“Look here, Yussuf,” said the professor at last; “what is to be done?”
“I fear, excellency,” replied the guide, “that the only way of escape is by paying the ransom.”
“But, man, it is ruinous, and they dare not injure us. Why, if the English people knew of our position troops would be sent to our assistance.”
“And the brigands would resent their coming by killing you and your friends, excellency.”
“They would not dare, Yussuf.”
“I’m afraid they would, effendi. They are utterly reckless scoundrels, the sweepings of the country, and they are so powerful, and secure here that they laugh at the law, such law as we have in this unhappy land.”
“But such a state of affairs is monstrous, sir,” said Mr Burne. “I am a lawyer, sir, and I ought to know.”
“It is monstrous, excellency,” said Yussuf; “but these men are outlaws. You see what a stronghold they have if it came to a fight; but your friends or the government would not dare to let it come to a fight, for if they did they would be slaying you.”
“Tchah!” cried Mr Burne; “this is about the knottiest case I ever did meet. I say, you, Lawrence, a nice position you have placed us all in.”
“I, Mr Burne!” cried the lad wonderingly.