"And on this dagger a piece of parchment is fastened."
Monte-Cristo carefully unrolled the scrap of paper and read the following, written with blood, in Arabian characters:
"Maldar to Monte-Cristo. The poor man who trusts in Allah is richer than the nobleman who fights against him. Beware of the Khouans!"
"Who are the Khouans, papa?"
"I shall tell you later on—there is no time to lose now. Come!"
Hurriedly going on deck with Spero, the count accosted Jacopo.
"When did the Arab leave the ship?" he asked.
"He is still here, master, in the custody of Coucou."
"Are you sure, Jacopo? Tell him to come to me."