"I will do as you desire, Signor Count," said the Italian, "and I will promise that Beppo shall also comply with your wishes."
"Very well," rejoined Monte-Cristo. "It is understood and agreed upon. One condition, however, I must exact. You and Beppo must hold no communication with Luigi Vampa or any of his band, at least not until I so direct."
"The condition shall be scrupulously observed, Signor Count. While in your service your commands shall be our only law."
"It is sufficient. Now I am going to set you and Beppo at liberty. You will at once accompany me to my residence and there the preparations for our departure will immediately be made. We shall start for Rome to-morrow."
"As your Excellency pleases," said the Italian.
Monte-Cristo summoned the gardien on duty at the poste, directing him to produce Beppo, and soon the Count and the Italians were seated in the former's barouche and being rapidly driven by Ali towards the mansion on the Rue du Helder.
No sooner had they arrived at their destination than the Count, giving the new additions to his retinue into the charge of the faithful Nubian, repaired to his study, summoning Zuleika to him. The girl hastened to obey the summons, and the sight of her father's pale, stern countenance instantly told her that something very unusual and important had taken place.
"My child," said the Count, taking her tenderly in his arms and gazing fondly into her upturned, anxious face, "I have to-day received some very startling intelligence."
Zuleika's heart beat wildly at this announcement; she felt convinced that the very startling intelligence concerned her unfortunate, long-silent lover.
"Father," said she, in a tremulous voice, "have you received word from the Viscount Massetti?"
"No, my child," answered Monte-Cristo; "but tidings of the gravest nature relating to him have been imparted to me."
"Tidings of the gravest nature, father! Is it possible that he is dead?"
As she uttered the last words, the poor girl burst into a flood of tears.
"No, my child," replied the Count. "Young Massetti is not dead."
"Has he succeeded in clearing himself of that terrible charge?" the girl asked, trembling with anxiety.
"Alas! no! But he is innocent, Zuleika, as innocent of the dreadful crime imputed to him as the babe unborn! Of that you can rest assured, for the proof of his innocence is in my hands!"
Zuleika gave a wild cry of joy and flung her arms about her father's neck.
"Calm yourself, my child," resumed Monte-Cristo; "all will yet be well. I start for Rome to-morrow with Ali and two of Giovanni's friends. Be ready to accompany me!"