With these words he pulled out a pistol and held it toward Benedetto.
"You wish to commit murder, vicomte!"
"Do not speak of murder, wretch? You robbed me of my freedom, and this poor child, whose innocence ought to be sacred to you, you—"
"The poor innocent child," interrupted the ex-convict. "You told me it was brought here against its will!"
"Scoundrel, you lie!" cried Spero, angrily.
Benedetto laughed coarsely.
"Jane Zild," he then said, drawing back a step, "tell the Vicomte of Monte-Cristo that you are worthy of him. Don't you remember who your mother was, what your mother was, and where she died?"
"Mercy," cried Jane, throwing herself at Benedetto's feet. "Mercy!"
"Jane Zild, shall I tell the vicomte who your father was?"