Ali's face lighted up again when he saw he was understood.
"Haydee," said the count, turning to his wife, "I look upon it as a good sign that God has permitted me at this minute to do an act of charity. Remain here, while I go with Ali to save the poor fellow."
"I shall accompany you," said Haydee, pleadingly; "let me take part in your good deeds."
"Then come, my darling," said Monte-Cristo, in whose eye a tear glistened, and they both followed Ali, who hurried toward the beach.
As they passed by the entrance to the grotto, Haydee noticed that Bertuccio was making a hole in the rock with his pickaxe.
"What is Bertuccio doing?" asked Haydee, curiously.
"You shall find out later on," replied the count, and, turning to Bertuccio, he asked in a low voice:
"Is the work nearly finished?"
"Almost, count. I have just one thing more to do, and as soon as you give the sign, all will be over."