sorder and terror. Their former
experience with the Swiss Guard and the police warranted them in
entertaining this hope, but on the present occasion they reckoned
without their host, for the soldiers had never before had such intrepid,
determined and able leaders.

The battle lasted for over an hour and it was not until many had been
killed and wounded on both sides that the outlaws began to show signs of
wavering. Monte-Cristo and Captain Morrel performed prodigies of valor,
animating and encouraging their troops both by word and example. Finally
the outlaws were completely subdued, such of them as had not been slain
having been made prisoners. The Count escaped without a scratch, but
Maximilian was slightly wounded in the left hand.

When the firing and the clash, of swords had ceased, Captain Morrel
gave the order to search the cave for Zuleika and Peppino, first placing
sentinels at the entrances to guard against surprise and prevent the
escape of any of the bandits who amid the confusion might slip from
their captors.

"Where are the cells?" asked Monte-Cristo of the peasant guide, who had
manfully borne his part in the struggle.

"Follow me," answered the man. "I will take you to them."

Monte-Cristo now that the excitement of the fray had left him was filled
with anxiety for his daughter. What had happened to her since she had
been a captive in the bandits' den? Had her honor been respected as well
as her life? His suspense was the most terrible torture possible to
conceive. He could scarcely restrain himself until he should learn the
truth, be it fatal or favorable. Maximilian was almost equally agitated,
but managed to maintain a comparatively calm exterior that he might the
better support and cheer his friend in this his hour of bitter need.

The peasant, holding a torch above his head, conducted them into a dark,
damp corridor, several soldiers following in charge of a lieutenant. The
party had not gone many steps when a man's cries became audible,
proceeding from a cell near at hand. The door of this cell was fastened
only by a bar of iron, to remove which required but an instant, when it
was discovered that the cries came from Peppino, who having heard the
noise of the conflict and concluded that relief was near had at once
commenced to shout that he might disclose his whereabouts to the
invaders. The ex-bandit was set at liberty and the search was continued.

Presently a low moan struck the Count's