Stories to remember - Chapter 24

ROMAN BANDITS

Viscount Albert Morcerf, the son of Fernand and Mercedes, was travelling with his friend, Franz Epinay, in Italy. It was the beginning of the year 1838.

Soon after his arrival in Rome, Albert met the Count of Monte Cristo. They became good friends.

One night Albert foolishly allowed himself to be caught by bandits. The bandits took him to some caves, just outside Rome, and held him prisoner. They wrote a note to Albert's friend, Franz, demanding four thousand piastres. The note said : ' If the four thousand piastres are not in our hands by six o'clock tomorrow morning, the Viscount Albert Morcerf will be dead by seven o'clock.'

Franz Epinay had only three thousand piastres with him. He did not know where he could get another one thousand piastres so quickly. Then he thought of the Count of Monte Cristo. He went to him and asked if he could borrow a thousand piastres.

When the Count heard the story he laughed.

'We will go together to these bandits,' he said.

He told his slave, Ali, to get the coach ready and they drove to the caves outside Rome. There the Count demanded to see the chief of the bandits.

'Well, you seem to have forgotten our agreement,' said Monte Cristo.

'What agreement have I forgotten, Monsieur the Count?' asked the bandit chief.

'Did we not agree that you would never harm any of my friends?'

'And how have I broken that agreement, your Excellency?'

'This evening you have carried off the Viscount Albert Morcerf, who is one of my friends,' replied the Count.

'Why did you not tell me this--you?' said the brigand chief, turning angrily towards his men. They all backed away before his look.

'I apologise,' said the chief to the Count. 'He shall be released immediately.'

Albert was set free and rode back to Rome with the Count. He was very grateful to Monte Cristo, not only for his freedom, but also because it was obtained without paying any ransom.

'If there is anything I can do in return,' said Albert to the Count, ' I shall gladly do it.'

'Yes,' said Monte Cristo, 'there is something you can do for me.'

'What is that?'

'I have never been to Paris before, but I am going there soon. When I arrive there, will you show me the city and introduce me to your friends?'

'That I will gladly do,' replied Albert. 'When will you be coming to Paris?'

'To-day is the 21st of February, and it is now half past ten o'clock,' said the Count. 'I'll meet you at your home in Paris in exactly three months' time. Promise to remember this, and expect me on the 21st of May at half past ten in the morning.'

'Very good,' said Albert, 'breakfast will be ready for you.'