Then follow me."

The chief, who had remained standing out of compliment to the Count,
took a large key from a rack behind his desk and opened a door leading
into a long, dimly-lighted corridor. Monte-Cristo followed him through
this gloomy passage until they came to a cell before which the chief
stopped. The large key grated in the lock, the door of the cell swung
open with an ominous sound and the Count found himself face to face with
the former Roman bandit.

Peppino was sitting on the edge of an iron bedstead, the very picture
of despair. He thought that Monte-Cristo had deserted him, that he would
not interfere even with the prospect of obtaining the details of the
plot against young Massetti. As the Count entered the cell his
countenance brightened instantly and hope was renewed in his bosom. The
chief discreetly withdrew, saying as he did so:

"I will wait without, in the corridor."

With these words he closed the door of the cell and Monte-Cristo found
himself alone with Peppino.

All the light that made its way into the gloomy cell came through a
small grated window high up in the wall, placed at such a distance from
the floor that no prisoner could reach it even by climbing upon his
bedstead. The walls and ceiling were of stone.

"Well," asked Peppino, "how has your Excellency succeeded?"

"I have made but little progress as yet, though I hope to be able to do
something for you and Beppo in a very short time," answered the Count,
in a reassuring voice.

"I am satisfied," said Peppino, cheerily. "If your Excellency only
determines upon it, Beppo and myself will shortly be free!"

"I cannot go that far, my good fellow, but I can and do promise you all
my aid and influence can effect."

"They will effect everything necessary, Signor Count," replied the
Italian, confidently.

"Do not hope for too much, Peppino. I have told you that Paris is
different from Rome."

"I have occasion now to know that," rejoined the outlaw, bitterly. "But
the power of the Count of Monte-Cristo is the same here as in the
campagna!"

"Keep up a stout heart, at all events, my good fellow. We shall soon
know what can be done."

"I will keep up a stout heart, Signor Count, for I have perfect faith in
you!"

"So be it. Now, my man, what do you know about the plot against the
Viscount Massetti?"

"Pardon me, Signor Count," said the Italian, shrewdly, "but I will tell
you that when Beppo and myself are at liberty!"

Mon