1. I've lost track of the date in the book because we went back a bit in the last chapter, but it seems to me that it took Bertuccio a long time to set up the house and relays, since it's at least the end of August. And where is Haydee? There was no mention of her going to the country house? (I'm mostly wondering if those are plot holes.)

2. Do you think the Count took any unnecessary personal risks in this chapter?

3. So now we learn that the count literally helped both Caderousse and Benedetto escape from prison. Does that make him responsible for any crimes they commit while they are out? As with giving Madam Villefort the poison, is he risking too many other people's lives in the name of his own revenge?

4. Just an observation, when the Abbe said he'd make sure Caderousse was taken care of if he got home that night and left France, that meant the count would have to know where he went. How could he have done that? He'd have to have had him followed that night?

Last line:

The door to the hidden stairway flew open, then the little door into the garden, and Ali and his master hurried out, carrying lights.

The next chapter will be posted on Monday

Link to last discussion