When Maldar heard these words, he gave a wild yell and sprang upon the boy.
"Wretched worm!" he hissed; "are you aware that I can break every bone in your body?"
Saying this, Maldar drew a long pistol from his belt and pointed it at the boy's face. Quick as thought Monte-Cristo seized the Arab by the throat, and threw him among the Khouans.
"Fire—fire!" shouted Maldar.
The men obeyed, but not a bullet entered the room.
"Put your arms about my neck, Spero," said the count, "and have no fear. Away with the Count of Monte-Cristo," he added in a vibrating voice; "Edmond Dantes, arise from out of the past, and help a father to rescue his son."