Chapter 31.

In early 1838, Albert de Morcerf and Franz d'Epinay plan to see Rome’s Carnival; Albert goes to Naples while Franz tours Elba and, after poor sport on Pianosa, is enticed to visit the uninhabited island of Monte Cristo. Despite warnings about smugglers and pirates, Franz orders captain Gaetano to approach.

At night they spot a fire on Monte Cristo. Gaetano scouts and reports Spanish smugglers with two Corsican bandits. Franz decides to seek hospitality. The boat lands under the watch of armed men; after negotiations, Franz is invited to supper by a mysterious leader, on the condition he be blindfolded.

Led into a sumptuous, hidden cavern, Franz meets a pale, elegant host calling himself “Sinbad the Sailor,” attended by a mute servant, Ali. The opulent chambers and refined banquet astonish Franz. Conversation hints at Sinbad’s vast freedom, secret power, and a cool philosophy of justice; when Franz suggests revenge, Sinbad deflects but reveals a latent ferocity.

For dessert, Sinbad presents pure Alexandrian hashish, extolling its powers. Franz tries it, then retires with Sinbad to a divan-lined chamber for coffee and pipes. As the drug takes effect, Franz’s anxieties fade, replaced by luminous euphoria and expansive visions.

Under the hashish’s spell, Franz experiences an elaborate, sensual dreamscape within the cavern—classical statues seeming to animate into Phryne, Cleopatra, and Messalina, joined by a veiled figure of modesty. Overwhelmed by intoxicating embraces, he yields to the dream’s voluptuous thrall as the chapter ends.