Maximilian was amazed to notice that most of the men they met took off their hats to Monte-Cristo and that some of them saluted him by name.
"You appear to be pretty well known to the Israelites," said he, at length.
"Yes," answered the Count, "many of them know me. I have had frequent occasion to consult with them on matters of importance. They are a shrewd and trusty people."
By this time Monte-Cristo and M. Morrel had reached a lane narrower and darker than any they had yet traversed. Into this the Count turned and after he had taken his companion a short distance stopped in front of a dingy but well-preserved building. It differed from its neighbors in having no shop on the ground floor and in being tightly closed from bottom to top. It looked as if it were uninhabited.
"We have reached our destination," said Monte-Cristo. "This is the residence of Dr. Absalom."
Maximilian stared at him in astonishment.
"The house is deserted," said he. "Are you not mistaken?"
"No. This is the place."
"I fear then that the physician has left it and perhaps also the Ghetto."