Alexandre Dumas: The Count of Monte Cristo

Chapter 33: Roman Bandits. (continued)

"`Well,' said Cucumetto, `have you executed your commission?'

"`Yes, captain,' returned Carlini. `At nine o'clock to-morrow Rita's father will be here with the money.' -- `It is well; in the meantime, we will have a merry night; this young girl is charming, and does credit to your taste. Now, as I am not egotistical, we will return to our comrades and draw lots for her.' -- `You have determined, then, to abandon her to the common law?" said Carlini.

"`Why should an exception be made in her favor?'

"`I thought that my entreaties' --

"`What right have you, any more than the rest, to ask for an exception?' -- `It is true.' -- `But never mind,' continued Cucumetto, laughing, `sooner or later your turn will come.' Carlini's teeth clinched convulsively.

"`Now, then,' said Cucumetto, advancing towards the other bandits, `are you coming?' -- `I follow you.'

"Cucumetto departed, without losing sight of Carlini, for, doubtless, he feared lest he should strike him unawares; but nothing betrayed a hostile design on Carlini's part. He was standing, his arms folded, near Rita, who was still insensible. Cucumetto fancied for a moment the young man was about to take her in his arms and fly; but this mattered little to him now Rita had been his; and as for the money, three hundred piastres distributed among the band was so small a sum that he cared little about it. He continued to follow the path to the glade; but, to his great surprise, Carlini arrived almost as soon as himself. `Let us draw lots! let us draw lots!' cried all the brigands, when they saw the chief.