Pasquale Solara!

The Count was not a little discouraged, but his own conviction of the
truth of Peppino's statement was as strong as ever and, notwithstanding
all the apparently insurmountable obstacles, he did not doubt that he
would eventually find some way to force Vampa and the shepherd into a
full confirmation of every diabolical detail related by the ex-bandit in
the cell of the police poste in Paris.

As he sat thus communing with his sombre thoughts and reflecting that
the delay might stretch out into many months, a knock was heard at his
door and in response to his permission Peppino entered the salon.

A glance at the man's pale and agitated countenance was sufficient to
tell Monte-Cristo that something unusual had happened.

"Well," said he, gazing keenly at him, "what is it?"

The man looked hastily about the apartment and, having satisfied himself
that his master was alone, came close to him, bending down and
whispering in his ear:

"Signor Count, a strange visitor is below, asking to see you. He is
garbed like a Roman noble and his face is made up with paints and
cosmetics like that of an actor on the stage of a theatre. Still, I
think I have pierced his disguise and that he is no less a personage
than Luigi Vampa himself!"

"Ah!" said the Count, rising, with a smile of satisfaction. "Heaven
grant that you are correct! If Vampa is here, his visit will simplify
matters."

"But you do not mean to see the brigand chief, do you, Signor Count?"
said Peppino, in a startled tone.

"Why, pray, should I not see him when for so long I have been
impatiently awaiting an opportunity to meet him?" asked Monte-Cristo, in
amazement.

"Because," answered the Italian, with an unmistakable display of fear,
"he may have divined your mission to Rome and his business with you here
to-day may be assassination!"

Monte Cristo laughed heartily.

"My good fellow," said he, in a reassuring tone, "dismiss your childish
terrors. Vampa will not dare even to attempt to harm me! Show the
mysterious visitor up and let the problem of his identity be solved!"

"I know your power over Vampa, Signor Count," returned Peppino,
hesitating, "but still in this peculiar instance it may fail you!"

"Pshaw!" said the Count, impatiently. "I tell you I do not fear Vampa.
Show him up at once."

Peppino very reluctantly quitted the salon, soon returning with the
suspicious visitor.

Monte-Cristo advanced to meet the new comer, who