“But you must, and the trail admits of two riding abreast now, and will not later on, and I will not disturb you long.”
“I have no power to enforce my wish.”
“I shall ask the sum of just thirty thousand dollars for your ransom, and when that is paid you shall go free.”
“You will not get it.”
“Why?”
“Well, though I have property of considerable value, neither my lawyer and guardian, nor myself, can get money on it until a certain time, and the cash that can be got is just that which is left over from the sum appropriated to pay certain fees, my schooling and living.”
“And what does that amount to?”
“About eighteen thousand dollars.”
“Somehow I believe you, so I will take what I can get. Twenty thousand, then, shall be the price, for the balance can be raised. Doubtless your father has it, and when that is paid, you shall go free. I shall arrange all matters so as to place no difficulties in the way, and, meanwhile, you shall be treated with every respect, and given what comforts I can allow you.”