"I will go on in advance, and follow me closely, for the night is pitch dark and we might lose each other."
Spero nodded, and they both walked out into the pouring rain. Oh, why was the Count of Monte-Cristo far away? Why had he spared the wretch, when the sea cast him up? Why had he prevented Bertuccio from crushing the head of the poisonous reptile?
For a time the criminal and his company walked on in silence.
Suddenly it appeared to Spero as if the end of the way had been reached, and, pausing, he asked:
"Where are we?"
"On the banks of the Seine; in a few minutes we will be at the place."
"My poor Jane," murmured Spero, "how terrible it is to look for you in this deserted quarter."
"Are you afraid?" asked Benedetto mockingly.
Spero did not answer the impudent question.
"Go on," he coldly said.