midnight
Then Ali handed the Count a sealed letter , making signs to the effect that he had found it tied with a cord to one of the palm trees on the lawn . Monte-Cristo opened the letter and glanced at the signature ; as he did so a look of surprise and annoyance settled upon his face . The note was written in the French language , and read as follows : COUNT OF MONTE-CRISTO : I am in hiding on the Island of Salmis and must see you without delay . Meet me at midnight in the almond grove near the eastern shore . Be sure to come alone . BENEDETTO . `` Humph ! ''