第一百十四章 Peppino
Chapter 114, titled “Peppino,” follows Baron Danglars as he travels post from Florence to Rome, visits the Thomson & French bank to withdraw a massive sum of five millions, and is subsequently shadowed by Peppino, a Roman bandit. After returning triumphantly to his hotel with the fortune, Danglars departs Rome for Venice but is ambushed on the road, his carriage taken over by mysterious riders. He is brought along a circuitous route back toward Rome and eventually recognizes the Appian Way, realizing he has fallen into the hands of Roman banditti. Peppino guides him through a narrow fissure into the underground bandit hideout carved from ancient sepulchres.
Danglars Travels to Rome by Post
A man travelling post from Florence to Rome, dressed in a worn surtout bearing the Legion of Honor ribbon, passes through Aquapendente while urging his postilions with musical Italian terms—“Allegro!” uphill and “Moderato!” downhill. When Rome first becomes visible from La Storta, the traveller shows no curiosity about St. Peter’s dome but instead consults a folded paper from his pocketbook with reverent satisfaction, confirming he still possesses it.
Danglars Arrives at Hôtel d’Espagne
The carriage enters Rome through the Porta del Popolo and stops at the Hôtel d’Espagne, where old Pastrini greets the traveller. The traveller alights, orders a good dinner, and receives the address of the Thomson & French banking house on the Via dei Banchi near St. Peter’s. His arrival draws the attention of barefoot Roman idlers, descendants of Marius and the Gracchi, and street Arabs who, being polyglot, overhear his inquiries about the bankers.
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