Peppino the Gaoler
Peppino, whom Danglars recognizes as his former guide, arrives with an epicure’s spread of chick-peas stewed with bacon, Villetri grapes, and Orvieto wine. When Danglars requests dinner, Peppino explains that anything can be obtained by paying for it. Danglars assumes the prices must be reasonable, recalling that poultry is cheap in Italy—perhaps worth only twelve sous in Rome.
The Hundred Thousand Franc Fowl
Danglars orders a fowl, which arrives on a silver dish carried on a young bandit’s head. However, before eating, Peppino demands payment. Danglars throws down a louis, only to learn he still owes 4,999 louis—meaning the fowl costs one hundred thousand francs. Peppino solemnly explains that raising fowls in the caves is extremely difficult. Danglars initially thinks it a joke, but when he refuses to pay, the fowl is removed and Peppino calls for a simple loaf of bread, which costs the same astronomical price.
The Fixed Price of Provisions
Danglars discovers the bandits operate on a fixed-price system where all provisions cost one hundred thousand francs regardless of quantity. A loaf of bread costs as much as a fowl. Peppino coldly informs him he may pay or starve, pointing out that his letter of credit contains 5,050,000 francs—enough for fifty fowls and a half. The bandage of disbelief falls from Danglars’ eyes as he understands the true nature of his predicament.
The Draft on Thomson & French
Danglars complies with good grace, writing a draft for 4,998 louis on the house of Thomson & French at Via dei Banchi, Rome. Upon receiving the draft, Peppino delivers the fowl. Danglars sighs as he carves it, finding the bird disappointingly thin for its enormous price, while Peppino contents himself with examining the paper and continuing his peas.
KAPITEL 116. The Pardon
Chapter 116 continues the tale of Danglars, who has been captured by bandits and is being systematically stripped of his fortune. The chapter explores his physical suffering, psychological torment, and ultimate encounter with Edmond Dantès, who reveals himself as the mastermind behind Danglars’ suffering. The chapter culminates in a pardon being granted, but one that comes at the cost of Danglars’ pride, health, and most of his fortune.
The Prisoner’s Hunger
Danglars finds himself hungry in his dungeon cell, having hidden half his fowl and bread from a previous meal. Thirst overcomes him despite his efforts to resist, and he calls out to the sentinel. When a new guard appears, he sends for his old acquaintance Peppino, hoping to negotiate more favorable terms. Danglars requests water, but learns that even water has become scarce due to drought, and wine remains prohibitively expensive.
Exorbitant Prices
Peppino explains that wine is beyond all price near Rome, and water is even scarcer than wine due to drought. Danglars tries to negotiate for a glass of wine, but learns that they do not sell at retail. When he asks for the least expensive bottle, he is told they are all the same price—twenty-five thousand francs per bottle. Danglars bitterly realizes they intend to strip him of everything gradually rather than all at once.
Luigi Vampa’s Master
Luigi Vampa himself appears before Danglars. When Danglars asks about his ransom, Vampa reveals he wants the five million francs Danglars carries. Danglars pleads that this is all he has left from an immense fortune, but Vampa explains he is forbidden from shedding blood yet cannot allow Danglars to leave. When Danglars asks who gives these orders, Vampa admits he has a superior chief above him, despite being the leader of these bandits.
The Million-Franc Meals
Danglars offers increasingly desperate sums—first one million, then two, three, and finally four million—on condition that he be released. Vampa rejects these offers, noting the logical inconsistency of offering four million for what is worth five million. Danglars eventually refuses to sign anything, but after two days, offers a million for food. Over twelve days, he indulges in magnificent dinners and by the end finds he has only fifty thousand francs remaining. The passage of time and financial ruin drive him to consider prayer and hope for rescue.
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