The Count of Monte Cristo

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gentleman discovered that the prisoners might have communicated together
for ten years. Poor things! Those must have been ten weary years."

Dantes took some louis from his pocket, and gave them to the man who
had twice unconsciously pitied him. The guide took them, thinking them
merely a few pieces of little value; but the light of the torch revealed
their true worth. "Sir," he said, "you have made a mistake; you have
given me gold."

"I know it." The concierge looked upon the count with surprise. "Sir,"
he cried, scarcely able to believe his good fortune--"sir, I cannot
understand your generosity!"

"Oh, it is very simple, my good fellow; I have been a sailor, and your
story touched me more than it would others."

"Then, sir, since you are so liberal, I ought to offer you something."