Concealed in Dick's waistband was found a heavy roll of Russian notes, and the yell which greeted its appearance showed that it was considered confirmatory of the guilt of the prisoners.
Upon Jack was found only the letter which the sergeant had given him to his brother, the horse-dealer.

This was taken to the leader, and he opened and read it by the light of a blazing brand which one of his followers held beside him.

"Stop!" he shouted, after reading the first line or two, to the men who were already hurrying the lads towards the nearest tree.

"Wait till I have read this through." He read it to the end, and then beginning afresh again, went carefully through it.
"Bring the prisoners here," he said.

"Young men," he went on, when the lads were again placed before him, "there may be some mistake here.
This letter purports to be from a sergeant of the 12th Polish regiment to his brother, Horni Varlofski.