The Count of Monte Cristo

Count and Franz Prepare to Rescue Albert in the Catacombs

The count confirms Peppino’s account is plausible, and assures Franz that Albert will not come to serious harm if they intervene. Franz asks if they will go to rescue Albert immediately, and the count agrees, noting the catacombs are a picturesque location. Franz had no carriage available, but the count says he always has a carriage ready at all times, as he is a capricious person who often decides spontaneously to travel to a specific location at any hour.

第三十七章 The Catacombs of Saint Sebastian

This chapter follows the Count of Monte Cristo and Franz as they mount a rapid night rescue mission to retrieve Franz’s friend Viscount Albert de Morcerf, who has been abducted and held for ransom in the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian by a band of brigands led by Luigi Vampa. After securing Albert’s release through a confrontation with Vampa, the group returns to the nighttime ballroom where Albert had been attending earlier.

Carriage Prepared for Night Rescue

The Count of Monte Cristo arranges for a carriage to be prepared for the rescue mission, ordering that pistols be removed from the holsters and that the mute servant Ali will drive in place of the regular coachman. After confirming Franz remains fully resolved to accompany him, the pair head downstairs with Peppino, find the waiting carriage, and set off at a rapid pace.

Departure for Saint Sebastian’s Catacombs

Ali drives the carriage along the pre-determined route: down the Corso, across the Campo Vaccino, and up the Strada San Gregorio, heading toward the gates of Saint Sebastian.