Chapter 37 - The Catacombs of Saint Sebastian

Summary

Franz d'Epinay, disturbed by Albert de Morcerf's disappearance during the carnival, is alerted by a servant at the Duke of Bracciano's ball to a message waiting for him at his hotel. He learns from the messenger, identified as Peppino, that Albert has been abducted by the bandit chief Luigi Vampa and demands four thousand piastres for his release by seven in the morning. Franz initially lacks the funds but resolves to seek the Count of Monte Cristo's assistance. The Count arrives, recognizes the situation, and utilizes his prior intervention to spare Peppino to command the bandit's compliance. Traveling to the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian under cover of darkness, Franz and the Count confront Vampa, who had abducted Albert by mistake, unaware of the Count's protection. The Count demands Albert's release, which Vampa grants instantly; Albert, awakened from sleep, cheerfully thanks his rescuers and returns to the ball with Franz, leaving the Count with a shudder of recognition.

Characters

• Franz / Baron Franz d'Epinay (Excellency) — Franz waits anxiously for Albert at the hotel and the Duke's ball, receives a ransom letter from Peppino, and runs to fetch the Count of Monte Cristo. He accompanies the Count into the catacombs, witnesses the confrontation with Vampa, and helps rescue Albert before returning to the ball.
• Signor Pastrini — The innkeeper informs Franz that Albert is missing, alerts him to the messenger's arrival, and delivers candles to his room before reporting the Count's return.
• Duke (Duke of Bracciano, Monsieur le Duc) — The Duke of Bracciano, husband of the last heir of the Colonna family, questions Franz about Albert's whereabouts and warns him of the dangers of the dark streets.
• Countess (Countess G—, Madame la Comtesse) — The Countess arrives at the ball with M. Torlonia, dismisses the Duke's concerns about the dark night, and later asks Franz to return if his news is not serious.
• Count (Monsieur le Comte, the Count of Monte Cristo, His Excellency) — The Count of Monte Cristo is visited by Franz, reads the ransom note, and immediately prepares to intervene. He arrives at the catacombs, commands the bandits through his prior mercy to Peppino, and secures Albert's immediate release, shuddering when shaking Albert's hand.
• Peppino (the shepherd) — Peppino delivers the ransom note to Franz in the street, then follows the Count and Franz to the catacombs as a guide, showing reverence to the Count and carrying a torch for their return.
• Luigi Vampa (the chief, Captain, Signor Luigi) — Luigi Vampa, the bandit chief, is found reading in the catacombs when the Count and Franz arrive. Upon realizing his prisoner is a friend of the Count, he immediately frees Albert and apologizes profusely for the mistake.
• Albert / Vicomte Albert de Morcerf (Excellency, the Frenchman) — Albert, who had been abducted by Vampa under the guise of a romantic rendezvous, is woken by the Count. Unperturbed, he thanks his rescuers, lights a cigar on Vampa's torch, and returns to the ball to dance with the Countess.
• Ali (the dumb slave) — Ali, the Count's mute servant, drives the carriage with the Count and Franz to the catacombs and back, following orders in Arabic and riding with Peppino beside him.
• sentry (sentry) — A sentry guards the entrance to the catacombs and checks on the prisoner, reporting to Vampa that Albert has been asleep and unmoving for an hour.
• bandits (bandits) — Approximately twenty bandits are present in the catacombs, lying on the floor with their guns. They rise and point their weapons at the Count upon his entry, only to lower them when Vampa commands it.