"Well, you shall have your five hundred francs," said Andrea; "but it is very hard for me, my poor Caderousse--you take advantage"-"Bah," said Caderousse, "when you have access to countless stores." One would have said Andrea anticipated his companion's words, so did his eye flash like lightning, but it was but for a moment. "True," he replied, "and my protector is very kind."
"That dear protector," said Caderousse; "and how much does he give you monthly?"
"Five thousand francs."
"As many thousands as you give me hundreds! Truly, it is only bastards who are thus fortunate. Five thousand francs per month! What the devil can you do with all that?"
"Oh, it is no trouble to spend that; and I am like you, I want capital."
"Capital?--yes--I understand--every one would like capital."
"Well, and I shall get it."
"Who will give it to you--your prince?"
"Yes, my prince. But unfortunately I must wait."
"You must wait for what?" asked Caderousse.
"For his death."
"The death of your prince?"
"Yes."
"How so?"
"Because he has made his will in my favor."
"Indeed?"
"On my honor."
"For how much?"
"For five hundred thousand."
"Only that? It's little enough."
"But so it is."
"No it cannot be!"
"Are you my friend, Caderousse?"
"Yes, in life or death."
"Well, I will tell you a secret."
"What is it?"
"But remember"-"Ah, pardieu, mute as a carp."
"Well, I think"--Andrea stopped and looked around.
"You think? Do not fear; pardieu, we are alone."
"I think I have discovered my father."
"Your true father?"
"Yes."
"Not old Cavalcanti?"
"No, for he has gone again; the true one, as you say."
"And that father is"-"Well, Caderousse, it is Monte Cristo."
"Bah!"
"Yes, you understand, that explains all. He cannot acknowledge me openly, it appears, but he does it through M. Cavalcanti, and gives him fifty thousand francs for it."
"Fifty thousand francs for being your father? I would have done it for half that, for twenty thousand, for fifteen thousand; why did you not think of me, ungrateful man?"
"Did I know anything about it, when it was all done when I was down there?"
"Ah, truly? And you say that by his will"-"He leaves me five hundred thousand livres."
"Are you sure of it?"
"He showed it me; but that is not all--there is a codicil, as I said just now."
"Probably."
"And in that codicil he acknowledges me."
"Oh, the good father, the brave father, the very honest father!" said Caderousse, twirling a plate in the air between his two hands.
"Now say if I conceal anything from you?"