The Count of Monte Cristo - Chapter 33 — Roman Bandits

Arriving in Rome for Carnival, Franz and Albert find the city alive with noise, color, and chaos—but also an undercurrent of danger. Their host, Signor Pastrini, warns them that every carriage and horse has been rented for the festival, and lodgings are packed. While seeking excitement beyond the masquerades, the two friends hear grim tales of notorious highwaymen who haunt the Roman countryside—especially the legendary Luigi Vampa, a bandit as cunning as he is feared. Intrigued rather than alarmed, Albert proposes they venture beyond the city to see this world for themselves. Franz, more cautious, senses the shadow of peril already drawing near. The stage is set for their fateful encounter with the outlaws of Rome.