A Signal on the Shore (The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 31 – Part 7)

The fire on Monte Cristo proves no comfort—what reassures Franz unsettles Gaetano. Pirates, he explains, can light a blaze precisely where it cannot be seen from neighboring islands, only from the sea. To learn whether the flame signals danger, Gaetano quietly consults his men and executes a tense maneuver, turning the boat until the fire vanishes behind a ridge. Then, in absolute silence, they approach the island itself, lowering sail and drifting within fifty paces of shore. The sailors grip their oars, ready to flee into darkness, while Franz prepares his weapons with unshaken calm, awaiting whatever presence the fire may reveal.   New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com   Want to talk theories, themes, or betrayals? Join the conversation on our Discord: https://discord.gg/Sg2prdm   Support the project on Patreon and receive full-length, story-only audio after each chapter: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod   Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3vyewhvQugX5M3oREl57A   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.