freely and unhesitatingly given
his life. Monte-Cristo continued to mutter:

"Vampa is a prisoner, closely confined in a dungeon of the Castle of St.
Angelo. He is to be tried for his many crimes, among which I have caused
to be included the abduction of Annunziata Solara and his attempt to
blacken the fair fame of the Viscount Massetti. His conviction and
punishment as a bandit may be accepted as certain, whatever may be the
fate of the other counts in the black indictment against him, for hosts
of those whom he has robbed and maltreated are to testify, and the Roman
authorities have for some reason suddenly become his deadly, implacable
foes; they will show him no mercy! But the rest of the infamous band,
what is to be done with them? Nothing, absolutely nothing, so far as I
have been able to learn! Why? Possibly because the police fear to attack
the brigands in their stronghold! But I will change this item of the
programme--yes, I will change it! I will at once to Cardinal Monti,
complain that my daughter has been seized by the bandits and offer with
the aid of Captain Morrel to lead a detachment of soldiery against them.
Animated by Maximilian and myself, the military will show courage for
once. The result cannot be doubtful. We shall capture the whole band,
together with their famous fastness, and rescue Zuleika. Peppino, too,
shall be delivered. I will not take Massetti with me--no, he is too rash
and might imperil the success of the undertaking--no, I will not take
him, I will not even inform him of what I propose doing. The Cardinal
will scarcely venture to refuse me. Should he hesitate, however, I will
shame him into consenting, I will threaten him with invoking the aid of
the French minister! No, he will not refuse me! Now for the trial of my
power! Oh! Zuleika, my darling child, I will save you, I will save you!"

Hastily putting on his hat and throwing a light cloak about him, the
Count of Monte-Cristo departed on his mission, a mission certainly
altogether characteristic of the marvellous man.

Cardinal Monti received him cordially, heard his complaint and, after
demurring slightly, accepted his offer to lead the soldiers against the
redoubtable brigands, agreeing to place two hundred of the Swiss Guard
properly officered and equipped at the disposal of himself and Captain
Morrel. It was decided that the expedition should start from the Castle
of St. Angelo at ten o'clock that night and should be guided by