Meeting Bandit Chief Luigi Vampa
In the large chamber, bandit chief Luigi Vampa is seated with his back turned, reading a book, surrounded by resting brigands with a sentinel posted at a dark grotto. The count silently approaches Vampa, but the sentinel spots the movement and challenges the pair, prompting all bandits to level their carbines at the count. The count calmly addresses Vampa, who recognizes him, apologizes for failing to notice his arrival, orders his men to lower their weapons, and greets the count with respect.
Confrontation Over Albert’s Abduction
The count confronts Vampa over the abduction of Viscount Albert de Morcerf, noting Vampa violated their prior agreement to spare the count and his associates by kidnapping Albert, placing a ransom on him as if he were a complete stranger, even though Albert is the count’s friend and fellow resident of their hotel. Vampa is horrified and remorseful, berating his men for failing to inform him of Albert’s connection to the count, and insisting he would never have targeted Albert had he known the truth.
Finding Albert in His Prison Cell
Franz asks where Albert is being held, and Vampa directs him to the grotto guarded by the sentinel. The sentinel reports Albert has not moved in the past hour, and Vampa opens the grotto door to reveal Albert, wrapped in a cloak lent by one of the bandits, sleeping soundly in a corner of his small prison cell.
Albert’s Release and Catacomb Exit
Vampa rouses Albert, who is initially irritated at being woken from a pleasant dream of dancing a galop at Torlonia’s ball, before learning he is free at the count’s demand. Albert thanks the count effusively, noting he owes him a great debt of gratitude for the rescue, and confirms with Vampa that no formalities are required for his departure. The group leaves the cell, passing bandits who stand at attention, and Vampa personally escorts them out of the catacombs as a sign of respect, repeating his apologies for the mistake. Franz asks Vampa what book he was reading when they arrived, and Vampa reveals it is Caesar’s Commentaries, his favorite work. Albert lights his cigar at Vampa’s torch before the group returns to their waiting carriage.
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