sti in Rome when you inhabited it
with your family, and that he fell in love with your daughter. I also
know the details of a plot by which a network of crushing circumstances
has been woven about him with the view of burying him beneath a weight
of shame, dishonor and even of crime! I can reveal those details and
will do so if you aid my companion and myself in our present difficulty.
Do I interest you, Signor Count?"

"Vastly," answered Monte-Cristo, his face assuming a serious look. "Go
quietly with the gardien to the poste. I will follow immediately and see
what can be done."

"Yes, your Excellency," said Peppino, submissively, and abandoning his
grasp of the spoke he allowed the policeman to bear him away without
further trouble. Meanwhile Beppo and the officer in whose custody he was
had disappeared in the distance.

Those who had been near enough to the Count's barouche to witness this
extraordinary scene were greatly astonished that such a famous character
as the eloquent Deputy from Marseilles should stoop to converse with a
malefactor in the public street, but their astonishment was immeasurably
augmented when they saw the influence the celebrated orator exercised
over the depraved Italian. They had not been able to understand the
conversation, but the effect of Monte-Cristo's last words seemed little
less than miraculous to them and they rent the air with loud and
enthusiastic cheers.

"Long live the noble Count of Monte-Cristo! Long live the Deputy from
Marseilles, the people's friend!" was shouted on every side.

Further on the cry was taken up and repeated, ringing forth far along
the broad and beautiful Champs-Elysees!

Monte-Cristo arose in his barouche and, removing his hat, stood
bareheaded, bowing to the excited populace.

This was the signal for new and heartier cheers. But the criminals
having been removed, the crowd soon began to disperse. At length the
thoroughfare was cleared and the Count's vehicle could proceed. Ali had
impassibly resumed the driver's seat and, at a nod from his adored
master, started the spirited horses down the immense avenue. As the
blooded bays went prancing along with proudly arched necks, the Count
bent over and said to Ali:

"Drive at once to the poste of the quarter."

The Nubian skilfully wheeled the animals about and in a few minutes
Monte-Cristo had reached his destination.

At the door of the poste a gardien received him and, at the mention of
his name,