The Count of Monte Cristo

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orders, Baptistin opened the door: he held a letter on a silver waiter.

"What are you doing here?" asked the count, seeing him covered with
dust; "I did not send for you, I think?"

Baptistin, without answering, approached the count, and presented the
letter. "Important and urgent," said he. The count opened the letter,
and read:--

"M. de Monte Cristo is apprised that this night a man will enter his
house in the Champs-Elysees with the intention of carrying off some
papers supposed to be in the secretary in the dressing-room. The count's
well-known courage will render unnecessary the aid of the police, whose
interference might seriously affect him who sends this advice. The
count, by any opening from the bedroom, or by concealing himself in
the dressing-room, would be able to defend his property himself. Many
attendants or apparent precautions would prevent the villain from