Monte-Cristo smiled.
"You do not know him," he said. "His habits and manner of living are very peculiar. Prepare to be greatly surprised!"
Thus speaking he went to the door of the tightly-closed dwelling and struck five loud raps upon it, three very quickly and two very slowly delivered. The sounds seemed to reverberate through the house as if it were not only uninhabited but also unfurnished. Several minutes elapsed but no response was heard to Monte-Cristo's signal, no one came in obedience to his summons. The Count held his watch in his hand and his eyes were riveted upon the dial.
M. Morrel grew slightly impatient; he said to his companion, triumphantly:
"I told you that the house was deserted and I was right!"
The Count smiled again, but made no reply, still keeping his eyes fixed on the dial of his watch.
"Ten minutes!" said he, and he repeated his signal, but this time struck only three rapid blows. As before no answer was returned.
Maximilian was much interested and not a little amused, the Count's proceedings were so singular.
"Fifteen minutes!" said Monte-Cristo at length, putting up his watch and giving one long, resounding rap upon the door.
The effect was instantaneous. The portal swung open through some unseen influence, as if by magic, disclosing a long, bare, gloomy corridor, but not a sign of human life was visible.