nine o'clock
With this view I have already instructed Ali , the only person save yourself in the Hôtel de France who is aware of the terrible blow that has fallen upon me , to refrain from communicating the intelligence to any one . It is better thus , for the brigands undoubtedly have spies in Rome at this time and the utmost caution is advisable . '' M. Morrel readily assented to the wisdom of the Count 's policy of complete silence , and the twain separated to quietly prepare for the night 's perilous and exciting adventure . At half-past nine o'clock Monte-Cristo and Maximilian entered the court-yard of the grim Castle of St. Angelo , where the detachment of the Swiss Guard was already drawn up under arms awaiting orders . The Count wore a half military dress and had a sword at his side , while his friend was clad in the full uniform of a Captain in the Army of France and similarly provided with the regulation weapon . Both he and Monte-Cristo had a couple of pistols in their belts , freshly and carefully loaded . The Captain of the Swiss Guard received them and presented the peasant whom Cardinal Monti had sent to act as guide .