The Count of Monte Cristo

Messenger Arrives with Albert’s Ransom Letter

A servant of the Duke of Bracciano approaches Franz to inform him a messenger from the Hôtel de Londres is waiting with a letter from Viscount Albert de Morcerf; the messenger left immediately after delivering the message to the servant. Franz rushes back to the hotel, where he finds a cloaked stranger in the street who gives him the letter. The messenger refuses to accompany Franz up to his apartment, saying Franz will understand why after reading the letter, and promises to wait in the street for a response. Franz meets a visibly alarmed Signor Pastrini on the hotel stairs before heading to his room to read the letter.

Franz Learns Albert Is Captured by Luigi Vampa

Albert’s letter asks Franz to retrieve his letter of credit from his pocket-book in the secrétaire’s square drawer, add his own credit if needed, draw 4000 piastres from Signor Torlonia immediately, and deliver the sum to the letter’s bearer as a matter of urgency. The letter is signed by Albert, with a postscript in an unknown hand stating that if the 4000 piastres are not in the writer’s hands by 6 AM, Count Albert will be dead by 7 AM, signed Luigi Vampa. Franz realizes Albert has been captured by the famous bandit chief Luigi Vampa, whose existence Albert had long refused to believe. He finds 6000 piastres in Albert’s pocket-book but notes Albert has already spent 3000, and Franz only has around 50 louis remaining, leaving him short 800 piastres; he plans to go to the Palazzo Bracciano to request the remaining funds from Signor Torlonia.

Franz Requests Aid from the Count of Monte Cristo

Remembering the Count of Monte Cristo, Franz asks Signor Pastrini if the count is in, and learns he has just returned and is not in bed. Franz requests an audience with the count, and is led to a small, divan-lined room in the count’s quarters where the count greets him.