“Yes, I know New York jail.”
“What is your name?” asked Sidney.
“Aleskandir,” replied the man.
“Is there another village near here?”
“No, long way next village.”
“Then,” said Sidney, “I guess we’ll have to go back to Timour Khan Shoura.”
“You want me let you out?” asked the man. “You give me twenty rubles, I let you out after dark.”
“How can I give you twenty rubles?” asked Sidney. “You took our money away, the chief of police has it.”
“I think you got more money,” said the man with a cunning look. “You have lump under clothes.” And he tapped his breast significantly.
The boys were very much startled by the revelation that the policeman knew they had more money. Raymond, though excited by the prospect of an easy release, fortunately had presence of mind to remain quiet and leave the matter in Sidney’s hands, realizing that one could manage it better than two.