With the ink barely dry on their transaction, the Englishman’s true purpose unfolds. His calm curiosity sharpens as M. de Boville recounts a story he calls “a singular incident.” The Abbé Faria — the so-called madman who dreamed of treasure — died only months ago, in February. But his death, Boville explains, was not the end of the tale.

Faria’s cell lay just fifty feet from another prisoner — one of Napoleon’s agents, dangerous and determined. His name: Edmond Dantès. The Englishman’s composure tightens. Boville continues, describing how the two men dug a tunnel between their dungeons, planning escape. But when the abbé was struck down by his final attack of catalepsy, Dantès saw a desperate opportunity.

He switched places with the corpse, sealed himself in the sack meant for burial, and waited for freedom disguised as death.

The Englishman listens in silence, his stillness now trembling with revelation.

⸻

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The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.