Monte-Cristo's flashing eyes fixed themselves on the old patriot, and with ringing tones he retorted:
"Marquis, I have as yet always kept my word."
"But when? It may soon be too late. We are lacking in arms and ammunition, and the superiority of numbers will crush us if we are defenceless."
"Ali," ordered the count.
The Nubian appeared and glanced inquiringly at his master.
"You have the key of the vault which contains the arms and ammunition?"
Ali nodded.
"Go and show the Marquis of Sante-Croce the way to the vaults. Arm the patriots, marquis, and believe my words, before night Radetzky will give up the fight and to-morrow will leave Milan. Stop, one instant yet; I told the patriots that the Marquis Aslitta would lead them. I have kept my word. See for yourself. Aslitta opens his eyes; he lives."
The dark eyelids really opened, and with a dreamy look Aslitta surveyed the people who surrounded him.
"Thanks be to God, he lives!" exclaimed Luciola, gleefully.