"Unfortunately, no more," said Coucou. At the same time, however, being noticed by Mercedes, he made a sign and placed his finger upon the lips.
"In order to fulfil my promise," continued the Zouave, "I took a furlough and came to France. I had scarcely arrived in Paris when I was ordered to this place. I brought Madame Joliette the ring, and told her what I had experienced. Alas! if I could only find our captain again; but, I am afraid, it is almost impossible."
"Impossible!" called out Mercedes, throwing a supplicating look at the count.
"Sergeant Coucou," said Monte-Cristo, with earnest mien, "a man should never speak of impossibilities. I have often accomplished things which others thought impossible."
"Yes, if you, as our commander, would take the matter in hand, that would be quite a different thing," thought the Zouave, confidently.
"Well then, I shall do my best."
"Hurrah!—is it not so, I'm allowed to call you commander?"
"But I have already told you—"
"Let me only say so, and if you wish to oblige me, call me simply Coucou, and all will be well."