Monte-Cristo looked at him reflectively. Then he took a leaf from his pocket-book, which he held in his hand, and offering it to Jacopo, said:
"Here, take this."
"What am I to do with it, master?" asked Jacopo, astonished.
"Well, can't you read any more?"
"Oh, yes; I read an order for 20,000 francs to which your name is affixed."
"And payable at—"
"Thomson & French, in Rome."
"You perhaps doubt whether these gentlemen will honor my signature."
"Oh, master, your signature is as good as ready cash!"
"Well, then, go to the first banker you can find and have the check cashed."