The Land Across Read Online Free

on.
    “The cafés here are.” Volitain indicated the level where we stood. “Those who eat in them grow fat, then the steps are not convenient.”
    “Also,” Martya added, “they are drunk and fall down them.”
    “We have logic in my country, you see. The most valuable things are sold highest, so we say their prices are high. Suppose a robber comes. He must descend many steps while those he robbed shout that he be stopped.”
    “And throw chamber pots.” Martya was scanning the cafés. “You will pay, Grafton, so you are to choose.”
    I was tired of walking, so I said, “The closest.” Do not come to this country unless you are ready to walk one hell of a lot. If you bring your bike, you will have to double-lock it every time you park it. You had better be ready to fight for it, too.
    “This one is not good,” Volitain told me. “Too many come, and we have things to speak of. That one over there. You will like it.”
    “It is a place for feeling,” Martya said as we trudged across the atrium. “Most quick I feel Volitain’s hand on my leg, and he my scissors.”
    I could not follow what Volitain said to the hostess, but his gestures made it clear that he wanted the booth in the corner. After a little argument he got it. The high backs of the seats in all the booths went up until they just about touched the ceiling, and our booth had a green cloth curtain to close the end that was open to the table area.
    Martya translated the menu and we ordered. “Is there an American Consulate here?” I asked Volitain. “Martya said you would know.”
    Volitain shook his head. “I do know, and there is none. In other cities, perhaps, but not in this Puraustays of ours. There is the Amerikan ambassador at the capital. It may be there is a consulate also. That I do not know.”
    “She also told me you were well connected and you’d help me.”
    “I am not.” Seeing Volitain smile was like watching a skull grin. “Even so, I help you—if I can. You have the troubles with our secret police, the JAKA?”
    “With your border patrol. How did you know?”
    “You are foreign. Many foreigners are arrested. Also dear little Martya brought you to me. Those are enough.”
    “What can you do?”
    A glance passed between Martya and Volitain, and he said, “Not so much, it may be. First I must know your trouble. Tell me.”
    I told him all about my arrest, pretty much like I have told you here.
    “You have done nothing.” Volitain sighed and leaned back.
    “Damn straight! So why was I arrested?”
    “They needed someone. That is all.” His voice had sunk to a sleepy whisper. “They must show their superiors they are active, alert. Arrest someone. They wish also to punish dear little Martya’s husband. Arrest someone. You sleep in a place no one watches.”
    I nodded.
    “So you are chosen. They can say whatever they wish.”
    “They took my passport.”
    “Of a surety. They always do.”
    The waiter arrived with our food. When he had gone and Volitain had drawn the curtain, I said, “How can I get my passport back? Would it help if I were to notify the American embassy?”
    “I will not deceive you,” Volitain said. “I do not deceive.”
    Martya sniffed.
    “They may return it to you when you do nothing. That happens sometimes.”
    “What if it doesn’t?”
    Volitain spread his hands. “You must discover the correct official, then you must win his friendship. It is most often done with money. Martya thinks you have money, and that is good, but you do not have enough for that. Not here. In Amerika?”
    “Maybe.” I thought about it. “I have some there and I might raise some more. How can I get it here?”
    “Someone will have to bring it for you. Diamonds are best.” Volitain hesitated. “They will have to be well concealed. He must pass the customs, you understand. Not only ours, but other nations’.”
    “Unless he flies in.”
    “Let him attempt it.” Volitain’s sleepy whisper had nearly