"But where is Aslitta? He must lead us," some cried.
La Luciola advanced.
"The patriot Aslitta has been imprisoned," she sorrowfully said; "he is lying in the citadel."
A cry of rage arose.
"Let us rescue him," came from all sides. "Let us storm the citadel before they murder him."
"Yes, let us rescue him," said Monte-Cristo. "Let the fight begin to-morrow! To arms in the name of humanity and freedom!"
Suddenly a man arose from the crowd, who had heretofore remained silent, and casting a look at the count, he slowly said:
"We hardly know you. What guarantee will you give us that you won't betray us?"
"The man is right," the count replied. "Sante-Croce, here is my own child. Take Spero with you. Let him vouch for his father with his head!"