ted cavaliers and the various paths were
alive with handsome girls and their gallants, while interspersed amid
the better classes were gorgeously attired peasants of both sexes, some
simply idling about, others vending small wares and flowers.

Tiring at length of the ordinary sights of Rome, Zuleika directed Ali to
drive a short distance into the country. He obeyed with considerable
reluctance for he was well aware of the dangers to be encountered in the
environs of the city, and Peppino, on his side, was also uneasy, though
he did not venture to protest against what he considered a most
censurable caprice of his youthful mistress.

However, they drove along for several miles without the slightest
incident occurring to warrant the fears of Ali and Peppino or trouble
the serenity of Zuleika. The young girl enjoyed the open country, with
its stately trees, verdure and refreshing odors, immensely, and
internally congratulated herself on having varied her programme by
leaving dusty Rome behind her for a time.

Meanwhile Ali, with the habitual fatalism of his nation, had resigned
himself in advance to whatever might happen and drove straight onward
with his eyes impassibly fixed upon the horses. Not so with Peppino;
the wily and well-posted Italian was constantly on the alert, scanning
every thicket, clump of trees or turn of the road with a searching look
long before they came to it; although nothing suspicious had as yet met
his gaze, he was not by any means either satisfied or reassured.

Finally they approached a small roadside inn and Zuleika, complaining of
thirst, directed the barouche to be stopped and Peppino to dismount from
his seat, enter the inn and procure some wine for her. Peppino made a
grimace at this command, but had not the courage to explain to
Monte-Cristo's daughter that in obeying her he ran the risk of
encountering some of his old comrades who might prove too inquisitive.
He slowly clambered down from the barouche and with an exceedingly
rueful countenance made his way into the inn. He had not been gone an
instant when he suddenly reappeared, running towards the barouche and
uttering loud cries of alarm. Half a dozen rough-looking men pursued him
and before he could reach the vehicle he was caught. Simultaneously
another party of ruffians issued from the inn, catching the horses by
the bridle as Ali was about to drive off.

"Not so fast, my sable friend!" said one of the men. "We must make the