There's a group of nine men--Salak and his eight friends.

Well, of his eight friends every man jack is now doing time for burglary, in some cases with violence--that second ruffian, for instance, he's in for life--in some cases without, but in each case the crime was burglary.
And why?
Because Salak in the centre there set them on to it.

Because Salak nine years ago wasn't the big swell he is now.

Because Salak wanted money to start his intrigues.

That's the way he got it--burglaries all round Bombay." "I see," said Thresk.