"I will kill you!" answered Esperance, coldly.
The other began to laugh noisily.
"No," he said, "you will not kill me! You know that if you did that, with me would disappear every trace of her whom you love, and you would say to yourself, if he refuses to-day he may yield to-morrow. You see, son of Monte-Cristo, that your threats are preposterous and can't frighten me."
"Then you refuse to do as I ask?"
"By no means. Only I wish to prove to you that these grand airs are simply foolish. You need me, but I do not need you. The game is not equal!"
"You are right," said Esperance, "and I ask your pardon."
The eyes of Benedetto—for it was Benedetto—flashed with triumph to see the son of his enemy thus humble. He had him in his power now and could kill him if he pleased, but death would not have assuaged his thirst for vengeance.
"All right," he said, "I was a little provoked with you, but I will help you now."
Esperance uttered an exclamation of thankfulness.
"Then let us hasten. When I have found Jane, ask me for my life if you choose."