I have other business now, and wish to save time, so give it to me at once.

Here, I will give you ten piastres for it." He pulled out a purse and unfolded a ten-piastre note.

I took no notice.

He shook it for me to see, and I awoke like a pelican at the sight of fish.
"Yours for that letter," he said, shaking it again.
I nudged Suliman and nodded to him.

He crossed the room, seized the ten-piastre note, and brought it back to me.