Also, in birdview shot at the end we see that Oglethorpe and two guards have left. If the money were paid for Thomas’ release, they would still be there waiting to escort them out. Besides, Silver says “men who enter these gates never leave them”. That does not scream “we paid for Thomas’ release, Flint only entered to take him back”. *same anon*

Agreed, although I’m reasonably certain that whatever Silver’s told himself, the only reason Flint allowed himself to be led through those gates was to find out for himself if Thomas was alive. He wouldn’t have taken the chance of not finding out – not about that. Look at the look on his face as they take him out of the shackles – that’s not meek compliance of any kind, that’s a man that thinks it’s cute they think they can control him.