The Count of Monte Cristo

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.