er signed Tonio which was
intended to influence Annunziata's belief in the Viscount's guilt, and I
know how old Solara secreted it where his daughter afterwards found and
read it! Now, Luigi Vampa, are you satisfied? You said a moment ago that
we have long understood each other. I hope there will be no
misunderstanding on your part when I tell you that I mean to force both
you and old Solara to confess your crimes and make reparation for them
as far as possible!"

"Then you declare war against us?" cried the brigand chief.

"I do!" answered Monte-Cristo, coldly.

"Then in my own name and in that of Pasquale Solara, I defy you, Edmond
Dantes, Count of Monte-Cristo!"

He backed towards the door as if afraid the Count would attack him. When
he reached it, he turned, flung it open and stepped into the corridor,
instantly finding himself in the grasp of Peppino and Beppo, who at once
handed him over to a squad of policemen, the officer in charge of whom
said:

"I arrest you, Luigi Vampa! Follow me!"

CHAPTER XXVII.

THE BANDITS' REPRISALS.

Monte-Cristo was astounded when he saw Luigi Vampa arrested by the Roman
policeman and his squad; his first thought was that Peppino, unwilling
to let slip so fair an opportunity to obtain vengeance, had betrayed the
brigand chief to the authorities; this idea was apparently confirmed by
the part the two ex-bandits had taken in their former leader's capture;
hence after the officers and their prisoner had departed, he turned
fiercely upon Peppino and said, in a tone of anger:

"This is fine work for one of my servants to do, especially one so
trusted as you!"

"Signor Count," answered Peppino, humbly, "you are mistaken. I had no
hand in it whatever save obeying the order of the officer in command of
the police."

"Indeed!" cried the Count, incredulously.

"Yes," continued Peppino, in the same humble voice, "and Beppo here is
equally innocent. The officer tracked Vampa to the hotel and was
informed that I had conducted him into your presence. He thereupon sent
for me, directing me without further ado to take Beppo, who chanced to
be in my company, and seize the chief, who was personally unknown to
him, the instant he quitted your salon. I trust your Excellency will
pardon us, as we could do nothing but obey."

"In that case," said Monte-Cristo, "no blame attaches to either of you,
but, nevertheless, Vampa's arrest at this critical juncture will
seriously interfere