Page:The Count of Monte-Cristo (1887 Volume 2).djvu/136

118 and he will deliver the order to the officer, who, in his turn, will hand it to the executioner. In the mean time, acquaint Peppino with the news, if it be only to prevent his dying of fear or losing his senses, because in either case a veiy useless expense will have been incurred."

"Your excellency," said the man, "you are fully persuaded of my entire devotion to you, are you not?"

"Nay, I hope so, at least," replied the cavalier in the cloak.

"Well, then, if you save Peppino, henceforward you shall receive not only devotedness, but obedience."

"Have a care how far you pledge yourself, my good friend, for I may remind you of your promise some day, when I, in my turn, may require your aid."

"In the hour of need, your excellency will find me what I have found you to-day; and if from the other end of the world you but write me, 'Do this!' done it shall be, on the word of"

"Hush!" interrupted the stranger; "I hear a noise."

"'Tis some travelers, who are visiting the Colosseum by torchlight."

"'Twere better we should not be seen together; those guides are nothing but spies, and might possibly recognize you; and, however I may be honored by your friendship, my worthy friend, if once the extent of our intimacy were known, I am sadly afraid my reputation would suffer thereby."

"Well, then, if you obtain the reprieve!"

"The middle window at the Cafe Rospoli will be hung with white damask, bearing on it a red cross."

"And if you fail?"

"Then three yellow draperies."

"And then?"

"And then, my good fellow, use your daggers in any way you please, and I further promise you to be there as a spectator of your prowess."

"Adieu, your excellency; depend upon me as I do upon you."

Saying these words, the Transteverino disappeared down the stair case, while his companion, muffling his. features more closely than before in the folds of his mantle, passed almost close to Franz, and descended to the arena by an outward flight of steps. The next minute Franz heard himself called by Albert, but he did not answer till the two men were at a distance, not wishing that they should suspect having had a witness to their discourse, who, if unable to recognize their faces, had at least heard every word that passed. In ten minutes from the parting of the strangers, Franz was on the road to the Hotel d'Espagne, listening with scarcely polite indifference to the learned dissertation delivered by Albert, after Pliny and Calpurnius, touching the iron-pointed nets used to prevent the ferocious beasts from springing on the spectators.