"Oh," added a third voice, "the shrouds of the Chateau d'If
are not dear!"

"Perhaps," said one of the previous speakers, "as he was a
churchman, they may go to some expense in his behalf."

"They may give him the honors of the sack."

Edmond did not lose a word, but comprehended very little of
what was said. The voices soon ceased, and it seemed to him
as if every one had left the cell. Still he dared not to
enter, as they might have left some turnkey to watch the
dead. He remained, therefore, mute and motionless, hardly
venturing to breathe. At the end of an hour, he heard a
faint noise, which increased. It was the governor who
returned, followed by the doctor and other attendants. There
was a moment's silence, -- it was evident that the doctor
was examining the dead body. The inquiries soon commenced.

The doctor analyzed the symptoms of the malady to which the
prisoner had succumbed, and declared that he was dead.
Questions and answers followed in a nonchalant manner that
made Dantes indignant, for he felt that all the world should
have for the poor abbe a love and respect equal to his own.

"I am very sorry for what you tell me," said the governor,
replying to the assurance of the doctor, "that the old man
is really dead; for he was a quiet, inoffensive prisoner,
happy in his folly, and required no watching."