès knows it well, having passed the deserted, conical volcanic rock twenty-five miles from Pianosa between Corsica and Elba. Dantès draws a map of the island for Faria and receives advice on recovering the treasure. Though no longer doubting Faria’s sanity and admiring the brilliance of his discovery, Dantès cannot believe the hoard, assuming it once existed, still remains; he considers the treasure possible but no longer present.