te-Cristo counted for a great deal in it and gazed at him with a
look of gratitude. Beppo was absolutely astounded, for he could not
understand the sudden, favorable turn in the situation.

The Juge d' Instruction, in pursuance of the form prescribed by law,
said to the Deputy:

"May I ask the worthy representative of the Procureur de la Republique
what are his good and sufficient reasons?"

"Certainly, honored Juge," replied the functionary. "His Excellency the
Count of Monte-Cristo, here present, has entered into a compact with the
Procureur, pledging himself in the event of the prisoners' discharge to
induce them to quit France immediately."

At this Monte-Cristo arose and facing the judicial bench said, in that
impressive manner which always marked his public speeches:

"Honored Juge, what the Deputy Procureur has just said is perfectly true
in every respect. In the event of the prisoners' discharge I stand
pledged to his superior in office to see that they return to Italy
without delay."

The Deputy and the Count resumed their seats. The Juge d' Instruction
appeared to think for a moment; then he said:

"My duty in the premises is plain. No evidence is presented against the
prisoners and the official statement and demand of the Procureur de la
Republique, expressed through his worthy and esteemed representative,
preclude the necessity of a formal interrogation of the accused. I
shall, therefore, discharge them, subject, however, to the control of
his Excellency, the Count of Monte-Cristo. Prisoners at the bar," he
added, addressing Peppino and Beppo, "I remand you to your cells, your
liberation to take place at such time as his Excellency, the Count of
Monte-Cristo may determine."

He resumed his seat upon the judicial bench, motioning to the gardien to
remove the prisoners.

Ten minutes later Monte-Cristo was in Peppino's cell. The Italian was
radiant with delight and very effusive in the expression of his thanks
to his powerful and mysterious benefactor.

The Count waved his hand impatiently.

"A truce to thanks," he said. "Time presses, and the sooner you give me
the details of the conspiracy against the Viscount Massetti the sooner
you and your companion will be free."

Peppino threw himself half down upon his bed and Monte-Cristo seated
himself on a rickety stool, his usually impassible countenance plainly
showing the absorbing interest he felt in what was to follow.

The Italian cleared his th