The Count of Monte Cristo

Conversation About Peppino’s Imminent Execution

Conversation About Peppino’s Imminent Execution The Transteverine explains that he came from the Castle of St. Angelo, where his informant Beppo keeps him apprised of events. He reports that two executions will occur the day after tomorrow: one criminal will be mazzolato for murdering his priest, while Peppino—a mere shepherd who only supplied the band with provisions—will be decapitato. The man laments that the pontifical government makes examples of such men to instill fear.

Plot to Rescue Peppino from Execution

Plot to Rescue Peppino from Execution The Transteverine proposes surrounding the scaffold with twenty of his best men to overpower the guard with stilettos and carry off Peppino. The cloaked stranger dismisses this as too hazardous and instead offers to bribe officials with 2,000 piastres for a respite of a year, followed by another 1,000 to enable Peppino’s escape, asserting that gold will accomplish more than force.

Agreement on Window Signals for Rescue Outcome

Agreement on Window Signals for Rescue Outcome They settle on signals at the three lower windows of the Café Rospoli: a successful reprieve will be indicated by yellow damask on the two outer windows and white damask with a red cross on the center window, while failure will be signaled by yellow draperies on all three. A friar disguised as a penitent will deliver the reprieve to the executioner, and Peppino must be informed to prevent his despair.

Conspirators Depart Separately

Conspirators Depart Separately A noise—likely visiting travellers with torches—alerts the cloaked man, who notes that the guides are spies who might recognize his companion. The Transteverine pledges absolute obedience in exchange for Peppino’s rescue, and the stranger hints that he may someday call on this devotion. The Transteverine disappears down the staircase, and the cloaked figure passes close by Franz and descends to the arena.

Franz Reunites with Albert and Departs

Franz Reunites with Albert and Departs After ensuring the conspirators are far enough away, Franz answers Albert’s echoing calls. Ten minutes later, he is on the road to the Piazza di Spagna, feigning polite interest while Albert delivers a learned lecture, in the manner of Pliny and Calpurnius, on the iron-pointed nets used to protect spectators from wild beasts.

CHAPITRE 34. The Colosseum

In this chapter, Franz reflects on the mysterious encounter he witnessed in the Colosseum, becoming increasingly convinced that one of the cloaked figures is none other than his former host, “Sinbad the Sailor,” whose deep, sonorous voice he recognizes from their earlier meeting in the grotto of Monte Cristo, and he passes a sleepless night wrestling with the connection between the two identities. The following day, Albert busies himself with social arrangements in Rome, securing a box at the Teatro Argentina and collecting numerous invitations, though he confides in Franz his growing frustration at having attracted no romantic adventures in Italy despite his fashionable attire and considerable personal charms. That evening at the opera, where Donizetti’s Parisina is being performed by Coselli, Moriani, and La Specchia, Franz and Albert are presented to the Venetian Countess G——, with whom Franz shares a taste for moonlit visits to ancient ruins, and Franz soon becomes entranced by a strikingly beautiful woman in Greek dress seated in an opposite box, accompanied by a shadowed male figure who shows no reaction even to the loudest passages of the ballet Poliska that follows.

The Colosseum Mystery

The Colosseum Mystery Franz reflects on the mysterious encounter he witnessed at the Colosseum, becoming convinced that the cloaked figure speaking in the ruins was the same person he knew as “Sinbad the Sailor” from the grotto of Monte Cristo. The deep, sonorous voice he heard in both places left too strong an impression to be forgotten.

Sleepless Speculation

Sleepless Speculation Though tempted to pursue his curiosity and seek out the mysterious stranger, Franz restrains himself out of propriety, having overheard a confidential conversation. He spends a sleepless night feverishly connecting the Colosseum visitor with the inhabitant of Monte Cristo’s grotto, his conviction growing firmer as he thinks.