"Then," I continued, "in that broken one is an earthen vessel, containing the money; the vault where of old the body of the person over whom the tomb was erected was deposited, can be opened by removing four stones, which are loose, from the eastern side of it; they are neither large nor heavy, and you can manage the matter alone. In the cavity you will find the vessel, and the money is in it. I shall require half for my expenses. Now all I ask you for the present to do in return is, to procure us two small and sharp files and some ghee; and when we have cut through our chains, and one of these bars, I will tell you how you can aid us further."
"I will perform all you wish," said the youth; "and Inshalla! you shall have the files to-morrow night by this time, if I find that your statement about the money is true."
He then left us, and we anxiously and impatiently awaited his coming the next day. Nor did he disappoint us. "I have come, as you see, Meer Sahib," he said; "and behold, here are the files for you—they are English, and new and sharp; here too is the ghee. I have fulfilled my promise."
"And the money?" I asked.
"Without it you would not have seen me to-night, I can tell you, Meer Sahib. I have got it; the amount is five hundred and fifty rupees, and you shall be welcome to your share when you have got out of this hole. And how do you intend to manage this part of your scheme?"
"Are the gates of the prison shut at night?" I asked.
"No," he replied; "that is, the gate is shut, but the wicket is always open."
"And how many men guard it?"
"Only one, Meer Sahib; the rest sleep soundly after midnight."
"It is well," said I; "we can but perish in the attempt, and I for one would gladly die, rather than linger out a wretched existence here."