"It is singular," said the judge, "that Monsieur de Monte-Cristo" (he purposely left out the title of count), "who is interested in this trial, has refused to obey the order of the court. Has he received a subpœna?"
The assistant district-attorney looked over his papers.
"The gentleman named," he said, with a malicious twirl of his lips, "has sold his property in France and has disappeared, no one knows where."
"Call the other witnesses," said the judge; "we shall attend to Monsieur de Monte-Cristo's case later on."
The other witnesses, mainly people who had come to Caderousse's assistance when he had called for help, were not slow in coming forward. Their testimony was short and precise. They confirmed the fact of Caderousse's being found with a knife in his heart.
"Have you anything to say, prisoner?" asked the judge.
"No, sir, these honest people unfortunately tell the truth," said Benedetto, meekly.
A murmur of applause ran round the room. When all was calm again the clerk exclaimed:
"Monsieur Noirtier de Villefort!"