t's
own daughter.

At the close of this address the soldiers saluted, the only way in which
the military regulations permitted them to respond.

Monte-Cristo and M. Morrel then had a brief conference with the peasant
guide, who seemed very intelligent and thoroughly posted as to the
bandits and their stronghold. The information he gave was in every
respect satisfactory and it was abundantly plain that the man could be
implicitly relied upon.

Everything was now in readiness and, as the hour of ten was sounded by
the clock of the Castle of St. Angelo, the troops headed by Captain
Morrel and the Count filed out of the court-yard and began their march.
When the open country was reached the guide took up a position a trifle
in advance of the detachment and led the way. Complete silence was
maintained and the utmost care taken to muffle the tramp of the
soldiers' feet.

After marching until nearly midnight, the guide in a low, cautious
whisper informed the Count and Maximilian that the bandits' fastness was
close at hand. A brief halt for rest and recuperation was immediately
ordered; then the advance was resumed, followed by a struggle with the
brigands' sentinel, who was seized and overpowered before he could give
even the slightest alarm.

"Now, men," said Captain Morrel, in a firm, commanding tone, "for a
prompt dash and we shall trap all the wolves in their subterranean den!"

The cave had two entrances. The Count at the head of half the troops
speedily possessed himself of one and Maximilian with the rest of the
detachment promptly seized the other.

So far the success of the expedition had been complete. The outlaws were
caged and could not escape, but, nevertheless, it was probable that they
would make a desperate and bloody resistance. Simultaneously
Monte-Cristo and Captain Morrel penetrated the gloomy depths with their
men and a dozen torches quickly lighted illuminated the cavern as if by
magic. Instantly there arose a chorus of wild shouts uttered by the
surprised bandits, who, armed to the teeth, came thronging from every
direction. A fierce hand to hand battle ensued, the cavern echoing with
the rattle of musketry, the reports of pistols and the clash of swords.

As had been anticipated the brigands contended desperately and with the
utmost fury. They were brave, hardy wretches, and though hemmed in on
all sides evidently hoped to triumph over the invaders of their
stronghold and drive them out in di