“I fancy I can read it if it is in Russian,” said Captain Foster, as he took the paper and glanced over its contents. “I think that’ll get you out all right. I’ll take it to the American Consul and have it viséed, and then to the chief of police for his O.K. Now, if you young gentlemen want to make any purchases,”—and the captain looked the boys over with amusement in his eye,—“you can do it while I’m getting this fixed up.”
“I wish we could buy new suits,” said Sidney, “and shoes; in fact, new outfits right through, for both of us.”
“You come with me then,” said the captain, “and I’ll show you a good shop. We must have everything ready to-day, for I shall get off in the morning before daylight.”
Captain Foster conducted the boys to a clothing shop that was kept by an Armenian Jew who spoke English. Before allowing the boys to enter, the captain detained them for final instructions.
“This man has a very good stock of clothes,” he said. “After you have selected what you want and got his price for everything, offer him exactly half what he asks. If he objects, pretend you’re going to leave and he’ll come to time fast enough. When you get through, wait for me here, and I’ll take you to the ship.”
The boys entered the shop, and informed the merchant what they wished. They found, as Captain Foster had said, that the shop contained an excellent stock of clothing, and they soon made their selections of a complete wardrobe for each of them. Then Sidney asked the merchant how much it all amounted to.
“As the gentlemen can see,” said the man, rubbing his hands together and smirking, “the clothing is most excellent quality.”
“Yes,” said Sidney, “the clothes are all right. How much are they?”
“I am sure,” said the merchant, “the young gentlemen are well pleased.”
“Of course, or we shouldn’t take the things. Now, tell me how much everything is, we’re in a hurry.”