Page:The Count of Monte-Cristo (1887 Volume 2).djvu/151

Rh unknown and the Transteverino, in which the stranger in the cloak had undertaken to obtain the freedom of a condemned criminal.

Now, if this muffled-up individual proved, as Franz felt sure he would, the same as the person he had just seen in the Teatro Argentine, then he should be able to establish his identity, and also to satisfy his curiosity respecting him.

Franz passed the night in dreams respecting the two meetings, and in wishing for the morrow.

The next day must clear up every doubt, and unless the Count of Monte-Cristo possessed the ring of Gryges, and by its power were able to render himself invisible, it was very certain he could not escape this time.

Eight o'clock found Franz up and dressed, while Albert, who had not the same motives for early rising, was still profoundly asleep. The first act of Franz was to summon his landlord, who presented himself with his accustomed obsequiousness.

"Pray,Maitre Pastrini," asked Franz, "is not some execution appointed to take place to-day!"

"Yes, your excellence; but if your reason for inquiry is that you may procure a window to view it from, you are much too late."

"Oh, no!" answered Franz, "even if I had felt a wish to witness the spectacle, I might have done so from Monte Pincio; could I not?"

"Ah!" exclaimed mine host, "I did not think it likely your excellence would have chosen to mingle with all the rabble that use it as an amphitheater."

"Very possibly I may not go," answered Franz; "but in case I feel disposed, give me some particulars of to-day's executions."

"What would you like to hear?"

"Why, the number of persons condemned to suffer, their names, and description of the death they are to die."

"That happens just lucky, your excellence! Only a few minutes ago they brought me the tavolettes."

"What are they?"

"Sort of wooden tablets hung up at the corners of streets the evening before an execution, on which is pasted up a paper containing the names of the condemned persons, their crimes, and mode of punishment. This notice is to invite the faithful to beseech of Heaven to grant them a sincere repentance."

"And these tablets are brought to you that you may add your prayers to those of the faithful, are they?" asked Franz, somewhat incredulously.

"Oh, dear, no, your excellence; but I make an agreement with the man who pastes up the papers, and he brings them to me as he would