Part II, Chapters 31-35 Summary and Analysis

In Chapter 31, "The Velascos," Thomas's court appeal of his sentence fails, and his last recourse is the Bolivian Supreme Court. Two friends of his, father and son inmates named the Velascos, receive and distribute counterfeit bills. When the son's wife, Rachel, is caught smuggling bills out of the prison, the authorities demand a $1500 bribe. The father, Jose Luis, comes to Thomas, who has only $200. He does not believe Thomas, and insists he can repay him in two or three days, but the police want the bribe now. Jorge, the son, arrives and says he has bargained the price down to $1000. Thomas gets his friend Abregon to reluctantly lend the other $800. Rachel is released but after two weeks, the Velascos still have not repaid the debt.

In Chapter 32, "One of the World's Most Bizarre Tourist Attractions...