If we were four, he must have forty pesos.

A fair price here might be eight pesos for the coach, or four for horses.

So we told the coach owner that we would walk to Chila, rather than submit to such extortion.
This amused him greatly and he made some facetious observations, which determined me to actually perform the trip on foot.

Returning to the railroad station, where two of the party were waiting, I announced my intention of walking to Chila; as the way was long and the sand heavy and the padre's silence and non-appearance boded no great hospitality in welcome, I directed the rest to remain comfortably at Tehuacan until my return on the next day.

Herman, however, refused the proposition; my scheme was dangerous; for me to go alone, at night, over a strange road, to Chila was foolhardy; he should accompany me to protect me.