"I will tell you then. I am Esperance, the son of the Count of Monte-Cristo. I am rich, so rich that I do not myself know how much I have. Now if you obey me faithfully, I will make you so rich that every wish you have will be realized."
A sneer was on Malvernet's lips.
"You offer me money, do you, and why? Tell me what you want of me?"
"Scoundrels entered my house in the night—"
"And robbed you?"
"Yes, they robbed me of a treasure—a treasure for which I would give all else I have in the world. They carried away a young girl whom I love."
"And the girl's name?"
"Jane. And now I wish you to take me to her."
"And if I refuse?"