A glance at the man's pale and agitated countenance was sufficient to tell Monte-Cristo that something unusual had happened.
"Well," said he, gazing keenly at him, "what is it?"
The man looked hastily about the apartment and, having satisfied himself that his master was alone, came close to him, bending down and whispering in his ear: "Signor Count, a strange visitor is below, asking to see you. He is garbed like a Roman noble and his face is made up with paints and cosmetics like that of an actor on the stage of a theatre. Still, I think I have pierced his disguise and that he is no less a personage than Luigi Vampa himself!"
"Ah!" said the Count, rising, with a smile of satisfaction. "Heaven grant that you are correct! If Vampa is here, his visit will simplify matters."
"But you do not mean to see the brigand chief, do you, Signor Count?" said Peppino, in a startled tone.
"Why, pray, should I not see him when for so long I have been impatiently awaiting an opportunity to meet him?" asked Monte-Cristo, in amazement.
"Because," answered the Italian, with an unmistakable display of fear, "he may have divined your mission to Rome and his business with you here to-day may be assassination!"
Monte Cristo laughed heartily.
"My good fellow," said he, in a reassuring tone, "dismiss your childish terrors. Vampa will not dare even to attempt to harm me! Show the mysterious visitor up and let the problem of his identity be solved!"
"I know your power over Vampa, Signor Count," returned Peppino, hesitating, "but still in this peculiar instance it may fail you!"
"Pshaw!" said the Count, impatiently. "I tell you I do not fear Vampa. Show him up at once."
Peppino very reluctantly quitted the salon, soon returning with the suspicious visitor.
Monte-Cristo advanced to meet the new comer, who silently pointed to Peppino, motioning towards the door. The Count nodded to the ex-bandit and with a slow step he left the room.
Although Vampa was carefully disguised and even elegantly dressed in the fashionable attire of the Roman aristocracy, Monte-Cristo, like Peppino, had no difficulty whatever in recognizing him.
"Well, Luigi Vampa!" said he, facing his visitor and calmly folding his arms as soon as they were alone. "What do you want with me?"
The brigand chief did not seem either disconcerted or surprised even in the slightest degree. He boldly returned his host's gaze and said: "I knew you would recognize me at once, for I am well aware of your extraordinary keenness and penetration, Signor Count, but, to confess the truth, my disguise was not intended to deceive you; its sole object was to secure me safe entrance to and exit from Rome which of late has become dangerous for men in my line of industry!"